Is suppurative tonsillitis severe?

Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
Updated on June 04, 2025
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Purulent tonsillitis is a common disease in otolaryngology and also an emergency condition. It usually develops rapidly, with symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and breathing difficulties appearing within 1 to 2 days. Locally, the tonsils may discharge pus or fluid, and the infection may even spread to the peritonsillar space or lead to a peritonsillar abscess. Therefore, patients with purulent tonsillitis should seek medical treatment at a hospital promptly. Treatment usually requires intravenous infusion and symptomatic care, with penicillin being the first choice of medication, followed by cephalosporins. The treatment of purulent tonsillitis requires adequate use of antibiotics and steroids for symptomatic treatment, to quickly control the condition and alleviate symptoms. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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What bacteria cause suppurative tonsillitis?

Purulent tonsillitis primarily refers to an acute purulent inflammation of the tonsils, often accompanied by varying degrees of mucosal lymphatic tissue inflammation. The primary bacterium responsible for this condition is Group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus, although non-hemolytic Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, as well as adenovirus, rhinovirus, and simplex herpes virus can also cause purulent tonsillopharyngitis. Mixed bacterial and viral infections are not uncommon, and in recent years, there has been an increase in yeast and Gram-negative bacilli infections. The pathogens of acute purulent tonsillitis can be transmitted via droplets or direct contact. Normally, some pathogens reside in the crypts of the pharynx and tonsils of healthy individuals. When the body's resistance is lowered, the pathogens proliferate extensively, and their toxins damage the crypt epithelium, allowing bacteria to invade the tissue and cause purulent changes. Factors such as exposure to cold, dampness, excessive fatigue, excessive smoking and drinking, and exposure to harmful gases can provoke this disease. Avoiding spicy and irritating foods, gargling with salt water, and maintaining oral hygiene are measures that can prevent or mitigate the occurrence of this condition.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
44sec home-news-image

Is suppurative tonsillitis uncomfortable?

Suppurative tonsillitis is an acute infection of the tonsils, which is relatively severe and involves purulent changes in the tonsils. Clinically, patients experience severe throat pain, which worsens during swallowing and may even lead to difficulty in eating. Patients may also experience symptoms such as chills and fever. Therefore, suppurative tonsillitis is very distressing, and we need to actively manage it. Generally, we conduct a blood test to check the routine blood parameters and observe the level of white blood cell infection, that is, the white blood cell count. Then, we administer intravenous infusions of antibiotics for treatment.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Is surgery necessary for suppurative tonsillitis?

Purulent tonsillitis refers to the acute purulent inflammation of the tonsils, mainly caused by bacterial infection, including infections by Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, etc. Purulent tonsillitis is an acute inflammation, so during this acute inflammation phase, the primary treatment is the use of antibiotics for anti-infection. After the anti-infection treatment, the symptoms of the patient disappear, and then it can be assessed whether surgical treatment is needed. Generally speaking, sporadic occurrences of purulent tonsillitis do not require surgical treatment. For frequently recurring purulent tonsillitis and enlarged tonsils, surgical treatment should be considered after the acute inflammation has subsided.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
41sec home-news-image

Can suppurative tonsillitis heal itself?

Purulent tonsillitis is a relatively severe acute infectious inflammation of the tonsils, clinically characterized by severe throat pain and difficulty swallowing, even leading to difficulty in eating. The pain worsens during swallowing, and patients may experience symptoms like chills and fever. Therefore, purulent tonsillitis generally cannot heal on its own and requires active intervention. Active anti-infection treatment is necessary, as it cannot be expected to resolve spontaneously. Clinical treatment primarily involves the use of antibiotics, such as cephalosporins, and may even include infusion and other anti-infection treatments.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
53sec home-news-image

Is suppurative tonsillitis severe?

Purulent tonsillitis is a common disease in otolaryngology and also an emergency condition. It usually develops rapidly, with symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and breathing difficulties appearing within 1 to 2 days. Locally, the tonsils may discharge pus or fluid, and the infection may even spread to the peritonsillar space or lead to a peritonsillar abscess. Therefore, patients with purulent tonsillitis should seek medical treatment at a hospital promptly. Treatment usually requires intravenous infusion and symptomatic care, with penicillin being the first choice of medication, followed by cephalosporins. The treatment of purulent tonsillitis requires adequate use of antibiotics and steroids for symptomatic treatment, to quickly control the condition and alleviate symptoms. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)