Diagnosis of Tonsillitis

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Diagnosis is based on the symptoms presented (such as complaints of soreness), the appearance of the throat and tonsils, and the presence of swollen glands in the neck.

The doctor checks other symptoms presented by the patient, to work out whether the tonsillitis is viral or bacterial. For example, if the sore throat is caused by the flu virus, then other flu symptoms such as a runny nosey and aching body may be present. If it is bacterial tonsillitis, then there may be other signs of the bacterial infection such as a skin rash (sometimes called a scarlet fever rash) or a flushed face.

Sometimes a throat swab (a small sample of mucus) may be taken for laboratory analysis but the results can take up to two days to return. These tests are mainly used for patients in high-risk groups or if previous treatment has failed.