Tonsillitis
Exams and Tests
Diagnosis of tonsillitis is based on a medical history and a physical exam of the throat. An accurate medical history is needed to find out whether tonsillitis is recurrent, which may affect treatment choices.
If your symptoms suggest Reference strep throat Opens New Window, your doctor may want to confirm this diagnosis by doing a Reference throat culture. Strep throat is more likely if 3 or 4 of the following signs or symptoms are present:
- Fever
- White or yellow spots or coating on the throat and/or tonsils (tonsillar exudates)
- Swollen or tender lymph nodes on the neck
- Absence of coughing or sneezing
If a strep infection is suspected, your doctor may do a Reference rapid strep test or a Reference throat culture or both. Both of these tests can be done in a doctor's office. You may want to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each test to see which test is appropriate.
The results of these tests will determine whether antibiotic treatment is needed. These results combined with an accurate medical history will be considered in deciding whether surgery to remove the tonsils (tonsillectomy) is recommended.
If the Epstein-Barr virus, which can cause Reference mononucleosis Opens New Window, is suspected as a cause for the tonsillitis, a Reference test for mononucleosis may be done.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference December 8, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Charles M. Myer, III, MD - Otolaryngology |
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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
