What should I do if my tonsils are swollen?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Swollen tonsils are often a sign of tonsillitis, an infection of the tonsils caused by viruses or bacteria. Common symptoms include a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, and visible redness or white patches on the tonsils. Because swollen tonsils can also indicate other conditions—such as strep throat, mononucleosis, or even allergies—it's important to identify the underlying cause to receive the right treatment.

Not sure what's causing your symptoms? Before booking an appointment or heading to urgent care, take a few moments to complete a free, instant, online symptom check. It's a quick, private way to better understand what may be going on, learn which conditions match your symptoms, and get guidance on the best next steps—saving you time, worry, and unnecessary visits.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn what swollen tonsils could mean Discover if your swelling needs care See likely causes of swollen tonsils Find OTC relief for swollen tonsils Find a tonsil specialist near you Understand safe home remedies for swelling Find out if it’s strep throat

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Explanation

Swollen tonsils can be a sign of tonsillitis, which is an infection that makes the tonsils big and sore. According to the medical literature, tonsillitis can be caused by viruses or bacteria. If you have swollen tonsils, you might also have a sore throat, fever, or trouble swallowing. To better understand your symptoms and potential causes, you can use Ubie's Free AI Symptom Checker for personalized insights.

Steps to Take:

See a Doctor: It is important to visit a doctor to find out if the swelling is due to an infection or another cause. The doctor may do a test to see if bacteria are causing the problem.
Follow Treatment: If bacteria are the cause, the doctor might give you medicine like antibiotics to help you get better. If a virus is the cause, the doctor will suggest ways to feel better, like resting and drinking fluids.
Watch for Severe Symptoms: In rare cases, swollen tonsils can lead to serious problems, like trouble breathing. If this happens, get medical help right away.

Taking care of swollen tonsils early can help you feel better and prevent complications. Always follow the advice of your healthcare provider.

(References)

Nguyen VTN, Ngo L, Stratton E, & Arriola D. (2025). Tonsillitis. Primary care, 39939088.
Nieuwoudt I, Goussard P, Verster J, & Dempers J. (2020). Tonsillar hypertrophy and prolapse in a child - is epiglottitis .... BMC pediatrics, 31959132.
Henrieta Š, Ján Š, Roman K, & Jozef Š. (2020). Sudden and unexpected death due to unilateral tonsillitis. Soudni lekarstvi, 33076673.

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