Tonsillitis Usually Goes Away On Its Own

If left untreated, tonsillitis will usually go away on its own.

Viral Infections
With viral infections, treatment focuses on managing symptoms.

• Gargling with salt water, drinking warm tea, and using other home treatment measures can help relieve discomfort.
• Non-prescription pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) may also be used by adults and children 6 months and older.
• Aspirin should not be given to anyone age 20 years or younger because of its link to Reye's syndrome.

Bacterial Infections
If tonsillitis is determined to be caused by the strep throat bacterium, antibiotic medication is required.

Surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) is generally only recommended as treatment for tonsillitis when a child has serious complications, recurrent infections, or chronic infections that do not respond to treatment and interfere with daily functioning.