Persistent sore throat, fever, and recurrent infection are common reasons adults seek ENT care in Singapore.
Tonsillitis in adults can cause severe throat pain, difficulty swallowing, fever, and recurring infections that interfere with daily life and work. While children commonly experience tonsillitis, adult tonsillitis can be more severe, longer-lasting, and more likely to lead to complications.
At Aurion ENT & Hearing Centre, Dr Liu Jiaying provides comprehensive evaluation and management of acute, recurrent, and chronic tonsillitis in adults.
What is tonsillitis in adults?
Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils caused by viral or bacterial infection. Adults may experience:
- Acute tonsillitis — single episode lasting days
- Recurrent tonsillitis — several episodes per year
- Chronic tonsillitis — ongoing sore throat, bad breath, or persistent tonsil enlargement
Unlike children, adults often have more severe symptoms or slower recovery.
What symptoms do adults commonly experience?
Typical signs of tonsillitis in adults include:
- Severe sore throat
- Painful swallowing
- Fever or chills
- Swollen or red tonsils
- White or yellow spots (exudates)
- Bad breath
- Ear pain (referred pain)
- Fatigue or body aches
- Swollen neck lymph nodes
If symptoms persist beyond 3 days or worsen, specialist review is recommended.
Why do adults get tonsillitis?
Common causes include:
- Viral infections (most common)
- Streptococcal (strep) infection
- Recurrent exposure to sick contacts
- Nasal allergies or chronic sinus infections
- Smoking or irritant exposure
- Mouth breathing
Some adults develop persistent inflammation, leading to chronic tonsillitis and tonsil stones.
When should an adult see an ENT specialist?
You should seek specialist review if you experience:
- Frequent infections (5–7 episodes per year)
- Severe or persistent sore throat beyond 72 hours
- Difficulty swallowing or opening the mouth
- Recurrent fever with throat swelling
- One-sided throat pain or muffled voice (possible peritonsillar abscess)
- Snoring or disrupted sleep from enlarged tonsils
- Tonsillitis affecting work, eating, or daily functioning
Timely ENT care helps prevent complications and reduces recurrence.
How is tonsillitis diagnosed in adults?
Assessment at Aurion ENT may include:
1. Throat examination
To evaluate tonsil swelling, symmetry, and signs of bacterial infection.
2. Nasoendoscopy
Assesses the deeper throat, adenoid region, and airway structure.
3. Throat swab or culture
Determines whether antibiotics are necessary (e.g., strep throat).
4. Evaluation of sleep symptoms
Especially if snoring or sleep apnea is suspected.
5. Review of frequency and severity
To determine if tonsillectomy is appropriate.
What are the treatment options for adult tonsillitis?
(MOH-compliant)
1. Medications
- Antibiotics (only when bacterial infection is confirmed or likely)
- Pain relievers and fever medications
- Anti-inflammatory treatments
2. Supportive measures
- Adequate hydration
- Gargles
- Soft food diet
- Rest
3. Managing underlying contributors
- Allergies
- Sinus infections
- Smoking cessation
- Mouth breathing correction
4. Tonsillectomy in adults
Surgery may be recommended for:
- Recurrent tonsillitis impacting quality of life
- Chronic tonsillitis with persistent discomfort
- Tonsil-related snoring or suspected sleep apnea
- Complications such as peritonsillar abscess
- Tonsil stones causing frequent irritation or bad breath
Adults may require slightly longer recovery than children, but outcomes are typically very good.
Tonsillitis Symptom Checker
A guide to help adults identify possible causes of throat symptoms.
(Not a replacement for medical assessment.)
1. “My throat is very painful and swallowing hurts.”
Possible acute tonsillitis or bacterial infection.
Seek review if symptoms last >3 days.
2. “I keep getting sore throat every few months.”
Possible recurrent tonsillitis, may require ENT evaluation.
3. “I see white spots on my tonsils.”
Possible bacterial tonsillitis (including strep throat).
A throat swab may be needed.
4. “I have severe one-sided throat pain.”
Possible peritonsillar abscess — requires urgent ENT care.
5. “I have tonsil stones and bad breath.”
Possible chronic tonsillitis or deep tonsil crypts.
6. “I’m snoring or choking at night.”
Enlarged tonsils may contribute to sleep-disordered breathing.
7. “My tonsils are always large.”
Large tonsils can contribute to snoring, recurrent infections, or discomfort.
FAQ: Tonsillitis in Adults
What causes tonsillitis in adults?
Adults may develop tonsillitis from viral or bacterial infection, especially streptococcal bacteria. Sinus issues, allergies, or irritant exposure may also contribute.
How do I know if my tonsillitis is serious?
Seek urgent care if you have difficulty swallowing, severe one-sided pain, drooling, or persistent fever. These may signal complications.
Can tonsillitis cause snoring in adults?
Yes. Enlarged or chronically inflamed tonsils can narrow the airway and contribute to snoring or sleep apnea.
When is tonsillectomy recommended for adults?
Tonsillectomy is considered when infections are frequent, severe, or associated with sleep problems, or if complications such as a peritonsillar abscess occur.
Is tonsillitis contagious?
Yes. Tonsillitis spreads through saliva droplets, coughing, and close contact.
How long does recovery take?
Acute tonsillitis typically improves within 5–10 days. Recovery after tonsillectomy for adults may take 10–14 days.
Struggling with recurrent tonsillitis or severe throat pain?
Aurion ENT provides expert evaluation and personalised treatment for adult tonsillitis, chronic sore throat, snoring, and sleep-related breathing disorders.
Aurion ENT & Hearing Centre – Farrer Park
- Adult ENT specialist care
- Tonsil & throat assessment
- Management of recurrent infections
- Options for medical or surgical treatment
