When your throat feels scratchy and you have a fever during seasonal changes, most people first think of a common cold. However, if your throat hurts so much that it's difficult to swallow, and the pain extends to your ears, you should consider the possibility of acute tonsillitis rather than just a cold. Acute tonsillitis is a condition where the tonsils become inflamed due to viral or bacterial infection, characterized by sudden high fever and severe throat pain. It tends to occur when immunity is low or when temperatures fluctuate rapidly, and common triggers include consuming cold foods, overwork, and lack of sleep.
Signs of Acute Tonsillitis, Different from a Cold
The most typical symptom is a sore throat that worsens when swallowing. The inside of the throat may appear red and swollen, or white pus may be visible, accompanied by the following symptoms:
- High fever of 38 degrees Celsius or higher and chills
- Pain spreading to the ears, headache
- Bad breath, general fatigue
- Swollen and tender lymph nodes in the neck
These symptoms tend to be much stronger than those of a common cold. If left untreated, it can lead to complications such as peritonsillar abscess, otitis media, or bronchitis. Therefore, if fever and sore throat appear together, it is safer to seek medical attention without delay.
Treatment Varies Depending on the Causative Germ
| Category | Treatment Approach |
|---|---|
| Bacterial | Antibiotic medication. It is important to take the prescribed medication until the end to reduce recurrence. |
| Viral | Symptomatic treatment to alleviate symptoms with fever reducers, pain relievers, and IV fluid therapy. |
Most cases improve within 5-7 days, but it may take longer for individuals with weakened immunity, and the recovery speed can vary from person to person. During treatment, it is advisable to drink plenty of warm water and avoid irritating foods and alcohol. Sufficient rest and sleep are key to recovery.
Recurrent Tonsillitis: How to Prevent Relapse
Acute tonsillitis tends to recur easily once experienced. If it repeats 4 or more times a year, it may progress to chronic tonsillitis, in which case tonsillectomy may be considered. Preventive habits you can practice daily include:
- Drinking more than 1.5 liters of water daily
- Maintaining indoor humidity at 50-60%
- Quitting smoking and getting enough sleep
- Preventing secondary infections by washing hands and wearing a mask during cold and flu season
When to Seek Medical Attention
If your fever persists or if it hurts so much that it's difficult to swallow food, it is wiser to seek medical attention rather than trying to manage it with self-treatment. The condition of your tonsils can be accurately checked with endoscopic equipment, and if necessary, inflammation treatment or injection therapy can be combined to accelerate recovery. If you are curious about the examination and endoscopy procedures, please refer to Examination Guide. Before your visit, please check Clinic Hours. If throat pain recurs every seasonal change, early intervention is the first step towards a healthy daily life.
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Dr. Kim Seonhoo (Specialist in Gastroenterology, Specialist in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy) · Meet Our Medical Team · Last reviewed 2026-08-06