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What are the Most Common Causes of Tonsil Pain?

Erin J. Hill
Erin J. Hill

Most tonsil pain is caused by irritation due to allergies or by an infection. Tonsil infections are often caused by group-A strep bacteria, as well as other bacteria and viruses. Sometimes tonsil pain may also be caused by a secondary infection like the common cold or influenza. This is generally due to drainage, much as is the case with allergies.

Allergies may cause pain in the tonsils due to congestion in the nasal passages which causes irritation. Other times allergens themselves, such as pollen, may attach to the tonsils, throat, and nasal membranes and lead to inflammation and pain. Treatment options include medications designed for allergies, and sometimes allergy shots for those with severe seasonal or continuous allergies.

A severe sore throat may be a sign of a tonsil infection.
A severe sore throat may be a sign of a tonsil infection.

More commonly, bacterial infections are the cause of this pain. Bacteria can be breathed in through the mouth, or naturally occurring bacteria in the nasal passages or elsewhere in the body can overgrow on the tonsils and lead to inflammation and discomfort. Other symptoms of a tonsil infection can include fever, severe sore throat, pus accumulation on the tonsils, redness, chills, and swelling. Bacterial infections can often be treated with antibiotics.

A doctor may recommend tonsil removal if tonsils are infected on a regular basis.
A doctor may recommend tonsil removal if tonsils are infected on a regular basis.

Viral infections can also infect the tonsils and cause pain, but these often clear up on their own. Medication can be used to alleviate symptoms, but there is no known medication which is capable of killing a virus. Many people try to use antibiotics, but these are not effective for viral infections.

Most of the time, this condition will eventually clear up on its own without intervention. Patients can drink cold liquids, eat frozen treats, or take over the counter medications to alleviate symptoms in the meantime. Only when discomfort becomes very severe or prolonged is a doctor's care usually necessary. A doctor may also be needed for those who also have other symptoms.

Tonsil pain caused by bacteria can be treated with antibiotics.
Tonsil pain caused by bacteria can be treated with antibiotics.

Aside from allergies, most causes of tonsil pain are contagious, meaning they can be spread from one person to another. Those with severe discomfort in the throat which lasts for more than a day or two should consult a doctor to find the underlying cause. They should also avoid crowds of people to prevent passing the virus or bacteria. In most situations the pain can be remedied with medication, either for pain or to kill bacteria. Occasionally, long-term problems can arise and the tonsils will need to be removed surgically.

Discussion Comments

Lostnfound

@Grivusangel -- My daughter gets the same thing. Her pediatrician said it was because she had her tonsils and they had cavities in them. He called them tonsil stones, too. I can guarantee if she complains about a scratchy throat and then starts coughing, she's almost always got a tonsil stone.

I use kids' mouth rinse for her. It seems to help get rid of the problem. But any time she just has a sore throat, I always zero in on her tonsils. They seem to be the main culprits, most of the time.

Grivusangel

And sometimes, having tonsil stones will cause tonsil pain. I can only surmise this is because they are irritants. I know I've had a sore throat, then coughed up a tonsil stone or two and the sore throat disappears.

Gargling with warm salty water can help ease throat pain, and can also help disgorge tonsil stones. They're really nasty, and it's not difficult to see why they irritate the throat. They are totally gross.

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    • A severe sore throat may be a sign of a tonsil infection.
      By: absolutimages
      A severe sore throat may be a sign of a tonsil infection.
    • A doctor may recommend tonsil removal if tonsils are infected on a regular basis.
      By: Farina3000
      A doctor may recommend tonsil removal if tonsils are infected on a regular basis.
    • Tonsil pain caused by bacteria can be treated with antibiotics.
      By: NorGal
      Tonsil pain caused by bacteria can be treated with antibiotics.
    • Tonsil pain can be caused by viral infections.
      By: Dmitry Naumov
      Tonsil pain can be caused by viral infections.
    • Seasonal allergies may cause tonsil pain.
      By: jovanmandic
      Seasonal allergies may cause tonsil pain.
    • Gargling with warm salt water may help soothe the pain associate with sore tonsils.
      By: taka
      Gargling with warm salt water may help soothe the pain associate with sore tonsils.