Tonsillitis is infection of the tonsils — the two pads of tissue at the back of the throat. It causes a sore throat, pain on swallowing and fever, and is most common in children and teenagers. Most cases are viral and settle within a week. Bacterial (streptococcal) tonsillitis needs antibiotics, and completing the full course matters in India because it prevents rheumatic heart disease. Ayurveda describes swollen tonsils as Tundikeri.
The tonsils are part of the immune system and help fight throat infections, especially in childhood. When they become infected they swell, turn red and may develop white or yellow spots. Symptoms include a sore throat, pain on swallowing, fever, swollen tender glands in the neck, bad breath, and in children, tummy ache, vomiting or refusing food. It spreads through coughs, sneezes and shared utensils.
| More likely viral | More likely bacterial (strep) | |
|---|---|---|
| Cold symptoms | Cough, runny nose, hoarse voice, red eyes | Usually absent |
| Fever | Mild to moderate | Often high |
| Tonsils | Red, swollen | Swollen with pus spots |
| Neck glands | Mildly swollen | Tender, swollen glands at the front of the neck |
| Age | Any age | Most common from 5 to 15 years |
These are only clues; a doctor may use a scoring system or a throat swab. Glandular fever (from Epstein–Barr virus) can look like bacterial tonsillitis and causes marked tiredness — some antibiotics cause a rash in it.
See a doctor if joint pains, breathlessness, a new heart murmur or jerky movements develop in the weeks after a sore throat.
Removing the tonsils (tonsillectomy) is considered only for frequent, severe episodes — typically 7 or more in one year, 5 or more a year for two years, or 3 or more a year for three years — or for quinsy that recurs, or enlarged tonsils causing breathing pauses during sleep. Many children grow out of recurrent tonsillitis, so watchful waiting is often advised.
Among throat diseases (Kantha roga), Sushruta Samhita describes Tundikeri as a swelling at the side of the throat like a cotton fruit, with pricking pain and difficulty swallowing — resembling enlarged tonsils. It is attributed to Kapha and Rakta. Treatment emphasises gargles (kavala, gandusha), warm and light food, avoidance of cold, heavy and oily food, and herbs that reduce Kapha.
½ teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, several times a day — for older children and adults who can gargle safely.
A pinch of turmeric in warm water, or a cooled Triphala decoction, as a traditional gargle.
Warm water with honey, ginger and tulsi soothes the throat. No honey under 1 year.
Yashtimadhu (liquorice) and Khadiradi vati are also used. Home remedies ease symptoms but do not treat bacterial infection — don't use them instead of prescribed antibiotics. Use licensed products from a qualified practitioner.
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Reviewed against NHS: Tonsillitis, NHS: Quinsy, NHS: Sore throat, NCCIH: Ayurvedic Medicine, and Ministry of Ayush pharmacovigilance. These links support education and do not replace individual medical advice.