How to Assess Tonsils

Located in the back of the throat, tonsils are part of the lymphatic system and help protect against infection by trapping germs entering through the mouth and nose, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Sometimes a virus or bacteria can cause infection and inflammation of the tonsils known as tonsillitis, which most frequently occurs in childhood. Physicians typically prescribe antibiotics to treat cases of tonsillitis, but repeated infections may require removal of the tonsils, a procedure called tonsillectomy.

Things You'll Need

• Thermometer
• Tongue depressor
• Small flashlight

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Instructions

• 1

  Ask about pain. Throat pain, difficulty swallowing and pain when swallowing are the most common symptoms of tonsillitis. A person with tonsillitis may avoid eating or drinking.

• 2

  Take body temperature with an oral thermometer. Fever often accompanies tonsillitis caused by a virus. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen will reduce pain and fever caused by tonsillitis.

• 3

  Smell the breath and listen to voice. Infection of the tonsils may result in a foul odor from the mouth or a raspy or hoarse-sounding voice.

• 4

  Feel the outside of the throat. Infected tonsils and other connected glands may cause tenderness in the neck.

• 5

  Look at the tonsils. Use a tongue depressor and flashlight to examine the back of the mouth. Infected tonsils frequently appear redder than normal, or have a yellow or white pus coating.

• 6

  Consider overall physical condition. Tonsillitis may cause lethargy, difficulty sleeping and dehydration.