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What are the Symptoms of Tonsil Sores?

Marisa O'Connor
Marisa O'Connor

There are many symptoms of tonsil sores. Sore throat, yellow or white pus, as well as swelling and inflammation are likely to be present with sores on the tonsils. Other common symptoms are fever, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and bad breath. A doctor should be consulted to properly diagnose and treat the tonsils.

A sore throat is the most common and obvious symptom of tonsil sores. The severity of the pain will vary with each case, depending on the cause and how far along the problem has progressed. The sore throat is often worse when swallowing and may result in difficulty swallowing. It may be experienced as sharp, dull, scratchy, or some combination of these sensations.

A sore throat is one symptom of tonsil sores.
A sore throat is one symptom of tonsil sores.

A yellow or white coating on the tonsils is another common symptom of tonsil sores. Typically this coloration is pus or mucus produced by the sores. Yellow or white spots on the tonsils are often a sign of strep throat, and a doctor should be consulted to determine the cause and treat the problem.

Swelling and redness of the tonsils often accompanies tonsil sores. The sores on the tonsils cause them to become inflamed. The inflammation shows up on the tonsils as swelling and redness. Swelling of the tonsils is a very serious symptom and can cause difficulty swallowing. If the swelling remains untreated, it can actually obstruct breathing and lead to death.

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.

Symptoms of tonsil sores may also include fever. The fever is indicative that an infection is present. The fever reflects the body's temperature rising above normal, caused by the immune reaction combating the infection. When fever is present, an over-the-counter fever-reducer can be taken. Extended fever means that the body is overheating and can cause long-term, serious damage.

A fever and swollen lymph glands may be signs of infected tonsils.
A fever and swollen lymph glands may be signs of infected tonsils.

Swelling of the lymph glands in the neck is another common symptom of tonsil sores. Swollen lymph glands can be alarming, particularly because they are a symptom of cancer, but it is fairly common for the lymph glands to become swollen when there is an infection in the throat. The swelling should go away when the infection is treated. The lymph glands in the throat will also swell when an infection is present in the sinuses or ears.

Symptoms of tonsil sores include inflammation and bad breath.
Symptoms of tonsil sores include inflammation and bad breath.

Bad breath is also symptomatic of tonsil sores. This can be caused by a number of reasons. It is usually caused by bacteria on the tonsils, where the sores are present. Another reason bad breath might come about with sores on the tonsils is because it is difficult to brush, particularly the back of the tongue. Increased levels of bacteria in the mouth is a primary cause of bad breath.

Discussion Comments

Rotergirl

I got sores on my tonsils when I had the chicken pox. Dear Lord, but they were miserable! I guess technically, they were chicken pox lesions, but whatever they were, they were awful!

I was about six when I got the chicken pox and my mom said I had about the worst case she had ever seen, for a child not to go to the hospital. I know they discussed taking me. I think it was because I couldn't eat or drink much and I was getting dehydrated. The hospital couldn't have done too much for me except give me fluids.

Pippinwhite

I used to get sores on my tonsils every time I had tonsilitis, but I never did have strep. I just got the sores. They were pretty miserable, though. It was awful trying to eat or drink when they popped up.

About the only thing that helped was gargling warm, salty water. Thank goodness, even though I still have my tonsils, I don't get tonsilitis anymore. I haven't had sores on my tonsils in years. And I've still never had strep, knock on wood. That's one goolie that can stay far, far away from me, if I have anything to say about it.

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    • A sore throat is one symptom of tonsil sores.
      By: Ilike
      A sore throat is one symptom of tonsil sores.
    • 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.
    • A fever and swollen lymph glands may be signs of infected tonsils.
      By: Ocskay Bence
      A fever and swollen lymph glands may be signs of infected tonsils.
    • Symptoms of tonsil sores include inflammation and bad breath.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Symptoms of tonsil sores include inflammation and bad breath.
    • Tonsil sores may be caused by smoking.
      By: Photo-maxx
      Tonsil sores may be caused by smoking.