Do not try to “cure” tonsillitis in 4 hours
If you have trouble breathing, drooling, inability to swallow fluids, severe one-sided throat swelling, muffled “hot potato” voice, neck stiffness, or dehydration, seek emergency care now
If symptoms are severe or worsening, contact urgent care/your clinician today
For pain and fever: take acetaminophen (paracetamol) as directed on the label
For pain and fever: take ibuprofen as directed on the label (avoid if you have stomach ulcers, kidney disease, are on blood thinners, or your clinician told you not to)
Consider lozenges or throat sprays with benzocaine or similar local anesthetic as directed on the label
Gargle warm salt water (about 1/2 teaspoon salt in a cup of warm water) several times during the day
Drink warm fluids (tea, broth) and stay well hydrated
Use a humidifier or take warm steam showers to soothe the throat
Rest and avoid smoking/vaping and alcohol
If you might have strep throat (fever, no cough, swollen tender neck glands, white patches), get a rapid strep test and ask about antibiotics promptly
Take antibiotics only if prescribed; they can significantly shorten symptoms when strep is confirmed
Avoid sharing utensils and wash hands frequently to reduce spread
Do not use leftover antibiotics
Avoid aspirin in children/teens
If symptoms last more than 3–5 days, keep returning, or you have recurrent tonsillitis, arrange follow-up care