What Do Your Tonsils Do—And When Do They Become a Problem?

 

You’ve probably only thought about your tonsils when they become sore, swollen, or infected. But these small glands at the back of your throat actually play a key role in your immune system—especially in early childhood. So what do your tonsils do, and when should you be concerned if they start acting up?

Let’s explore what tonsils are, when they become a problem, and how telehealth services like Hola Health can help you access care from home.

What Are Tonsils?

Tonsils are part of your body’s first line of defence. They’re lymphoid tissues that help detect and trap viruses and bacteria entering through your mouth or nose. In children, tonsils are particularly active and help build up immunity.

There are three types of tonsils:

  • Palatine tonsils (the ones you can see at the back of your throat)
  • Adenoids (located behind the nose)
  • Lingual tonsils (at the base of your tongue)

Over time, as the immune system matures, tonsils shrink and become less essential—but they can still become problematic.

When Do Tonsils Become a Problem?

Tonsils can become inflamed due to viral or bacterial infections. This condition is called tonsillitis. You might notice symptoms like:

  • Sore throat
  • Swollen, red tonsils
  • White or yellow patches on the tonsils
  • Fever and chills
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Swollen glands in the neck

Other issues include tonsil stones, sleep apnea, or frequent throat infections that may require further medical evaluation.

Do You Always Need Antibiotics?

Not necessarily. Most cases of tonsillitis are viral and resolve on their own. But when it's bacterial—like strep throat—an antibiotic may be prescribed.

With Hola Health’s telehealth appointment service, you can speak to an online doctor and, if appropriate, receive an online prescription or eScript for antibiotics. There's no need to leave your home or visit a clinic.

When to See a Doctor About Tonsil Issues

You should book a consultation if:

  • Your symptoms last more than 3–4 days
  • You have difficulty swallowing or breathing
  • You experience frequent throat infections
  • You see white spots or pus on your tonsils
  • Fever persists or worsens

Hola Health offers instant consults with experienced GPs who can assess your symptoms, prescribe medications, or provide a referral to an ENT specialist if needed.

Managing Time Off: Medical Certificates Online

Need to take a day off due to tonsillitis? Hola Health makes it easy to request a doctors certificate online or a sick certificate online after your consult. These digital medical certificates are valid and secure, and can be sent directly to your employer or school.

Final Thoughts

Your tonsils may be small, but they can cause big problems if inflamed or infected. Luckily, you don’t have to suffer in silence or make an unnecessary trip to the clinic. With online doctor consultations, prescriptions online, and quick access to medical certificates, Hola Health makes throat care simple, fast, and stress-free.

If your throat feels off—book a telehealth appointment today and get back to feeling your best.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Common Cold or Coronavirus? How Can You Tell the Difference?

  As winter sets in across Australia, many of us start experiencing familiar symptoms: a runny nose, sore throat, and a cough. But in a post-COVID world, even a mild sniffle can cause alarm. So, how can you tell the difference between a common cold and COVID-19? Knowing the key symptoms and when to book a doctor appointment — even through an online GP or telehealth doctor — can help you act quickly and appropriately. Similar, but Different: Symptoms Breakdown Both the common cold and COVID-19 are respiratory infections, but they’re caused by different viruses. The cold is usually mild and caused by rhinoviruses, while COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which can have serious complications, especially for vulnerable individuals. Symptoms between the common cold and COVID-19 , based on the comparison table: Runny or blocked nose : This is very common in the common cold, but only shows up occasionally in COVID-19 cases. So, a stuffy nose alone...
Read more

How Schema Therapy Helps with Depression, Anxiety, and Emotional Triggers

Image
  If you've been dealing with long-term depression, anxiety, or emotional triggers that just won’t go away—even after therapy— schema therapy might be the answer you’ve been looking for. Unlike short-term strategies that focus only on symptoms, schema therapy goes deeper. It helps you heal the emotional patterns and beliefs that formed early in life and still affect your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours today. In this blog, we'll explain how schema therapy works and how it can support you if you’re struggling with mental health challenges. What Is Schema Therapy? Schema therapy is a type of psychotherapy that blends elements of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), attachment theory, and emotion-focused techniques. It was developed to help people with deep-rooted emotional issues, especially those who haven't found relief with traditional therapy. In schema therapy, a “schema” is a long-lasting pattern of thoughts and feelings developed in childhood. These ...
Read more

How an Online Doctor Can Help You Manage COVID-19 Without Leaving Home

  Testing positive for COVID-19 can feel overwhelming — especially if you're unsure where to turn for medical help. The good news? You don’t need to leave your house or sit in a waiting room to get the care you need. Thanks to modern telehealth services , you can speak with an onlinedoctor and manage your COVID-19 symptoms safely and conveniently from home. Whether you need medical advice, a prescription , or a doctors certificate , virtual healthcare offers fast, flexible support while you isolate and recover. ✅ Book a Telehealth Appointment Instantly Feeling unwell? Whether you’ve just tested positive for COVID-19 or you're starting to develop symptoms like fatigue, cough, or fever, booking a telehealth appointment is one of the safest and most convenient steps you can take. With just a few clicks, you can connect to a GP near you , an online doctor , or a web doctor who can provide expert medical guidance without you ever having to leave your home. During y...
Read more