How to Prepare for a Video Visit About Tonsillitis (Non-strep)

Audience: adult

Tonsillitis (non-strep) is an inflammation of the tonsils often caused by viruses. It can cause sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and swollen tonsils. Preparing for a video visit about tonsillitis helps you get the most from your telemedicine appointment. During the visit, a healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and may visually examine your throat using your camera. This guide helps you gather important information, recognize warning signs, and understand what telemedicine can and cannot do for tonsillitis. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful tool for initial advice and follow-up but is not a replacement for in-person care when symptoms are severe or worsening. If you experience difficulty breathing, severe pain, or high fever, seek emergency care immediately.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing — seek emergency care immediately.
• Unable to swallow saliva or severe throat pain — get urgent medical attention.
• High fever (above 39°C or 102°F) lasting more than 2 days — contact healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of symptoms and history for non-strep tonsillitis.
• Visual examination of throat via video to check for inflammation.
• Providing advice on symptom management and home care.
• Determining if in-person evaluation or testing is needed.
• Follow-up consultations to monitor progress.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing throat swab tests to confirm infection.
• Administering antibiotics or other medications in person.
• Managing severe complications like airway obstruction.
• Providing emergency care for severe symptoms.
• Performing physical examination beyond visual inspection.

What is Non-Strep Tonsillitis?

Non-strep tonsillitis is usually caused by viruses, unlike strep throat which is caused by bacteria. Symptoms often include sore throat, red or swollen tonsils, mild fever, and sometimes cough or runny nose. It typically resolves on its own with rest and fluids, but symptoms can be uncomfortable.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

Before your appointment, find a quiet, well-lit space with good internet connection. Have a flashlight or phone light ready to help show your throat clearly. Write down your symptoms, when they started, and any medicines or home remedies you have tried. Prepare to describe your pain level and any other health conditions you have.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They may ask you to show your throat using your camera. They will look for signs like redness, swelling, or white patches. Based on this, they will advise on treatment or if you need further testing or in-person care.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If you have trouble breathing, swallowing, or opening your mouth, or if your symptoms worsen or do not improve in a few days, you should seek in-person medical care. High fever or severe pain are also reasons to get urgent evaluation.

Managing Symptoms at Home

Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help reduce pain and fever. Avoid irritants like smoke. Gargling with warm salt water can soothe your throat. Follow your healthcare provider's advice carefully.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit area with stable internet for your video visit.
• Have a flashlight or phone light ready to illuminate your throat.
• Write down your symptoms and when they started.
• List any medications or remedies you have used.
• Prepare to describe your pain level and any other health issues.
• Have a thermometer available to check your temperature if possible.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment and care advice given by your healthcare provider.
• Rest and stay hydrated to help your recovery.
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes.
• Schedule a follow-up visit if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
• Seek immediate care if you experience any red flag symptoms.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose tonsillitis?

Telemedicine can help assess your symptoms and visually examine your throat, but it cannot definitively diagnose tonsillitis without laboratory tests. Your provider may recommend in-person testing if needed.

How can I show my throat clearly during a video visit?

Use a flashlight or your phone's light to illuminate your throat. Position your camera so your provider can see your tonsils and throat clearly. Opening your mouth wide and saying 'ahh' can help.

Is non-strep tonsillitis contagious?

Yes, viral tonsillitis can be contagious through respiratory droplets. Good hygiene like handwashing and avoiding close contact can help prevent spreading.

When should I go to the emergency room?

Seek emergency care if you have difficulty breathing, severe throat swelling, inability to swallow saliva, or high fever that does not improve with treatment.

Can I take antibiotics for non-strep tonsillitis?

Antibiotics are not effective against viral tonsillitis. They are usually reserved for bacterial infections like strep throat, which require proper testing for diagnosis.

Sources

1. Tonsillitis — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Sore Throat — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Tonsillitis — Mayo Clinic.
4. Pharyngitis (Sore Throat) — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Telemedicine can provide valuable guidance but cannot replace in-person evaluation when symptoms are severe or worsening. Always seek emergency care if you experience serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing or swallowing.