How long does tonsillitis usually last?
If tonsillitis is caused by bacteria, with antibiotic treatment, the illness is usually cured within 1 week. However, it may take several weeks for the tonsils and swollen glands to return to normal size. Without antibiotics, it may last 2-3 weeks and there may possibly be complications. When tonsillitis is caused by viruses, the length of illness depends on which virus is involved. Usually, people are almost completely recovered within 1 week. No specific treatment is required. Most cases are viral.
