Assessment for recurrent tonsillitis

The Minimum information for referrals to non-admitted specialist services lists the information that should be included in a referral request.

Full SRC reference

Eligibility

At least one must be met for the patient to be eligible for referral.

Clinically suspected or confirmed assessment for recurrent tonsillitis with initial primary-care work-up completed

Red flags

Indicate urgent (Category 1) referral or emergency assessment.

Acute tonsillitis with — difficulty in breathing

Acute tonsillitis with — unable to tolerate oral intake

Acute tonsillitis with — uncontrolled fever

Abscess or haematoma (e.g. peritonsillar abscess or quinsy)

Post-operative tonsillar haemorrhage

Routine referral criteria

Determine Category 2 or 3 urgency.

Chronic or recurrent infection with fever or malaise and decreased oral intake and any of the following — absent from school or work for four or more weeks in a year

Chronic or recurrent infection with fever or malaise and decreased oral intake and any of the following — at least 7 episodes in the past year

Chronic or recurrent infection with fever or malaise and decreased oral intake and any of the following — at least 5 episodes each year in the last 2 years

Chronic or recurrent infection with fever or malaise and decreased oral intake and any of the following — at least 3 episodes each year in the last 3 years

Suspicious unilateral tonsillar solid mass with or without ear pain

Usually managed in primary care

If the patient is not willing to have surgical treatment