Recurrent tonsillitis

Recurrent tonsillitis — referral criteria for ENT services.

Full SRC reference

Eligibility

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

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

Red flags

Indicate urgent (Category 1) referral or emergency assessment.

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

Acute tonsillitis with — difficulty in breathing

Acute tonsillitis with — unable to tolerate oral intake

Acute tonsillitis with — uncontrolled fever

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 — four or more episodes in the last 12 months

Chronic or recurrent infection with fever or malaise and decreased oral intake and any of the following — six or more episodes in the last 24 months

Chronic or recurrent infection with fever or malaise and decreased oral intake and any of the following — tonsillar concretions with halitosis

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

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
Halitosis without other symptoms