What is the first-line treatment for bacterial tonsillitis?

The first-line treatment for bacterial tonsillitis is antibiotics. This is because bacterial infections, often caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus), require antibiotic therapy to effectively clear the infection and prevent complications. Antibiotics can reduce the severity of symptoms, shorten the duration of illness, and decrease the risk of secondary complications, such as rheumatic fever and peritonsillar abscess.

While rest and hydration, warm salt water gargles, and surgery may play supportive roles or be considered in specific cases, they do not address the underlying bacterial infection directly. Rest and hydration are important for overall recovery but do not target the infection itself. Warm salt water gargles can help soothe the throat but also do not have an impact on the bacterial cause. Surgery, such as tonsillectomy, is typically reserved for recurrent tonsillitis or other complications and is not a first-line treatment for acute bacterial tonsillitis. Therefore, the administration of antibiotics is essential for effectively managing this condition.