Protocol · Infectious/ENT
Tonsillitis Support Protocol
Vitamin C and Zinc are the core of this stack, with 3 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Tonsillitis Support.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
5 supplements · none graded yet
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Vitamin C | Amount listed: 1,000–2,000 mg daily during illness | Supports immune function and may reduce duration of upper respiratory infections | Not graded yet | ||
| Zinc | Amount listed: 15–30 mg daily or zinc lozenges every 2–3 hours when symptomatic | Supports immune response; may reduce duration of throat infections | Not graded yet | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Probiotics | Amount listed: 10–20 billion CFU daily | May reduce frequency of upper respiratory infections | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin D | Amount listed: 2,000–4,000 IU daily | Supports immune function; deficiency linked to increased infections | Not graded yet | ||
| Elderberry | Amount listed: 15 ml syrup 4 times daily during illness | Traditional remedy with antiviral properties | Not graded yet | ||
Shop the evidence-backed picks
The collection holds the supplements we grade A or B for its theme, in third-party tested products where the catalog has them. It opens in our Fullscript store. You can look through it without signing in; Fullscript asks for a free account to order.
Or shop one supplement
Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
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How this protocol works
In plain language
Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, usually caused by viral or bacterial infections. It causes sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and swollen glands.
TYPES:
- Acute tonsillitis (most common)
- Recurrent tonsillitis (multiple episodes per year)
- Chronic tonsillitis
- Peritonsillar abscess (complication)
SYMPTOMS:
- Sore throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Red, swollen tonsils
- White patches or pus on tonsils
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Bad breath
- Voice changes
CAUSES:
- Viral infections (most common - 70%)
- Bacterial infections (Group A Strep most common - 30%)
CRITICAL: Bacterial tonsillitis (strep throat) requires antibiotics to prevent complications like rheumatic fever.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR:
- Fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
- Severe difficulty swallowing
- Symptoms lasting more than 48 hours
- Unable to drink fluids
- Difficulty breathing
HOME CARE:
- Rest and fluids
- Warm salt water gargles
- Throat lozenges
- Pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
- Humidifier
Vitamin C and zinc* support immune function.
Distinguish viral from bacterial* - strep needs antibiotics.
Most cases resolve* in 7-10 days.
Expected timeline: Viral tonsillitis typically improves within 7-10 days. Bacterial responds to antibiotics within 24-48 hours.