What indicates possible infection in the tonsils during an assessment?

The presence of redness and drainage in the tonsils during an assessment indicates possible infection. When tonsils are infected, they often become inflamed and can exhibit a reddened appearance. This inflammation is typically accompanied by drainage, which may be purulent (containing pus) or clear, contributing to the clinical picture of a possible infection such as tonsillitis.

In contrast, a clean appearance of the tonsils generally suggests there is no infection present. Thick white patches often relate to specific types of infections, such as those caused by the bacteria Streptococcus (strep throat) or viral infections like infectious mononucleosis but do not necessarily indicate a standard infection without the context of associated symptoms. A pale color in the tonsils typically does not convey signs of infection; instead, it might indicate other conditions, such as a lack of blood flow or other systemic issues. Thus, the combination of redness and drainage is a strong indicator of an active infection in the tonsils.