How tonsillitis is treated depends on whether it has been caused by a virus or bacteria. If the infection is viral, it should clear up in a week to ten days, and home remedies should do the trick. Make sure you get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids, especially warm liquids like broth or tea with honey. To soothe your throat, gargle with warm saltwater several times a day, eat cold treats such as Popsicles and suck on lozenges or cough drops. Avoid cigarette smoke and other irritants. If a bacterial infection such as strep throat is responsible, antibiotics will be administered. Your doctor may recommend surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) if the condition recurs frequently.