Recurrent sore throat - how often is normal?

[RainyDaysAndGlumDays]

DS (12) has had a lot of sore throats/tonsillitis in the past 18 months. It usually affects one side more than the other, with swollen tonsils almost joining/sticking to the uvula. We try to treat at home with paracetamol, throat sweets, throat sprays and honey. He doesn't usually have a fever. I know sore throats can be caused by viruses or bacteria and that antibiotics don't touch the viruses and I don't want to waste the GP's time for something that could be treated effectively st home. Saying that, however, when white spots develop on the tonsils, we have gone to the GP and he has had a couple of courses of antibiotics. GP also mentioned the possibility of quinsy.

Is this just normal? At what stage is tonsil removal considered? Should we be going to the GP earlier (rather than only after several days of home treatment and only if white spots develop) or not at all?

My niece struggles with exactly the same. She does go to the docs each time as you have to get tonsillitis so many times in a year to get your tonsils removed. I can't remember the exact amount but it was significant.
I'd go to the docs and speak to them and get it checked.

My dd has been referred to ENT for hers removing. She's currently got tonsillitis again for the 6th time this year. She ended up in hospital a couple of days ago and was given fluids through a drip but she's still really suffering. Hopefully her appointment comes through soon

OK, thank you for the responses. It sounds like he isn't as badly affected by it as others.