Remedy for Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is a viral or bacterial infection in the tonsils. The tonsils are located along the wall in the back of the throat. Once infected, the tonsils will swell, redden and become painful. Treatment for tonsillitis varies, from taking over-the-counter medications to surgery, depending on the infecting agent and the severity of the infection.

Evaluation

• Tonsillitis needs to receive proper medical treatment. Visit a physician for evaluation for each case of tonsillitis. Without treatment, the swollen tonsils may lead to additional health problems. The tonsils can cause an airway obstruction or an abscess can form behind the tonsil. Additionally, strep infections in the tonsils may lead to kidney infections or affect the heart and joints.

Viral Infection

• Treat a viral tonsillitis infection at home with over-the-counter medications. The virus will run its course and resolve without antibiotic treatment. Sore throat tablets and sprays help numb the painful swallowing associated with tonsillitis. Take medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce swelling and pain. Gargle with warm salt water several times a day. Add ½ teaspoon of salt to ½ cup of warm water to make the solution. Eat a bland diet of soothing foods and liquids. Avoid crackers, lettuce or other foods that may scratch and irritate the throat. Also, avoid dairy-based foods. Dairy foods thicken saliva and make it difficult to swallow and it coats the throat, causing more pain. Creamy soups, hot tea with honey and broths make nice options to eat.

Bacterial Infection

• Perform a strep test to see if a bacterial infection caused the tonsillitis. Antibiotics treat bacterial tonsillitis infections. Penicillin is the first choice for antibiotic treatment, if not contraindicated by an allergy. Take all antibiotics as prescribed by the physician. Finish every dose of the medicine. Stopping the course of antibiotics short may cause the infection to reoccur. If major swelling or difficulty swallowing occurs, a physician may prescribe a course of steroids in addition to the antibiotics.

Surgery

• Children who have frequent, recurrent tonsillitis infections may require the removal of the tonsils. An evaluation by an ear, nose and throat surgeon determines if the removal of tonsils is necessary. A tonsillectomy, or surgical removal of the tonsils, occurs during a short outpatient surgery. Additional indicators of needing a tonsillectomy include tonsils that are too large, blocking the airway and an abscess that does not improve with antibiotic therapy. Adults have tonsillectomies less frequently than children do.

Prevention

• The best remedy for tonsillitis is avoiding the infection. Practice proper hand washing. Avoid others who are sick and do not share food or drinks with others.