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How to Treat Tonsillitis

Last updated: Tuesday, December 24, 2019 | 2 min reading time

Dr Ravi Seshadri @ Srinivasan

Otorhinolaryngologist

What is tonsillitis?

The tonsils form a part of the immune system and produce antibodies to fight germs that attack the mouth. The tonsils can become infected and enlarged, causing tonsillitis.

Treatment for tonsillitis?

The treatment for tonsillitis depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Your doctor will perform a throat swab to check for streptococcal bacteria, or a complete blood cell count to determine the cause of the infection. Depending on the test results, your doctor will recommend the treatment that suits you best.

What is a tonsillectomy?

Tonsillectomy is a surgery to remove the tonsils, and it may be recommended to treat chronic and recurrent tonsillitis. The benefits of having a tonsillectomy include:

Lowered risk of throat infections
Reduced need for medication such as antibiotics
Fewer doctor’s visits
Improved quality of life

When to seek treatment?

See a doctor if you have:

Frequent, recurring episodes of tonsillitis
Pain on one side of the throat
Sleep apnoea
Breathing problems resulting from swollen or enlarged tonsils

The improvement on your quality of life can be dramatic, so it’s important to prioritise treatment if you need it.

Tonsillectomy. Retrieved on 25/06/19 https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/tonsillectomy/about/pac-20395141

Erica Roth (10/08/2017) Tonsillectomy. Retrieved on 25/06/19 https://www.healthline.com/health/tonsillectomy

Jenna Fletcher (15/11/2018) Tonsillectomy: Procedure and recovery. Retrieved on 25/06/19 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323709.php

Tonsillitis. Retrieved on 25/06/19 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tonsillitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20378479

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