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How to Treat Tonsillitis | NHS
Understanding Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils, two small glands located at the back of your throat. It's common in children but can occur at any age. Symptoms include a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and swollen tonsils. Other symptoms may include fever, cough, headache, and a hoarse voice. It's usually caused by viral infections but can also be due to bacterial infections.Home Remedies and Self-Care
In most cases, tonsillitis can be treated at home with some simple self-care measures. These include:- Rest: Ensure you get plenty of rest to help your body fight off the infection.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to keep your throat moist and soothe irritation.
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Gargling: Gargling with warm salt water several times a day can help reduce swelling and pain.
- Humidifiers: Using a humidifier can keep the air moist, which eases throat discomfort.
When to See a GP
It's important to consult your GP if symptoms persist for more than four days, or if you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, or extreme pain. Your GP can determine if you have a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics.Medical Treatments and Antibiotics
If tonsillitis is caused by a bacterial infection, your GP may prescribe antibiotics. It's crucial to complete the entire course of antibiotics even if you start to feel better. This helps to ensure that all the bacteria are killed and reduces the risk of the infection returning. In some cases, recurring tonsillitis may require a surgical procedure called a tonsillectomy to remove the tonsils.Preventing Tonsillitis
To reduce the risk of contracting tonsillitis, practice good hygiene such as frequent hand washing, using hand sanitiser, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick. Avoid sharing eating utensils and other personal items. Keeping your immune system strong by maintaining a healthy diet and getting regular exercise can also help prevent infections. By following these guidelines from the NHS, you can efficiently manage and treat tonsillitis and know when to seek further medical attention.Frequently Asked Questions
What is tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils, two masses of tissue at the back of your throat, that causes them to become sore and swollen.
What are the common symptoms of tonsillitis?
Common symptoms include a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, red and swollen tonsils, white or yellow coating on the tonsils, fever, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
Is tonsillitis contagious?
Yes, tonsillitis can be contagious, especially if it is caused by bacterial or viral infections. It can spread through droplets from coughing, sneezing, or close contact.
What causes tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis can be caused by both viruses and bacteria. Viral infections are more common, including those from the common cold or flu. Bacterial infections such as Streptococcus can also cause tonsillitis.
How is tonsillitis diagnosed?
A doctor can diagnose tonsillitis by examining your throat and sometimes conducting a throat swab or blood test to determine the cause of the infection.
What treatments are available for tonsillitis?
Treatments include pain relief with over-the-counter medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen, staying hydrated, throat lozenges, and rest. In some bacterial cases, antibiotics may be prescribed.
When should I see a doctor for tonsillitis?
You should see a doctor if symptoms are severe, lasting more than four days, if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, or if you frequently get tonsillitis.
Can tonsillitis be treated at home?
Yes, mild tonsillitis can often be treated at home with rest, hydration, pain relief, and throat soothing measures.
Are there any dietary restrictions while having tonsillitis?
It’s best to avoid very hot, cold, or spicy foods. Eating soft foods and drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, soups, and herbal teas, can help soothe your throat.
Can tonsillitis cause complications?
Complications are rare but can include abscesses around the tonsils, spread of infection, and in chronic cases, sleep apnoea or difficulty breathing.
What is chronic tonsillitis?
Chronic tonsillitis is when you have recurring episodes of tonsillitis or long-lasting symptoms that do not completely go away.
Is surgery an option for tonsillitis?
Yes, surgery to remove the tonsils (tonsillectomy) may be considered in cases of recurrent or chronic tonsillitis or if complications arise.
How long does tonsillitis usually last?
Most cases of tonsillitis last about 7 to 10 days with proper treatment and rest.
Can adults get tonsillitis?
Yes, while tonsillitis is more common in children, adults can also get tonsillitis.
How can I prevent tonsillitis?
Good hygiene practices such as regular handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and not sharing eating utensils can help prevent the spread of infections that cause tonsillitis.
Useful Links
Useful links from: Evidence-Based Interventions: tonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis surgery
- NHS - Tonsillectomy An overview of tonsillectomy, including why it's done, what to expect, and the risks involved, provided by the National Health Service (NHS).
- NHS - Tonsillitis Information on tonsillitis, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options, including when a tonsillectomy might be recommended, provided by the NHS.
- British Association of Otorhinolaryngology (ENT UK) - Tonsillectomy Detailed information from ENT UK about tonsillectomy, including patient information, guidelines, and postoperative care.
- Patient.info - Tonsillectomy Comprehensive resource on tonsillectomy, including why it's done, how it's performed, recovery tips, and potential complications, provided by Patient.info.
Useful links from: Help with tonsillitis
- NHS: Tonsillitis Comprehensive information from the NHS about the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of tonsillitis.
- NHS: Tonsillitis Treatment Detailed guidance on the treatment options available for tonsillitis, including self-care tips and when to see a GP.
- British Lung Foundation: Tonsillitis Information and support for individuals affected by tonsillitis, provided by the British Lung Foundation.
- Patient.info: Tonsillitis In-depth health leaflet about tonsillitis, including causes, symptoms, and treatments, available on Patient.info.
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