Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis Treatment in Koramangala, Bangalore

Tonsillitis, also called pharyngitis, is a medical condition that refers to the infection of the tonsils. The tonsils are two masses of tissues at the back of your throat. They are part of the immune system and filter out any germs that could enter your airway and cause infections. They also produce antibodies to fight infections.

You can consult an ENT specialist in Bangalore. Or you can search online for an ENT doctor near me.

What do we need to know about tonsillitis?

When the tonsils are overburdened by viruses and infections, resulting in swelling of the tonsils, sore throat and fever, the condition is called tonsillitis. This could be a viral or bacterial infection.

The infection can occur at any age but children are most commonly affected. Antibiotics help in treating the infection and significantly reduce further complications like rheumatic fever.

The infection is easily diagnosed and with treatment, the symptoms will disappear within 10 days.

What are the types of tonsillitis?

There are three types:

• Acute Tonsillitis: This is most common in young children. The infection is classified as acute tonsillitis if the symptoms last for less than 10 days.  Acute tonsillitis can be treated with home remedies in most cases, while others might require a course of antibiotics.
• Chronic Tonsillitis: The infection is considered chronic when symptoms last longer than those of acute tonsillitis. You will experience symptoms like a sore throat, bad breath, and tender lymph nodes in the neck. Your doctor might recommend surgical removal of the tonsils based on the severity of the condition.
•  Recurrent Tonsillitis: The infection of the tonsils will be repetitive and you will have to take antibiotics. As in the case of chronic tonsillitis, a tonsillectomy or removal of tonsils is also a recommended treatment option.

What are the symptoms of Tonsillitis?

Possible symptoms include:

• Severe sore throat
• Fever
• Pain or difficulty in swallowing
• Redness and swelling of tonsils
• White or yellow spots on the tonsils
• Headaches
• Earache
• Stomachache (mostly in children)
• Bad breath
• Stiff neck

What are the causes of tonsillitis?

Our tonsils work as a line of defense against various viruses and bacteria that enter our body through the mouth and the nose. Tonsillitis is caused by the infection of tonsils by these viruses and bacteria.

Up to 70 percent of the cases are viral tonsillitis caused by viruses like those causing cold and flu. Other viruses like rhinovirus and hepatitis A can also cause tonsillitis. Viral tonsillitis may include symptoms like cough and stuffy nose.

Around 15-30% of the cases are caused by bacteria, most commonly the strep bacteria. Bacterial tonsillitis occurs mostly in children between the age of 5 and 15. Antibiotics will be prescribed to treat most of these cases.

When should you see a doctor?

As with most viral infections, it is necessary to get an accurate diagnosis for tonsillitis. You should contact your doctor if you have:

• Fever higher than 1030F (39.50C)
• Sore throat for over 2 days
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Extreme fatigue and weakness
• Painful and swollen tonsils that are visible at the back of your throat

In case the swelling is extreme and causing difficulty in breathing, seek immediate medical attention. While most cases of tonsillitis go away with simple home remedies, some may require definite diagnosis and treatment. There are many options for tonsillitis treatment in Bangalore.

You can request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Koramangala, Bangalore.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

How is tonsillitis treated?

If you experience the symptoms of tonsillitis, please consult your physician or an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist. The treatment plan will depend on the cause and type of infection.

In case of viral tonsillitis, your doctor will advise the following:

• Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated
• Take pain relievers
• Use throat lozenges
• Get plenty of rest

If you have bacterial tonsillitis or strep throat, you will be prescribed antibiotics for around 10 days. To ensure a complete recovery and prevent reinfections, you should finish the course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor.

Conclusion

Tonsillitis is a contagious disease that spreads rapidly. Keep in mind that exposure to germs is the root cause of this infection and therefore hygienic habits like washing hands frequently can help prevent infections.
Get in touch with your doctor in case of any symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment will help you and your family stay healthy and safe. Consult tonsillitis specialists in Bangalore for help and guidance.