Infected Tonsils

Part 2 Using Natural Remedies 1. Drink plenty of fluids. Keeping yourself hydrated helps to fight disease. Gargle with saltwater once an hour. Dissolve a ½ teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water. Suck on hard candies. Eat a spoonful of honey. Honey will coat and soothe your throat. Swollen tonsils are one of the symptoms of tonsillitis caused by an infection in tonsils. These infections are either bacterial or viral such as streptococcal bacteria, which causes strep throat. Tonsillitis caused by strep needs immediate medical help otherwise lead to a complicated medical condition.

On this page

What are tonsils?

Tonsils are lumps of tissue at the back of the throat. There are two of them, one on each side. Along with the adenoids, tonsils are part of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system clears away infection and keeps body fluids in balance. Tonsils and adenoids work by trapping the germs coming in through the mouth and nose.

What is tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the tonsils. Sometimes along with tonsillitis, the adenoids are also swollen.

What causes tonsillitis?

The cause of tonsillitis is usually a viral infection. Bacterial infections such as strep throat can also cause tonsillitis.

Who is at risk for tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is most common in children over age two. Almost every child in the United States gets it at least once. Tonsillitis caused by bacteria is more common in kids ages 5-15. Tonsillitis caused by a virus is more common in younger children.

Adults can get tonsillitis, but it is not very common.

Is tonsillitis contagious?

Although tonsillitis is not contagious, the viruses and bacteria that cause it are contagious. Frequent handwashing can help prevent spreading or catching the infections.

What are the symptoms of tonsillitis?

The symptoms of tonsillitis include

• A sore throat, which may be severe
• Red, swollen tonsils
• Trouble swallowing
• A white or yellow coating on the tonsils
• Swollen glands in the neck
• Fever
• Bad breath

When should I get medical help for my child?

You should call your health care provider if your child

• Has a sore throat for more than two days
• Has trouble or pain when swallowing
• Feels very sick or very weak

You should get emergency care right away if your child

• Has trouble breathing
• Starts drooling
• Has a lot of trouble swallowing

How is tonsillitis diagnosed?

To diagnose tonsillitis, your child's health care provider will first ask you about your child's symptoms and medical history. The provider will look at your child's throat and neck, checking for things such as redness or white spots on the tonsils and swollen lymph nodes.

Your child will probably also have one or more tests to check for strep throat, since it can cause tonsillitis and it requires treatment. It could be a rapid strep test, a throat culture, or both. For both tests, the provider uses a cotton swab to collect a sample of fluids from your child's tonsils and the back of the throat. With the rapid strep test, testing is done in the office, and you get the results within minutes. The throat culture is done in a lab, and it usually takes a few days to get the results. The throat culture is a more reliable test. So sometimes if the rapid strep test is negative (meaning that it does not show any strep bacteria), the provider will also do a throat culture just to make sure that your child does not have strep.

What are the treatments for tonsillitis?

Treatment for tonsillitis depends on the cause. If the cause is a virus, there is no medicine to treat it. If the cause is a bacterial infection, such as strep throat, your child will need to take antibiotics. It is important for your child to finish the antibiotics even if he or she feels better. If treatment stops too soon, some bacteria may survive and re-infect your child.

No matter what is causing the tonsillitis, there are some things you can do to help your child feel better. Make sure that your child

• Gets a lot of rest
• Drinks plenty of fluids
• Tries eating soft foods if it hurts to swallow
• Tries eating warm liquids or cold foods like popsicles to soothe the throat
• Isn't around cigarette smoke or do anything else that could irritate the throat
• Sleeps in a room with a humidifier
• Gargles with saltwater
• Sucks on a lozenge (but do not give them to children under four; they can choke on them)
• Takes an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen. Children and teenagers should not take aspirin.

In some cases, your child may need a tonsillectomy.

What is a tonsillectomy and why might my child need one?

A tonsillectomy is surgery to remove the tonsils. Your child might need it if he or she

Blue marsh sailing association nj. All events scheduled for April other than our April 6 Board Meeting have been canceled due to the Coronavirus quarantine. The Board Meeting will be held via videoconference. Please visit our Commod. Now that our web site has quite a few pages it’s common for visitors to check out our site and not be aware of pages that have been updated. In order to keep our guests up to date we ad. It started out as a consolation for canceling the Chesapeake Vagabond originally scheduled for the weekend of August 24. It was decided that a good alternative would be another day on one of the best sailing lakes in Eastern Pennsylvania, especially since Blue Marsh Lake was closed again due to high water levels. Devoted to the sailing and social interests of its members, Blue Marsh Sailing Association (BMSA) is about 50 members strong. Founded in 1980 in Reading, Pennsylvania with our home base at Blue Marsh Lake, we are celebrating over 30 years of friendships and fun.

• Keeps getting tonsillitis
• Has bacterial tonsillitis that does not get better with antibiotics
• Has tonsils are too big, and are causing trouble breathing or swallowing

Your child usually gets the surgery and goes home later that day. Very young children and people who have complications may need to stay in the hospital overnight. It can take a week or two before your child completely recovers from the surgery.

• Tonsillitis (American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery)
• Tonsillitis (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
• Tonsillitis (For Parents) (Nemours Foundation)

• Having Your Tonsils Taken Out (For Kids) (Nemours Foundation)
• Tonsillectomy (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
• Tonsillectomy - slideshow (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
• Tonsils and Tonsillectomies (For Parents) (Nemours Foundation)

• Peritonsillar Abscess (American Academy of Family Physicians) Also in Spanish
• Recurring Strep Throat: When Is Tonsillectomy Useful? (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
• Tonsillar Cellulitis and Tonsillar Abscess (Merck & Co., Inc.) Also in Spanish

• Difference between a Sore Throat, Strep, and Tonsillitis (American Academy of Pediatrics) Also in Spanish
• My Child Has Tonsillitis. Will He Need to Have His Tonsils Removed? (American Academy of Pediatrics) Also in Spanish
• Tonsils and Adenoids (American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery)

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Tonsil Disorders (National Institutes of Health)
• ClinicalTrials.gov: Tonsillectomy (National Institutes of Health)

Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)

• Article: Intestinal ulcers as an initial finding in EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disorder: A..
• Article: Penicillin V four times daily for five days versus three times..
• Article: Pain on the first postoperative day after tonsillectomy in adults: A..
• Tonsillitis -- see more articles

• American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery
• Find an ENT (American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery)

• Peritonsillar Abscess (For Teens) (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
• Tonsillitis (For Teens) (Nemours Foundation)
• Tonsils and Tonsillectomies (For Teens) (Nemours Foundation)

• Peritonsillar abscess (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
• Tonsil and adenoid removal - discharge (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
• Tonsillectomy (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
• Tonsillitis (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish

This material must not be used for commercial purposes, or in any hospital or medical facility. Failure to comply may result in legal action.

From the original on 16 August 2016. Retrieved 30 March 2010. Purchese, Robert (24 January 2007). From the original on 27 January 2010. Gamer Network.

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 3, 2020.

• Care Notes

• Overview

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

What is tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is inflammation of your tonsils. Tonsils are the lumps of tissue on both sides of the back of your throat. Tonsils are part of your immune system. They help you fight infections. Recurrent tonsillitis is when you have tonsillitis many times in 1 year. Chronic tonsillitis is when you have a sore throat that lasts 3 months or longer.

What causes tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis may be caused by a bacterial or a viral infection. Tonsillitis can spread from an infected person to others through coughing, sneezing, or touching. It can also spread through kissing or sharing food and drinks.

What are the signs and symptoms of tonsillitis?

• Severe sore throat
• Red, swollen tonsils
• Painful swallowing
• Fever and chills
• Bad breath
• White spots on the tonsils

How is tonsillitis diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will examine your ears, nose, and throat. He will ask about your symptoms. You may need any of the following:

• A throat culture may show which germ is causing your illness. A cotton swab is rubbed against the back of your throat.
• Blood tests may show if you have an infection caused by bacteria or a virus.

How is tonsillitis treated?

Treatment may decrease your signs and symptoms. Treatment also may lower the number of times that you get tonsillitis in a year. You may need any of the following:

• Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
• NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
• Antibiotics help treat a bacterial infection.
• A tonsillectomy is surgery to remove your tonsils. You may need surgery if you have chronic or recurrent tonsillitis. Surgery may also be done if antibiotics are not working.

How can I manage my symptoms?

• Rest when you feel it is needed. Slowly start to do more each day. Return to your daily activities as directed.
• Drink liquids as directed. You may need to drink more liquid than usual to prevent dehydration. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you.
• Gargle with warm salt water. This may help decrease throat pain. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Ask how often you should do this.
• Prevent the spread of germs. Wash your hands often. Do not share food or drinks with anyone. You may be able to return to work when you feel better and your fever is gone for at least 24 hours.

Call 911 for the following:

• You have trouble breathing because your tonsils are swollen.

When should I contact my healthcare provider?

• You have a fever.
• Your pain gets worse or does not get better after you take pain medicine.
• Your sore throat is not better after you have finished antibiotic treatment.
• You have trouble sleeping and wake up trying to catch your breath.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

© Copyright IBM Corporation 2020 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes. All illustrations and images included in CareNotes® are the copyrighted property of A.D.A.M., Inc. or IBM Watson Health

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Learn more about Tonsillitis

Associated drugs

IBM Watson Micromedex