Tonsillitis Treatment

There are many ways in which we can treat tonsillitis. The most recommended method recommended by doctors depends on the factors below;

• Patient’s age.
• Patient’s health status.
• How severe the disease is.
• Patient’s treatment tolerance.

So basically the treatment the doctor will give you will vary depending on what caused the inflammation. For example it could’ve been caused by a viral infection. If it was caused by a viral infection the person recovers without having to use any kind of treatment. However if it is a bacterial infection, the tonsillitis can be treated with antibiotics. If it is a severe case the doctor might recommend surgery to connect the tonsils.

Pharmacological treatments

Below are some ways to treat the tonsillitis and to relieve the pain.

Relieve symptoms

Pain relievers such as paracetamol, throat lozenges and ibuprofen. Avoid giving aspirin to children because it could cause reyes syndrome.

Antibiotics

If the patient got it through bacterial infections, they will be given antibiotics. When taking antibiotics, you can recover in 7-10 days. The most common medicine given is penicillin, it is affordable, safe and effective to use.

Steroids

You may be prescribed to use steroids in some cases to relieve tonsillitis.

Tonsillectomy

Tonsillectomy is when the tonsils are removed. This can usually be done when bacterial infection does not respond to the antibiotics. Also when the below symptoms keep appearing then you need surgery.

• Tonsillitis more than seven times a year.
• Obstructive sleep.
• Tonsillitis more than four to five times a year, for two consecutive years.
• Breathing difficulty.
• Difficulty swallowing food.
• Tonsillitis more than three times per year, for three consecutive years.
• Not responding to the antibiotics given.

Methods of performing a tonsillectomy

The operation is a simple surgical procedure. The patient can even leave the hospital after the operation on the same day. The methods used by the surgeon to remove the tonsils vary. These methods include the following:

Surgery tonsillectomy scalpel

One of the most common ways in tonsillectomy which requires the use of a scalpel. The occurrence of simple bleeding is controlled by pressure on the blood vessels or through the closure of the blood vessels.

Tonsillectomy diathermy

A tool is used to cut the tonsils and tissues surrounding them. It is called a probe thermal enforcement. The heat contributes to the closure of the blood vessels and stops the bleeding if it occurs.

Tonsillectomy cryotherapy

It is similar to tonsillectomy diathermy but the temperature is lower – about 60°C, therefore causing less pain.

Laser tonsillectomy

High-energy beams of laser are directed at the tonsils to remove them.

Guidelines for tonsillectomy

It is necessary to follow some instructions and measures to maintain the patient’s health. These instructions and measures are what should be done before and performing the operation;

Before the operation

The doctor should do comprehensive examinations to check on the patient’s vital signs. Also to ensure that the patient has no problems that will increase the possibility of bleeding. This is done because the tonsils are two tissues that are abundant in blood supply.

After the operation

Among the most important things to consider after the tonsillectomy are the following:

• Sleeping on one side after waking up from anaesthesia.
• Avoid swallowing any blood.
• Check the patient’s vital signs, e.g. blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate.
• Refrain from eating drinks and food 4 hours after the completion of the operation.

Things the patient should do after leaving the hospital

• Stop smoking.
• Take time off from work or school.
• Avoid crowded places
• Not to engage in intense sports activities.
• Make sure to follow a healthy diet.
• Avoid taking aspirin to relieve pain

Tips to relieve symptoms of tonsillitis

Home care helps relieve tonsillitis. Below are some tips to help relieve them;

• Rest: Get enough sleep.
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Gargling with a saline solution  
• Humidify the air.
• Avoid throat irritants