Available Treatments for Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is a condition of swollen and inflamed tonsils. The tonsils are useful for filtering bacteria and viruses that enter the body through the nose and mouth. Tonsilitis may result from excessive bacteria or viruses entering the body and affecting the tonsils. Children are commonly affected by this condition, particularly because of close contact in schools and daycare centers. In the past, surgery was the primary treatment for tonsillitis. It is becoming more common to use medications to treat this condition.

If a virus is the cause of tonsillitis, antibiotics are not useful treatment and instead rest and liquids are recommended. Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be useful in decreasing pain and fever. Gargling with warm salt water is also recommended to help alleviate the symptoms of viral tonsillitis. It may take up to 2 weeks for the virus to run its course. When tonsillitis is caused by bacteria, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infection. It is important to take antibiotics when prescribed for the entire length of time recommended by the doctor to ensure that the infection is completely out of the system. For children with frequent episodes of tonsillitis or complications such as difficulty swallowing or breathing, surgery may be recommended.