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Tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils on both sides of the back of the throat. It is not contagious, but the infectious organisms that cause it can spread to others. Seeking proper treatment for tonsillitis in San Diego is essential, especially when it doesn’t go away after taking medication.
ENT Associates of San Diego has years of experience diagnosing and treating tonsillitis. Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive care to provide the best outcomes for our patients.
Diagnosing Tonsillitis
Diagnosing tonsillitis involves a thorough examination of the throat. We will check for swelling, redness, and white or yellow spots on the tonsils. To pinpoint the cause of the infection, a throat culture may be performed by swabbing the back of your throat. This helps identify whether the infection is viral or bacterial.
Symptoms of Tonsillitis
Symptoms of tonsillitis include swollen tonsils, sore throat, difficulty in swallowing, and tender lymph nodes on the sides of the neck. Other indicators may include:
- A scratchy-sounding voice
- Bad breath
- Fever
- Chills
- Earache
- Stomachache
- Headache
- A stiff neck
- White or yellow spots on the tonsils
Causes of Tonsillitis
There are two major types of tonsillitis: viral and bacterial. Viral infections, such as the common cold, or bacterial infections, such as strep throat, can trigger them.
Viral Infections
Tonsillitis is most commonly caused by viral infections, including those from common cold viruses (rhinoviruses and coronaviruses), influenza, Epstein-Barr virus (which causes mono), herpes simplex virus, and adenoviruses responsible for respiratory infections.
Bacterial Infections
Less commonly, tonsillitis can be caused by bacterial infections. The most notable bacterium is Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A streptococcus, which causes strep throat.
Preventing Tonsillitis
Taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the risk of developing tonsillitis. Here are some effective preventive measures:
Frequent Handwashing
- Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are unavailable.
- Encourage children to wash their hands regularly.
Avoiding Secondhand Smoke
- Stay away from smokers and smoking areas.
- Maintain a smoke-free home environment.
- Educate family and friends about the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.
Good Hygiene Practices
- Avoid close contact with individuals who have respiratory infections.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Do not share personal items like utensils, towels, or toothbrushes.
Risks of Untreated Tonsillitis
If bacterial tonsillitis is left untreated, it can lead to serious complications. One major risk is rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can cause long-term damage to the heart, joints, and brain.
Another potential complication is kidney inflammation (post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis), which can impair kidney function and lead to chronic kidney disease. Prompt treatment of bacterial tonsillitis with antibiotics is crucial to prevent these severe outcomes.
Additionally, untreated tonsillitis can lead to peritonsillar abscess. This is a serious condition that occurs when pus collects in the tissues around the tonsils. Symptoms include severe throat pain, difficulty swallowing, fever, and swelling in the neck.
This condition requires immediate medical intervention, which may involve draining the abscess and administering antibiotics to prevent further complications. If left untreated, a peritonsillar abscess can lead to airway obstruction, spread of infection, and other life-threatening issues.
Treatment Options for Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is usually treated with antibiotics. Most people recover within 7 to 10 days.
When the condition is chronic or recurrent, a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils is often recommended. This surgery is called a tonsillectomy.
Recovery from a tonsillectomy involves several key steps for proper healing:
- Rest: Patients should take it easy for at least one to two weeks after surgery to allow the body to heal.
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids helps keep the throat moist and can prevent dehydration, a common concern post-surgery.
- Soft Diet: Eating soft, easy-to-swallow foods such as applesauce, yogurt, and mashed potatoes can help avoid irritating the throat. Spicy, crunchy, or hard foods should be avoided.
- Pain Management: As recommended by the doctor, over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort. Ice packs on the neck can also provide relief.
- Avoiding Irritants: Avoid smoke, strong odors, and other irritants that can aggravate the throat.
Although there are similarities in viral and bacterial tonsillitis symptoms, they are treated in different ways. This is why the treatment you receive depends on the cause of the infection.
Contact Us
If you’ve been experiencing tonsillitis for more than two days and you’ve noticed that the symptoms have persisted or gotten worse, contact your doctor immediately. If you’re looking for treatment for tonsillitis in San Diego, schedule an appointment with us today.
