Tonsillitis
Alternate Names : Acute Tonsillitis, Subacute Tonsillitis, Chronic Tonsillitis
What are the treatments for the infection?
Acute tonsillitis is usually treated with:
pain medication
oral fluids
medications to lower fever
For acute tonsillitis caused by strep bacteria, antibiotics will usually
cure the infection. Unfortunately, some strep bacteria are becoming resistant
to penicillin. This means higher
doses of amoxicillin or a different
antibiotic need to be used. Since antibiotics are not effective against
viruses, the only treatment for tonsillitis caused by viral infection is
medication to reduce fever and pain. Oral steroids may be given for a
short period of time if symptoms are severe. Oral steroids can lessen the
symptoms of tonsiliitis caused by mononucleosis. Antibiotics can be helpful
in preventing infection if material has collected on the surface of the tonsils.
In subacute tonsillitis caused by
actinomyces, penicillin and clindamycin are effective. If these
antibiotics do not work, the person can remove the infected material from the tonsil pits with a finger or special irrigating tool. Otherwise, the tonsils should be
removed. In cases of chronic tonsillitis, antibiotics combined with oral
steroids may resolve the infection. If not, the tonsils should be removed.
Tonsillectomy may be recommended by the healthcare provider if the person has
had:
3 to 5 bacterial infections of the tonsils within 3 to 5 years
more than 6 episodes of
tonsillitis in one year
chronic tonsillitis, or infection
of the tonsils, that does not respond to antibiotics
enlargement of the tonsils that causes
sleep apnea, a breathing disorder that occurs during sleep
enlargement of the tonsils that causes
difficulty swallowing, especially in children
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Side effects depend on the medications used, but may include allergic reactions and upset stomach.
Surgery to remove the tonsils can cause bleeding, infection, or allergic reactions to anesthesia.
What happens after treatment for the infection?
Most viral episodes of tonsillitis will resolve without further problems.
Antibiotics should clear up infections caused by strep or other bacteria. After
recovery from tonsillectomy, the person should be free of symptoms.
How is the infection monitored?
Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.
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