Tonsillitis

What is Tonsillitis?

Your tonsils are at the back of you throat on each side. They are made up of lymphatic tissue. Their job is to produce antibodies to help fight infections like the cold virus. When this tissue gets infected, you get tonsillitis.

Tonsillitis is most common in children between 3 years and 7 years, but anyone can get it. As children grow, their tonsils get smaller and tonsillitis should happen less.

The same bacteria that causes strep throat usually causes tonsillitis and tonsillar abscesses in young children. Sometimes it can be caused by cold or flu viruses.

Tonsillitis is usually not serious, unless you get an abscess (pocket of pus) on your tonsil. An abscess on the tonsil (s) can swell enough to block off the airway. Ear infections and adenoid problems may be associated with tonsillitis.

Treatment:

• Make sure you take your antibiotics (if necessary for a bacterial infection) as directed by the doctor.
• You may also use acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as long as there is no reason (i.e. allergy, blood thinners for ibuprofen) why you should not. These may be taken even if you are taking antibiotics. Take them as directed on the package or ask the pharmacist (see sheet on acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen)
• Drink lots of fluids (at least 8 to 10 glasses of water per day)
• Try eating soups, yogurt, high-calorie drinks.

Will I need a Tonsillectomy?

A tonsillectomy is when the doctor removes the tonsils by cutting them out. You would go to the operating room for this. You usually only need a tonsillectomy if you have several infections or abscesses several times in a year.

Return to the Emergency Department IF:

• You have drooling or trouble breathing.
• After taking antibiotics, you still have pain and fever with white spots still on the tonsils.