What is tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis in an infection of the tonsils which are located on the sides of the throat. Tonsillitis can be either bacterial or viral.
What are the symptoms of tonsillitis?
Patients with tonsillitis have a feeling of a sore throat on both sides as well as feeling unwell. The symptoms can also include bad breath as well as swelling of the lymph nodes of the neck. These symptoms usually persist for up to one week.
What is the treatment of tonsillitis?
During an acute episode of tonsillitis patient should ensure that they have adequate pain relief and are drinking enough water. Antibiotics are indicated if a patient has suspected bacterial tonsillitis or is not getting better.
When are tonsils removed for tonsillitis?
- The indications for a tonsillectomy in relation to infection are as follows:
- 7 episodes of tonsillitis in one year
- 5 episodes of tonsillitis per year for 2 years consequtively
- 3 episodes of tonsillitis per year for 3 years consequtively
- 2 episodes of quinsy