Swollen Tonsils and Tonsillitis

At the back of your throat, there are two masses of tissue called tonsils which filter viruses, bacteria and allergens. Tonsillitis occur when the tonsils become inflamed. Tonsillitis is common especially in children by the ages 4-5.

Causes of Tonsillitis

Tonsils usually swell because of infection. The source of the infection is generally microbes. Influenza, kissing disease and beta microbe are common causes.

Symptoms of Tonsillitis

-Swelling around the neck
-Swollen tonsils
-Throat pain
-Fever
-Difficulty swallowing
-Bad breath
-Weakness
-Joint pain

Treatment for Tonsillitis

Treatment procedure is planned after the examination of the type of infection, whether it’s viral or bacterial. If it’s viral, the medication could contain ibuprofen, painkillers and gargle. If it’s bacterial, antibiotics should be used.

Tonsillectomy

Tonsillectomy could be necessary when tonsillitis occur at least 5 or 6 times in a year or if tonsillitis is recurrent or persistent. In addition to them, if enlarged tonsils cause upper airway obstruction and difficulty eating or if there is a tumor, tonsillectomy may be necessary.

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and lasts between 30 minutes and 45 minutes. The patient usually goes home after four hours and a special diet should be applied two weeks long after the surgery.