Treatment for tonsillitis
Treatment
A mild case of tonsillitis does not necessarily require treatment, especially if a virus, such as a cold, causes it.
Treatments for more severe cases of tonsillitis may include antibiotics or a tonsillectomy.
Antibiotics will be prescribed to fight a bacterial infection. It’s important you complete the full course of antibiotics. Your doctor may want you to schedule a follow-up visit to ensure that the medication was effective.
Surgery to remove the tonsils is called a tonsillectomy. This was once a very common procedure. However, tonsillectomies today are only recommended for people who experience chronic or recurrent tonsillitis. Surgery is also recommend to treat tonsillitis that doesn’t respond to other treatment, or tonsillitis that causes complications.
If a person becomes dehydrated due to tonsillitis, they may need intravenous fluids. Pain medicines to relieve the sore throat can also help while the throat is healing.
Home care tips to ease a sore throat
drink plenty of fluids
get lots of rest
gargle with warm salt water several times a day
use throat lozenges
use a humidifier to moisten the air in your home
avoid smoke
Also, you may want to use over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Always check with your doctor before giving medications to children.