Generally speaking, choosing the best tonsillitis treatment depends on your symptoms. Your doctor should be able to help you make the right decision and choices. If you haven't received a satisfactory answer from your primary care physician, consider making an appointment with a throat specialist.
Years ago, being diagnosed with tonsillitis often meant undergoing surgery to remove the tonsils and possibly the adenoids. Although it is still relatively common these days, most patients will seek alternate treatment before deciding to undergo a tonsillectomy. There has been some controversy among medical experts regarding the benefits and drawbacks of a tonsillectomy, and many physicians try to find effective tonsillitis treatment as an alternative to surgery.
If your child has been suffering from frequent sore throats and fever, the pediatrician may diagnose him with a chronic or acute case of tonsillitis. Tonsillitis simply means the tonsils have become inflamed, possibly from infection. The infection may be due to a virus or bacteria. If a bacterial infection is suspected, the doctor may prescribe medicine. In many cases, a child who develops acute tonsillitis as a result of a bad cold or other upper respiratory infection, may recover nicely with a simple course of antibiotics.
Conversely, if your child has been developing flare-ups of chronic tonsillitis, and there doesn't seem to be any improvement, the doctor may recommend surgery. If it would put your mind at ease, don't hesitate to get a second opinion. Make an appointment with a pediatric ear, nose, and throat specialist, if your pediatrician has not referred you to one already. If the only sensible option is a tonsillectomy, your physician can recommend an experienced pediatric surgeon. In most cases, the procedure can be completed in a very short time and your child can come home the same day.
Tonsillitis treatment for an adult may differ somewhat than for that of a child. If you have been afflicted with tonsillitis and are looking for ways to treat your condition, consider your options. If your doctor feels your condition does not warrant surgery, you might be able to find an all-natural tonsillitis treatment.
For acute symptoms or an occasional mild flare-up, increase your fluid intake, and add some extra vitamin C and zinc to your diet. To help you overcome your tonsillitis symptoms, boost your immunity with an over-the-counter immunity supplement. For soothing tonsillitis treatment, sip some chamomile tea twice a day, which is a natural anti-inflammatory healer. Aloe juice may be beneficial as well. For persistent fevers or difficulty in swallowing, see your health care provider at once, as this could indicate something more serious than a mild form of tonsillitis.
