Treating Swollen Tonsils
If you’ve ever had a sore throat, it’s possible your tonsils are swollen. Tonsils are the two lymph nodes on each side of the back of the throat and they act as a defense mechanism to prevent your body from getting an infection. When they get infected themselves, you have a condition called tonsillitis. This can occur at any age, but it is very common in children. Along with the swollen tonsils, a fever and sore throat can occur. The condition is contagious and can come about from many different viruses and bacteria, like strep throat. If you have swollen tonsils, it’s easy to diagnose and the symptoms generally go away between 7-10 days.
Causes Of Swollen Tonsils
Tonsils help prevent your body from other illnesses. They combat the bacteria that enter your body through your mouth, but they can also get infections themselves at times. If you have swollen tonsils, it could be because of a common cold. Viruses are the most common cause of swollen tonsils, but they can also happen from a bacterial infection. Because children are around so many germs at school and on the playground, they are more vulnerable to swollen tonsils.
Swollen Tonsils: Symptoms
If you have swollen tonsils, you will have a sore throat and it might be hard or at least painful to swallow. You might have a scratchy voice, a fever, chills, and even earaches. You could also have bad breath and a stiff neck along with a headache. If your neck and jaw are tender, it could be because of the swollen tonsils. You can take a look inside your mouth in a mirror and see if your tonsils are red and swollen. They might also have yellow or red spots on them.
When To See A Doctor
Most people will experience swollen tonsils at some point in their life, but that doesn’t always mean you have to rush to the doctor. Many cases are normal and will go away on their own. However, sometimes the throat can swell up so much it can cause trouble breathing and other dangers. If you have a fever higher than 103, you will want to get an appointment as soon as possible. If you have a stiff neck or muscle weakness, or a sore throat doesn’t get better after 2 days, you will also want to get an appointment with your ENT.
Swollen Tonsil Treatments
Mild cases generally don’t need treatment if they are caused by a cold. But severe cases that are diagnosed as tonsillitis could include anything from antibiotics to a tonsillectomy. If you are treating yourself with a mild case, drink many fluids and get lots of rest. Gargle with salt water and moisten the air in your home with a humidifier. Other treatments will need to be determined by your doctor. The professionals at the Breathe Clear Institute don’t want you to suffer. We’ll help bring the swelling down and get you back to your everyday life as soon as possible. Make an appointment today. We’re here to help!