Causes Of Swollen Tonsils
Tonsils are an important part of your body. It plays a vital role in protecting your body from germs. Due to that, most causes of swollen tonsils (Tonsillitis) is caused by a viral infection or bacteria infection. Viruses like the influenza virsus or strep throat can cause tonsillitis.
Children are much more vulnerable to tonsillitis than adults. The enviornments they are in (schools, and daycares) are usually filled with germs that can affect their immune system. This condition is contagious so it’s easy to catch it from someone else.
Other Symptoms of Tonsillitis
Swollen tonsils are unfortunately paired with other uncomfortable and painful symptoms. Tonsillitis is usually paired with a sore, scratchy throat, which means loss of voice. You may also experience painful swallowing and ear infections. Coughing, headaches, high fevers, and pain in the neck are other symptoms you might suffer from. A loss of appetite and bad breath are also associated with swollen tonsils.
Home remedies for swollen tonsils
In severe cases, surgery is an option. Our doctors would perform a tonsillectomy to remove the tonsils to relieve the patient of pain. But, doctors are suggesting other treatments for treating the infection if it’s less severe. For healthy children, the infection will usually go away on its own in less than 10 days. If the infection and fever persists, seeing a doctor is best.
Treatment also depends on the cause of the infection. Bacterial infections may require antibiotics prescribed by a doctor.
The good news is, there are plenty of home remedies that ease the symptoms as your body is fighting a viral infection. Here are a few you can try:
Drinking warm liquids: Like treating any cold, drinking tea and soup can help. If they contain ingredients like honey, it can help relieve irritation in the throat.
Avoiding hard foods: When dealing with swollen tonsils, it’s important that you don’t further irritate the throat. Avoiding hard foods like apples and crackers is important to not make the swelling worse. Avoid solids and stick to softer foods like Jell-O, mashed potatoes and more.
Using a humidifier or taking a hot shower: Inhaling warm steam is one way to help relieve the painful symptoms of a dry throat.
Eating cold foods: As mentioned earlier, it’s best to avoid hard foods and stick with softer foods. Did we also mention cold foods can also help? Treat yourself to ice cream and frozen yogurt to help numb the throat and give you temporary relief from a sore throat.
Vocal rest: With swollen tonsils your throat is sore and sensitive, which means you don’t want to further strain your throat by speaking. It’s important that you give your vocal cords rest.
Medicine: There’s a lot you can use to ease the pain. Ibuprofen can help alleviate throat pain and reduce fevers. You can also use throat lozenges or throat sprays daily to help numb your throat.
Gargling with saltwater: Doing this daily can help soothe throat pain. Add a quarter teaspoon of salt to eight ounces of warm water. Gargle for a few seconds before spitting it out.
Seeing a doctor
Dealing with swollen tonsils is a painful thing for you and your children to deal with. At Breathe Clear Institute, we can help treat the swelling and get you back to feeling your best.
Make an appointment with Breathe Clear Institute today
Our Throat Doctor & Specialists can help diagnose and treat your throat problems, such as swollen tonsils. By meeting with us, we can help determine whether you need surgery or other treatments.