According to the American Cancer Society , about 53, people in the United States will get oral or oropharyngeal cancer in The tonsils are soft tissue masses at the back of the throat, and they have exposure to germs that enter the mouth. Their job is to filter out pathogens before they get into the body. The high exposure to germs from outside the body puts the tonsils at an increased risk of infection. For severe bacterial infections, a doctor will usually prescribe antibiotics. Viral infections are harder to treat.
Some antiviral drugs may work, but their effectiveness will depend on the type and severity of the infection. In most cases, viral infections should get better on their own. OTC medications could help alleviate other accompanying symptoms, such as a headache, sore throat, and fever.
For recurrent infections of the tonsils, usually more than five a year, a doctor may recommend removing the tonsils. People can try using home remedies to ease the symptoms.
These include :. Learn more about home remedies for tonsillitis here. Most cases of swollen tonsils will go away on their own after a few days. OTC medications and home remedies can help alleviate some symptoms. A person should see a doctor if the swollen tonsils worsen or do not get better after a few days. If the person is struggling to breathe, emergency medical care is essential.
Swollen tonsils are usually the result of a bacterial or viral infection. Most of the time tonsillitis caused by either viral or bacterial infections will eventually resolve on its own, but if a bacterial infection is to blame, antibiotics help clear up symptoms faster and prevent complications, Rowan says.
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Viral tonsillitis features can include the following, Clark says: Cough often with fever and malaise Nasal congestion Conjunctivitis pink eye Coryza inflammation of the nose that is not caused by allergies Oral ulcer Viral exanthem widespread rash Bacterial tonsillitis which is caused by strep throat most of the time can also bring on the following features, Clark adds: Sudden-onset sore throat Fever Tonsillopharyngeal or uvular edema swelling of the tonsils or uvula due to accumulation of fluid Patchy tonsillar exudates pus in the tonsils Cervical lymphadenitis swollen lymph nodes in the neck that are often tender and anterior Scarlatiniform skin rash or strawberry tongue scarlet fever.
Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking. This is called quinsy. Page last reviewed: 10 February Next review due: 10 February Check if you have tonsillitis Tonsillitis can feel like a bad cold or flu. The main symptoms in children and adults are: a sore throat problems swallowing a high temperature of 38C or above coughing a headache feeling sick earache feeling tired Sometimes the symptoms can be more severe and include: swollen, painful glands in your neck feels like a lump on the side of your neck white pus-filled spots on your tonsils bad breath What tonsils with pus-filled spots can look like Tonsils with pus-filled spots at the back of the throat.
Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and stir until it has dissolved. Or it may be done if an infection threatens the child's well-being. Author: Healthwise Staff. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use.
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