Tonsil Removal And Recovery
Most cases of tonsillitis in adults resolve within a week, but for some people, the inflammation and discomfort last much longer.
Some people also experience frequently recurring bouts of tonsillitis. A doctor may recommend that a person undergo the removal of their tonsils, called a tonsillectomy, if they have:
- seven or more episodes of tonsillitis in 1 year
- five or more episodes in each of the previous 2 years
- three or more episodes in each of the past 3 years.
The tonsils main function is to help prevent infection, but in adults, this role is diminished. Therefore, if someone seems to be more prone to infections instead, removal may be the best option.
Although a tonsillectomy will put an end to an adults problems with recurring tonsillitis, researchers have found that there is uncertainty among healthcare providers regarding the most cost effective stage of the disease to pursue the procedure for adults.
Pain is common after a tonsillectomy. Just as children should stay home from school for 2 weeks or so after surgery, adults need to give themselves and their body a chance to rest and recover.
Although swallowing might be difficult after the procedure, experts recommend as rapid a return to solid foods as possible.
Is Tonsillitis Viral Or Bacterial
Tonsillitis can be viral or bacterial:
- Viral tonsillitis: Viruses like colds and flus cause up to 70% of tonsillitis cases.
- Bacterial tonsillitis : Bacteria, such as group A streptococcus, cause other cases of tonsillitis. Bacterial tonsillitis is commonly called strep throat. People without tonsils can still get strep throat.
Medical Issues To Consider Before Tonsillectomy
Before doing a tonsillectomy, your doctor will give you a complete physical check-up. The tonsil pad has a large blood supply, and special note will be taken whether you have any abnormal bleeding tendencies. Your doctor will check to see if your tonsils are actively inflamed and, if so, will prescribe antibiotics for a few weeks to control the infection before the surgery.
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How Is Tonsillitis Diagnosed
To diagnose tonsillitis, your child’s health care provider will first ask you about your child’s symptoms and medical history. The provider will look at your child’s throat and neck, checking for things such as redness or white spots on the tonsils and swollen lymph nodes.
Your child will probably also have one or more tests to check for strep throat, since it can cause tonsillitis and it requires treatment. It could be a rapid strep test, a throat culture, or both. For both tests, the provider uses a cotton swab to collect a sample of fluids from your child’s tonsils and the back of the throat. With the rapid strep test, testing is done in the office, and you get the results within minutes. The throat culture is done in a lab, and it usually takes a few days to get the results. The throat culture is a more reliable test. So sometimes if the rapid strep test is negative , the provider will also do a throat culture just to make sure that your child does not have strep.
When To See A Doctor
Tonsillitis usually gets better with several days of self-care and rest at home.
If it is not improving, it is getting worse, or the symptoms are so severe that the individual is not able to eat or drink as necessary, it is a good idea to see a doctor.
As most cases of tonsillitis in adults, as with children, are due to viruses, rest and self-care at home are usually the only treatments necessary. Commonly recommended self-care practices include:
- resting as much as possible
- drinking a lot of fluids
- taking over-the-counter medications for pain and discomfort
- using a humidifier to keep household air moist
- eating soft foods and frozen foods, such as popsicles
- using OTC lozenges to help keep the throat moist
However, if testing reveals that tonsillitis is due to a bacterial infection, a doctor may prescribe antibiotic therapy. In situations where it is not clear whether bacteria are the cause, some doctors recommend a strategy of delayed antibiotics, with individuals taking medication if they meet certain criteria.
Penicillin and amoxicillin are the antibiotics that doctors prescribe most often to adults with bacterial tonsillitis. People who are allergic to penicillin antibiotics will receive a suitable substitute.
Using antibiotics, when appropriate, can shorten the duration of symptoms and reduce the risks of complications, such as rheumatic fever.
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Which Is Better Azithromycin Or Cefixime
Clinical cure rate was 87% in azithromycin group and 93% in cefixime group. No serious adverse effect was noted related to azithromycin and cefixime therapy except nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and jaundice. It was found that azithromycin is almost as effective as cefixime in the treatment of typhoid fever.
How Is Tonsillitis Treated
Tonsillitis treatment depends on what caused the infection. While symptoms of viral tonsillitis and bacterial tonsillitis can be similar, their treatments are different.
How is bacterial tonsillitis treated?
Healthcare providers treat bacterial tonsillitis with antibiotic medications. Antibiotics require a prescription. You usually take antibiotics orally for about 10 days. The most common antibiotics for strep throat are:
- Clindamycin.
- Cephalosporin.
Its very important to follow your healthcare providers instructions and take the full course of antibiotics, even if youre feeling better after a couple of days. You must finish the antibiotics so the infection doesnt come back, get worse or spread to another part of your body.
How is viral tonsillitis treated?
The antibiotics used to treat bacterial tonsillitis wont work on tonsillitis caused by a viral infection. To relieve the symptoms of viral tonsillitis, your provider will recommend:
- Plenty of rest.
- Throat lozenges.
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What Are The Treatments For Tonsillitis
Since most of the time infection is due to a virus and not a bacteria, antibiotics are not routinely needed. For a bacterial infection such as strep, the doctor will prescribe an antibiotic, usually for 10 days. Be sure to give your child the full course if unchecked, strep bacteria can cause serious conditions such as an abscess or rheumatic fever . If the infection is due to strep, the contagious period is over after the first 24 hours of using antibiotics.
If the throat culture is negative for bacteria, the infection is probably caused by a virus and requires only treatment for relief of symptoms. To ease pain, the doctor may also recommend acetaminophen or ibuprofen . Do not give your child aspirin, which has been linked to Reye’s syndrome, a life-threatening condition. Gargling three times a day with warm salt water may relieve some of the pain.
If your doctor discovers or suspects an abscess, you may need to be seen by an ear, nose, and throat doctor to be evaluated for possible drainage of pus.
Frequent cases of tonsillitis that affect your child’s general health, interfere with school attendance, cause breathing problems , snoring, or difficulty swallowing may warrant surgical removal of the tonsils . This procedure is usually performed as outpatient surgery and your child can go home after a few hours of observation.
Deterrence And Patient Education
As a provider, it is essential to educate patients on the likely cause of their tonsillitis and provide a thorough explanation of the diagnosis. The provider should address patients’ expectations for antibiotics as well as the potential for harmful side effects. Patients should receive education on possible complications of pharyngitis and the rationale for treatment plans. Given that the majority of these infections are viral, this is an opportunity to employ antibiotic stewardship. The Centor criteria can be used to risk-stratify patients and explain the rationale for testing. Properly outlining the disease course and managing symptoms can help to reduce bouncebacks and decrease the overuse of antibiotics.
Both rheumatic heart disease and rheumatic fever can be prevented via treatment with antibiotics, most commonly penicillin. Given the extremely low incidence of rheumatic fever in developed, resource-rich countries, aggressive antibiotic therapy for group A strep tonsillitis may not be necessary. The overall duration of tonsilitis is improved by less than one day, and antibiotics have side effects, including GI upset and diarrhea, as well as increased risk for Clostridium difficile infection. If pursuing antibiotic therapy, shared decision making should take place between the patient and the provider.
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How To Feel Better
Some ways you can feel better when you have a sore throat:
- Suck on ice chips, popsicles, or lozenges .
- Use a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer.
- Gargle with salt water.
- Drink warm beverages and plenty of fluids.
- Use honey to relieve cough for adults and children at least 1 year of age or older.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist about over-the-counter medicines that can help you feel better. Always use over-the-counter medicines as directed.
What Are The Side Effects Of Amoxicillin
- Fungal infections, severe allergic responses, joint discomfort, or general malaise are all body symptoms, including numbness and discomfort.
- Nausea, sleep deprivation, vomiting, diarrhea, black hairy tongue, intestinal bleeding, hypersensitivity, antibiotic-associated colitis, skin redness, blood vessel inflammation, itching, severe blistering, skin inflammation, and peeling.
- Liver inflammation and jaundice.
- Blood anemia is characterized by a decrease in white blood cells and platelets and increased bruising and eosinophils.
- The central nervous system symptoms are reversible hyperactivity, agitation, anxiety, insomnia, disorientation, behavioral abnormalities, and dizziness.
- Other symptoms include tooth discoloration, heartburn, white spots or ulcers within the mouth or lips, and easy bruising and bleeding.
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What Is A Tonsillectomy And Why Might My Child Need One
A tonsillectomy is surgery to remove the tonsils. Your child might need it if he or she:
- Keeps getting tonsillitis
- Has bacterial tonsillitis that does not get better with antibiotics
- Has tonsils are too big, and are causing trouble breathing or swallowing
Your child usually gets the surgery and goes home later that day. Very young children and people who have complications may need to stay in the hospital overnight. It can take a week or two before your child completely recovers from the surgery.
When Should I See My Doctor About A Sore Throat
In general, you should see a healthcare provider if:
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You have a fever. You should see a healthcare provider if you have a sore throat and fever to make sure you dont have strep throat. This is especially important for children and teens.
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You think you could have COVID-19. Sore throat is a common symptom of COVID-19 illness.
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Your sore throat is getting worse. A sore throat from a virus should go away within a few days. It also shouldnt get worse over time. If your sore throat isnt getting better after 2 to 3 days you should see a healthcare provider even if home remedies are giving you temporary relief. You could have a sore throat for a different reason.
-
You have concerning symptoms. This includes neck swelling, trouble swallowing, voice changes, trouble speaking, or pain that makes it hard to move your neck.
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How Serious Is Tonsillitis In Adults
Tonsillitis isnt more serious in adults compared to children. But adults may have certain risk factors that can increase their chance of developing it. These risk factors might include:
- Age.People over the age of 65 are more vulnerable to infections of all kinds.
- Still having your tonsils.Youre more likely to get tonsillitis if you never had them removed.
- Having frequent contact with children.Parents, grandparents, teachers and others who work closely with children are more likely to get tonsillitis.
Adults are also more likely to develop peritonsillar abscesses as a result of tonsillitis.
What Is The Difference Between Strep Throat And Tonsillitis
The symptoms of strep throat and tonsillitis are same- sore throat, headache, fever and tiredness. Hence, people sometimes find it difficult to identify the two conditions.
Primarily, the difference between the two lies in the fact that tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils while strep throat is a bacterial infection in the throat. This can further spread to the tonsils, and ears.
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What Are The Treatment Options
Patients with symptoms of tonsillitis should see their primary care provider or an ENT specialist, or otolaryngologist. To determine whether a patient has a viral or bacterial infection, a doctor will typically swab the tonsils or pharynx . However, false negatives can occur with this test, so it is recommended that doctors obtain a throat culture in patients with negative rapid strep testing but who also show symptoms of streptococcal disease. Patients with a throat culture that is positive for GABHS, but without tonsillitis symptoms, are likely strep carriers.
Viral tonsillitis usually gets better without additional treatment. Hydration and pain control are important, and hospitalization may be required in severe cases, particularly when a patient becomes dehydrated or has an airway obstruction.
Bacterial tonsillitis is usually treated with antibiotics, which help GABHS tonsillitis get better faster, and prevent complications such as rheumatic fever. Common antibiotics used to treat tonsillitis include penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides, and clindamycin.
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Is Tonsillitis Contagious
Yes. The viruses and bacteria that cause tonsillitis are highly contagious. Theyre passed along by:
- Kissing or sharing utensils, food or drink.
- Coming into close contact with someone whos sick.
- Touching a contaminated surface and then touching your nose or mouth.
- Inhaling tiny particles that become airborne when a sick person sneezes or coughs.
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What Causes A Sore Throat
The medical term for a sore throat is pharyngitis. Pharyngitis can be caused by germs like viruses and bacteria. Viruses like the ones that cause the common cold are the most common cause of sore throat.
Some of these viruses include:
-
Throat injury
-
Vocal strain from singing or yelling too much
Antibiotics wont help with most of these causes. In fact, they only help when sore throats are caused by bacteria. Taking antibiotics for a sore throat that isnt caused by bacteria wont help you feel better. Taking unnecessary antibiotics also puts you at risk for side effects related to antibiotics and contributes to antibiotic resistance.
Several bacteria cause pharyngitis. But group A streptococcus is the most common, and its the most significant bacterial cause of sore throat. A sore throat from group A streptococcus is commonly called strep throat. People who have strep throat need to take antibiotics to prevent complications from group A strep infection. Strep throat is usually treated with the antibiotic amoxicillin.
What Will The Doctor Do
The doctor will ask you how you’ve been feeling and then look at your tonsils. He or she will probably use a wooden stick called a tongue depressor to help hold your tongue down to get a good look at what’s going on in there.
The doctor also might look into your nose and ears, listen to your chest, feel your neck, and look for other signs of infection. Bacteria and viruses both can cause tonsillitis. It’s important for your doctor to know if it’s caused by strep bacteria. If you have this kind of infection, known as strep throat, you need medicine to kill the strep bacteria.
To check for strep, the doctor will use a long cotton swab to swipe the back of your throat. This test, called a throat culture, doesn’t hurt but can feel a little weird. Your doctor may use the swab to do a test called a rapid strep test. Within minutes, this test will tell your doctor if there are any strep bacteria in your throat. If it’s positive, you have strep throat. If it’s negative, the doctor will send a sample to a lab for testing and get the result in a couple of days.
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Apa Yang Dimaksud Dengan Tonsilitis Kronik
Pada tonsilitis kronik, pasien mengeluh ada penghalang/ mengganjal di tenggorokan, tenggorokan terasa kering dan pernafasan berbau .
Apa penyebab tonsilitis kronis?
Tonsilitis dapat berkembang menjadi kronis karena kegagalan atau ketidakesuaian pemberian antibiotik pada penderita tonsilitis akut sehingga merubah struktur pada kripta tonsil, dan adanya infeksi virus menjadi faktor predisposisi bahkan faktor penyebab terjadinya tonsilitis kronis.
Apa itu faringitis dan tonsilitis?
Full text BAB I PENDAHULUAN Faringitis merupakan peradangan dinding faring yang dapat disebabkan oleh virus , bakteri , alergi, taruma, dan toksin, dan lain-lain. Jika dilihat dari struktur faring yang terletak berdekatan dengan tonsil, maka faringitis dan tonsilitis sering ditemukan bersamaan.
Talk With Your Doctor
If you have strep throat, your doctor will prescribe the antibiotic they think is most appropriate for you. In most cases, this would be penicillin or amoxicillin. However, some people are prescribed a Z-Pack or generic azithromycin.
If you have further questions about either medication, be sure to ask your doctor. Your questions might include:
- Is this the best drug to treat my strep throat?
- Am I allergic to penicillin or amoxicillin? If so, are there any other drugs I should avoid?
- What should I do if my throat still hurts after I finish my medication?
- What can I do to relieve my sore throat while I wait for the antibiotic to work?
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Immediately After A Tonsillectomy Operation
After the operation you can expect:
- When you wake up, you will be lying on your side this is to prevent choking if any bleeding occurs from the tonsil pad
- A sore throat
- Pain-relieving medication, if necessary
- The nursing staff will regularly check your pulse, blood pressure, breathing rate and your throat for any signs of bleeding
- For the first four hours after the operation, you will probably not be allowed to have any food or liquids
- You may find it difficult to eat or drink, but you will be encouraged to do so the more often you use your throat, the better
- You can expect a hospital stay of just one day or so.
