Tonsillitis Specialist

SLENT Our Services Tonsillitis

SLENT

Otolaryngology & Allergy Testing & Immunotherapy Clinic located in Mandeville, Hammond, & Slidell, LA

Inflammation of your tonsils, or tonsillitis, is common in children and usually goes away with treatment from experts such as those at SLENT with offices in Mandeville, Metairie, Slidell, and Hammond, Louisiana. If you or your child has an acute case or episodes that are persistent and chronic, the doctors offer treatment to resolve the viral or bacterial infection causing the condition. Call one of the offices or schedule an appointment to talk about treatment options for tonsillitis today.

Tonsillitis Q & A

What is tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the pharyngeal tonsils, which are lymph glands located at the back of the throat. Usually, the inflammation occurs suddenly as a result of a bacterial or viral infection.

What are the symptoms of tonsillitis?

Fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes are common symptoms of tonsillitis.

For people with acute tonsillitis, the following may also occur:

  • Bad breath
  • Difficulty swallowing or painful swallowing
  • Dehydration
  • Mouth breathing, snoring, and sleep apnea
  • Tiredness and malaise
  • White patches or redness of the tonsils

If you develop a fine red rash over the body, too, it’s possible that scarlet fever has set in.

Symptoms of acute tonsillitis usually clear up in three to four days, but can last as long as two weeks. If your symptoms resolve with antibiotic therapy only to return shortly after, you have recurrent acute tonsillitis.

Chronic tonsillitis is accompanied by a long-lasting sore throat, bad breath, debris on the tonsils, and persistently sore and tender lymph nodes.

What is a peritonsillar abscess?

A severe case of tonsillitis in which an abscess forms around the tonsils can occur in teens and adults and on occasion in children. Symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Severe sore throat pain
  • Drooling
  • Difficulty opening the mouth (called trismus)
  • Muffled voice quality
  • One tonsil may appear larger than the other

If you suspect peritonsillar abscess, the team at SLENT may recommend surgery to drain the pus in the abscess.

What are the treatments for tonsillitis?

Viral tonsillitis usually gets better on its own, but you benefit from palliative therapies such as hydration and pain control with over-the-counter medications. Bacterial tonsillitis usually resolves with antibiotics.

In some cases, a tonsillectomy – surgery to remove the tonsils – is recommended. The team at SLENT usually suggests removal of the tonsils if a child has had:

  • Seven (or more) episodes of tonsillitis in a year
  • Five episodes a year for two years straight
  • Three episodes per year for three consecutive years

The doctors discuss your options and treatment plan with you to determine the best course for your or your child’s long-term health.

To have a sore throat evaluated and treated, call SLENT or book an appointment using the online tool.

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