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Tonsillitis
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Tonsillitis Treatment
If the cause of the tonsillitis is bacteria such as strep, antibiotics are given to cure the infection. The antibiotics may be given as a one-time injection, or by a 10-day course of antibiotic pills.
If antibiotic pills are used, they must be taken for the full course. They must not be stopped just because the discomfort stops, or the infection will NOT be cured. Some health care providers will treat all tonsillitis with antibiotics to prevent the chance of strep-related complications. Others treat only known bacterial and strep infections to minimize the chance of reaction to the antibiotic.
Rest to allow the body to heal. Fluids, especially warm (not hot), bland fluids or very cold fluids may soothe the throat. Gargle with warm salt water or suck on lozenges (containing benzocaine or similar ingredients) to reduce pain.
Over-the-counter medications may be used to reduce pain and fever. Do NOT use aspirin in children if the infection could be viral, because this may be associated with Reye's syndrome.
Surgery to remove the tonsils (tonsillectomy) may be necessary for some people.
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Jump to another section
• Definition
• Tonsillitis Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Tonsillitis Symptoms & Signs
• Tonsillitis Prevention
• Tonsillitis Diagnosis & Tests
• Tonsillitis Treatment
• Tonsillitis Prognosis
• Tonsillitis Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Abscess
• Acute Kidney Failure
• Common Cold
• Dehydration
• Heart Disease
• Peritonsillar Abscess
• Pharyngitis
• Post-Streptococcal GN
• Reye's Syndrome
• Rheumatic Fever
Surgery & Procedures
• Tonsillectomy
Other Topics
• Fever
• Headache
• Hoarseness or Changing Voice
• Sore Throat
• Swallowing Difficulty
Review Date : 5/6/2003
Reviewed By : Jason Newman, M.D., Department of Otolaryngology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, Washington, DC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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