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Do Recurring Tonsillitis Require Surgery?
Question: I have tonsillitis. this is the second time this year, I keep getting them should I get it removed? and what are the remedies that I should take without antibiotics?
Brief Answer:
Tonsillitis management
Detailed Answer:
Hi,thank you for posting your query on HelathcareMagic.
I have gone through your query and understood your concern.
Following would be the indication for Tonsillectomy(Tonsil Removal Surgery)
1.)Recurrent attacks of tonsillitis
More than 7 times a year for one year or
More than 5 times a year for 2 years or
More than 3 times a year for 3 years.
In these episodes,there should be one or more of the following symptoms:
temperature >38.3 °C, cervical adenopathy, tonsillar exudates, or positive test for Group A Beta- hemolytic streptococci.(a bacteria)
2.)Enlarged tonsil causing obstructive symptoms
Difficulty in respiration
Diffuculty in swallowing
Difficulty in speaking.
3.)Peritonsillar abscess (Pus Collection around the Tonsil)
In adults tonsillectomy is done after the second attack of peritonsillar abscess.
4.)Suspicion of Malignancy
By abnormal surface,or bleeding tonsil ,etc.
So,looking at your symptoms,it would be advisable to not go for a tonsillectomy and take preventive measures.
For the management of tonsillitis,you may find relief by taking the following measures:
Analgesic with Antiinflammatory like Ibuprofen,
Antacid like Rantac,
Warm Saline Gargles.
Drinking lots of warm fluids.
Antibiotic will be needed if you are suffering from temperature >38.3 °C, neck lymph gland enlargement ,or pus on the surface of tonsils.
Avoid dust,smoking,
Avoid cold,spicy and oily food.
Drinking warm turmeric milk daily,will also help you.
Also check whether you are suffering from any nose problem like Nasal Allergy:
then you may find relief by taking Antihistaminics like Cetrizine.
Hope this answers your question.
Take care.
Tonsillitis management
Detailed Answer:
Hi,thank you for posting your query on HelathcareMagic.
I have gone through your query and understood your concern.
Following would be the indication for Tonsillectomy(Tonsil Removal Surgery)
1.)Recurrent attacks of tonsillitis
More than 7 times a year for one year or
More than 5 times a year for 2 years or
More than 3 times a year for 3 years.
In these episodes,there should be one or more of the following symptoms:
temperature >38.3 °C, cervical adenopathy, tonsillar exudates, or positive test for Group A Beta- hemolytic streptococci.(a bacteria)
2.)Enlarged tonsil causing obstructive symptoms
Difficulty in respiration
Diffuculty in swallowing
Difficulty in speaking.
3.)Peritonsillar abscess (Pus Collection around the Tonsil)
In adults tonsillectomy is done after the second attack of peritonsillar abscess.
4.)Suspicion of Malignancy
By abnormal surface,or bleeding tonsil ,etc.
So,looking at your symptoms,it would be advisable to not go for a tonsillectomy and take preventive measures.
For the management of tonsillitis,you may find relief by taking the following measures:
Analgesic with Antiinflammatory like Ibuprofen,
Antacid like Rantac,
Warm Saline Gargles.
Drinking lots of warm fluids.
Antibiotic will be needed if you are suffering from temperature >38.3 °C, neck lymph gland enlargement ,or pus on the surface of tonsils.
Avoid dust,smoking,
Avoid cold,spicy and oily food.
Drinking warm turmeric milk daily,will also help you.
Also check whether you are suffering from any nose problem like Nasal Allergy:
then you may find relief by taking Antihistaminics like Cetrizine.
Hope this answers your question.
Take care.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
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