HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Swollen Tonsils

default
Posted on Wed, 28 Oct 2015
Question: Hi, i believe I have tonsilitus as my left tonsil is swollen. It is swollen to the point that it is touching my uvula

what should I do here? home remedies, over the counter meds? which ones?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (22 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
your doctor may prescribe antibiotics

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

in tonsilitis bilateral swelling is expected. If only one tonsil is swollen then perhaps further investigation might be needed (if an infection is present, like in your case, then an abscess could cause tonsil protrusion, if no infection then investigation for lymphoma might be required).

Your doctor should examine you and based on the presence of swollen lymph nodes, your temperature, the presence of cough (and/or runny nose and congestion) and signs from clinical examination of your pharynx will decide whether antibiotics are needed or not.

A strep-test or throat culture would be equally helpful to determine the cause of your problem.

Tylenol is a good choice for the pain. If it's not adequate then a NSAID can be used but it's not recommended unless the pain is unbearable.

I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.

Kind Regards!
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3809 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Treatment For Swollen Tonsils

Brief Answer: your doctor may prescribe antibiotics Detailed Answer: Hello, in tonsilitis bilateral swelling is expected. If only one tonsil is swollen then perhaps further investigation might be needed (if an infection is present, like in your case, then an abscess could cause tonsil protrusion, if no infection then investigation for lymphoma might be required). Your doctor should examine you and based on the presence of swollen lymph nodes, your temperature, the presence of cough (and/or runny nose and congestion) and signs from clinical examination of your pharynx will decide whether antibiotics are needed or not. A strep-test or throat culture would be equally helpful to determine the cause of your problem. Tylenol is a good choice for the pain. If it's not adequate then a NSAID can be used but it's not recommended unless the pain is unbearable. I hope you find my comments helpful! You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information. Kind Regards!