When you experience a sore throat, it may be one of several different issues. Those who have continued issues with sore throats may be diagnosed with a condition known as tonsillitis. Dr. Payam Daneshrad of the Daneshrad Clinic can evaluate you to give you a proper diagnosis of your condition and discuss effective treatment options.
What is tonsillitis, and how is it treated?
Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, the small lumps of tissue located at the back of your throat. It can cause a sore throat and difficulty swallowing, as well as swollen lymph nodes in your neck.
What causes tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is most commonly caused by an infection with a virus or bacteria, though it can also be due to other factors like allergies and irritants.
How can tonsillitis be treated?
The main treatment for tonsillitis involves relieving symptoms while you wait for the body to clear out the infection on its own. Common treatments include resting, drinking plenty of fluids, taking pain medications to relieve throat pain, using a humidifier to ease breathing if you have trouble breathing through your nose, gargling salt water to soothe an irritated throat, and using over-the-counter lozenges to ease the pain.
In cases of bacterial tonsillitis, antibiotics may be recommended to fight the infection. However, antibiotics are not always effective in treating viral infections and can cause side effects in some people.
What are the signs and symptoms of tonsillitis?
Some of the symptoms or complications from tonsillitis include:
- Persistent bleeding
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Fever higher than 103 degrees
- Swelling around your jaw or neck
- Drooling saliva due to swollen glands near the back of the tongue
If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately for proper treatment.
Obtain a proper diagnosis and discuss your treatment solutions at the Daneshrad Clinic
There are many different options for treating tonsillitis, depending on the cause and severity of your symptoms. If you are experiencing any concerning symptoms or have questions about your treatment options, be sure to speak with a professional about your issues. Call Dr. Payam Daneshrad at 310-453-6500 to request an appointment at either of his office locations in Santa Monica or Torrance, CA.