1. Let It Run Its Course
Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the throat glands, causing a severe sore throat. You may also see white patches on the tonsils themselves, which will be swollen and red. In times past, most children had their tonsils removed to prevent future attacks, but today such treatment is frowned upon. Tonsillitis is usually caused by a virus and just needs to run its course. However, for recurrent episodes, your doctor still may advise that you have your tonsils surgically removed.
2. Self-Care Is the Most Practical Option
Home self-care for tonsillitis is similar to that of any other upper respiratory ailment. Get rest, drink plenty of clear fluids to stay hydrated and suck on throat lozenges to soothe a sore throat. Over-the-counter throat sprays or syrups containing lidocaine will numb the pain. Warm liquids such as tea and soup help, as do cold treats like Popsicles. To reduce fever and pain, nonprescription medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen will help control fever and sore throat pain that accompany tonsillitis. People aged 19 or younger should not take aspirin, however, because of the risk of developing Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease.
3. Take Antibiotics for Bacterial Tonsillitis
Sometimes tonsillitis is caused by streptococcal bacteria (as in the case of strep throat). If your physician determines this is its cause, she will give you a course of antibiotics. You should take the full amount given, even if you feel better after one or two doses. Penicillin is commonly used, but for those allergic to penicillin, erythromycin is often prescribed instead.
4. Surgery Is Still an Option
Some children (and adults) get recurrent tonsillitis that interferes with their daily lives. Being sick all the time is no fun, and your child can have serious complications that don't respond to conventional treatments. These include swollen tonsils that interfere with breathing and abscesses in the tonsils themselves. In these cases, your doctor may recommend surgery to have the tonsils removed. It's rare that adults need their tonsils removed.
