1. Tonsil Removal
One of the only permanent ways to cure chronic tonsillitis is to have the tonsils removed. The procedure, known as a tonsillectomy, can be performed if the individual meets the following criteria: has five or more episodes of tonsillitis in one year, has three or more episodes each year for two years or has tonsillitis infections that do not respond to traditional treatment like antibiotics.
A tonsillectomy involves the removal of one or both of the tonsils. Even though it is a very common procedure, it does involve a very difficult post-operative recovery, which can last for two weeks or more. Pain, bleeding and the effects of the general anesthesia are some of the primary and uncomfortable side effects and risks of having a tonsillectomy.
2. Antibiotics for Bacterial Tonsillitis
If the chronic tonsillitis is to due to a bacterial infection, then antibiotics can be prescribed to stop the infection and speed up recovery. Unfortunately, studies have shown that antibiotics do not offer complete palliation of having a sore throat, which is a common symptom of chronic tonsillitis. If the tonsillitis is caused by a viral infection, an antibiotic will have no effect on reducing pain or stopping the spread of the infection. A viral infection will simply have to run its course.
3. Shrinking the Tonsils
In 2000, the Federal Food and Drug Administration approved a procedure as an alternative to a tonsillectomy, which removes the tonsils entirely. This new technique, called somnoplasty, instead shrinks the tonsils by using tiny needle electrodes, which are inserted into the tonsils. The needles emit an energy wave, which burns away the tonsil tissues and kills cells. The tonsils then start to shrink and minimize all on their own.
This procedure does not carry with it many of the debilitating side effects that a tonsillectomy does. It takes about one hour to perform and can be done with a local anesthetic. It has shown to reduce bleeding and the post operative pain that is a likely consequence of a traditional tonsillectomy.
If you feel that you might be a candidate for this procedure, speak with your doctor.
4. Natural Treatments
Many natural health practitioners are against the removal of the tonsils because of these glands' important role in the proper functioning of the lymphatic system.
If you would prefer to cure your chronic tonsillitis using natural remedies, some holistic health practitioners recommend boiling milk with a pinch of the herb turmeric and drinking this mixture once a day before going to bed until the symptoms start to abate.
Some natural health professionals recommend gargling sage or tea tree oil steeped in hot water and then cooled water. Echinacea, garlic and golden seal herbal extracts and Phytolacca, an herbal tincture, can also be made into gargle solutions. Gargling should be done every two hours.
Drinking teas made of Echinacea or simply making a tea of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar with boiled filtered water are two additional natural remedies for curing chronic tonsillitis.
