The tonsils help prevent infections in the body by filtering out bacteria and other microorganisms that enter through the mouth and nose. Tonsillitis occurs when a viral or bacterial infection overpowers the tonsils' fighting abilities, causing pain and inflammation. The remedies for tonsillitis focus on eliminating the infection and alleviating the symptoms through at-home care.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics can treat tonsillitis caused by bacteria. The doctor generally prescribes antibiotic therapy in the form of an injection or medication taken by mouth. Taking the antibiotics properly as prescribed not only helps clear up the infection, but also reduces the risk of infecting other people. The information website FamilyDoctor.org points out that the infection isn't considered contagious after about 24 hours of treatment. Tonsillitis symptoms usually improve two or three days after treatment starts, with the infection cured after the completion of antibiotic therapy. However, a severe infection sometimes requires more than one course of antibiotics.
Rest
Plenty of sleep during the infection encourages the body's natural healing process by strengthening the immune system. Resting the voice also assists in providing comfort from a sore throat or tender jaw that often accompanies tonsillitis, according to the National Institutes of Health Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia.
Adequate Fluids
Drinking plenty of fluids not only keeps the throat moist but prevents dehydration that occurs from a high fever.
Comforting Beverages
Drinking warm, soothing non-caffeinated liquids, such as soup, broth, or tea with honey and lemon, may soothe the irritated throat.
Comforting Foods
Warm, bland foods and cold treats like ice pops can comfort and soothe a sore throat.
Gargle Saltwater
Gargling with a warm salt water solution of one teaspoon of table salt into eight ounces of warm water and then spitting it out, provides relief towards an irritated sore throat, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Humidifier
Using a cool-mist humidifier moistens the air by eliminating the dry air and helps relieve a sore throat, according to the Mayo Clinic. Sitting in a steamy bathroom for several minutes helps in eliminating the dry air as well.
Lozenges
Medline Plus recommends soothing a sore throat by sucking on hard candy or lozenges that contain benzocaine or similar ingredients.
Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, reduce the pain and fever associated with tonsillitis. Avoid giving aspirin to children and teenagers because aspirin can cause a serious illness called Reye's syndrome when given to children under 18 years of age, according to FamilyDoctor.org.
