All too often people have nagging medical issues that they
feel aren't serious enough to call the doctor. Sore throats often fall in this
category. It's easy to pass off a sore throat as the symptom of a cold or just "something
I get every winter." How do you know when a sore throat is more than just a
sore throat?
Let's learn more about a few signs that your sore throat
could be something more serious like tonsillitis; when that tonsillitis might
warrant having your tonsils removed and how to recover after a tonsillectomy.
Is it just a sore
throat or is it tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils caused by a
viral or bacterial infection. Tonsillitis in and of itself is not contagious
but the illness causing the inflamed tonsils is. Common infections that cause tonsillitis
are strep throat, influenza and mono (Epstein-Barr virus). However, not everyone
with those illnesses will develop tonsillitis.
If you are experiencing two or more of these symptoms for
more than 24 hours, it’s time to call the doctor:
- Difficult or painful swallowing
- Fever
- Enlarged and tender glands in the neck
- Bad breath
- Visibly red and swollen tonsils
- White or yellow patches on the tonsils
- A scratchy or “lost” voice
- A stiff neck
If I have
tonsillitis do I have to have my tonsils removed?
Tonsillitis is actually a very common issue and does not
require a tonsillectomy in most cases. The tonsillitis itself is treated by
treating the illness that is causing it. For example, if your tonsillitis is
caused by strep throat – a bacterial infection – your doctor will prescribe an
antibiotic and plenty of rest. However, if you are experiencing frequent bouts
of strep throat or other viruses that are causing repeated cases of
tonsillitis, your doctor will likely recommend a tonsillectomy.
Sore throats aren't
the only reason for a tonsillectomy.
Sometimes a doctor may recommend a tonsillectomy even if
you don’t have frequent viruses affecting your throat. For example, enlarged
tonsils can cause breathing issues and affect the quality of your sleep.
Learn more about common reasons for a tonsillectomy:
How to recover from a tonsillectomy
Adults often have a harder time recovering from a
tonsillectomy than children. However, regardless of the cause of the
tonsillectomy or the age of the patient, the recommendations for a strong
recovery are the same:
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- Manage the pain: Take the prescribed pain
medications as they are prescribed so that you stay ahead of the pain. If the
pain becomes unbearable, call your doctor and ask for more different pain
medications. Adults tend to have a more painful recovery and it is important to
follow your doctor’s instructions regarding all pain medications.
- Stay hydrated: One of the reasons you don’t want
to let your throat pain become unbearable is that you need to be able to swallow
liquids so that your body is hydrated and can work on healing. Popsicles or
slushy drinks are a good way to get liquid into your body because their
coolness feels good on your sore throat.
- Stick with soft foods: puddings, ice cream,
jello, soups and other soft foods are easier to swallow and will not aggravate
the healing process. The sooner you eat and chew, the faster you will recover.
- Get plenty of rest: Expect to take 7-10 days of
recovery time before you return to normal activities. You may need more time
before returning to athletics, exercise or other vigorous activities. You
should discuss acceptable activity levels with your doctor.
Concerned about your tonsils or persistent sore throats?
Logansport Memorial has a specially trained ear, nose & throat (ENT)
physician on staff.
Learn more and schedule an appointment.
Photo credits: COM SALUD, shared via CC by 2.0 | Aunti Khaki, shared via CC by 2.0
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