Health encyclopaedia

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Treatment of Tonsillitis

Most sore throats are caused by viruses, and do not respond to antibiotics. They will usually go away on their own, but paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken to ease some of the symptoms. Gargles using aspirin or salt water may also be helpful.

Tonsillitis caused by streptococcal bacteria responds well to antibiotic treatment, clearing the infection more quickly than without treatment.

Severe or complicated tonsillitis that keeps on coming back may justify the removal of the tonsils, an operation known as tonsillectomy. Tonsillectomy is always done under a general anaesthetic. It done less often than it used to be: there are risks associated with surgery (excessive bleeding, effects of anaethesia); diptheria and other conditions that cause tonsillitis are less common; and recent research suggests that the tonsils may help in fighting infections.

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