Tucked in the corner at the back of your throat is a vital part of your body — your tonsils, one on your right and the left. Their job is to help fight infections that want to enter your body and keep you from getting sick.
In some cases, these infection fighters can get infected, and when they do, you call it tonsilitis. Many people suffer from tonsillitis, and it’s quite common among children. Unfortunately, this sickness is contagious and if left untreated, the infection can lead to numerous complications.
What are Tonsils?
Your body needs help in fighting germs that come through your mouth and nose, especially ones that can infect your whole body. Tonsils do this job very well, but in some cases, the virus can get into the tonsils and infect them, compromising their functionality and increasing your risks of getting sick.
What Symptoms Tell Me I Have Tonsillitis?
The common tell-tale signs of tonsillitis are a painful throat, which hurts when you eat, drink or swallow, and is most often accompanied by a fever. Other signs that your tonsils may be infected are the following:
- Swollen or irritated tonsils;
- Yellow or white coating on tonsils;
- Swollen glands;
- Headache;
- Stomachache;
- Bad breath;
If you notice that you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s best to get urgent care immediately.
How Can My Doctor Help Me?
When you visit your doctor’s office due to throat pains and fever, the first thing your doctor will do after asking a few questions is to check your throat by using a wooden tongue depressor. Besides that, he’ll also take a good look into your nose and ears, listen to your chest, feel the glands around your neck, and check for other signs of infections.
Since bacteria and viruses can cause tonsillitis, your doctor needs to figure out what caused the infection so he can give you the right medication and treatment.
How Do You Treat Tonsillitis?
If your tonsillitis is caused by strep bacteria, your doctor will prescribe you antibiotics strong enough to kill the infection. When you take antibiotics, it’s important that you take them as directed and finish the entire prescription and treatment. Stopping in the middle of treatment because you feel better will make the situation worse and allow the infection to come back.
If a virus causes your tonsillitis, antibiotics won’t work, and your body will have to fight the virus on its own.
For some kids, removing their tonsils is the recommended treatment, especially when they get their tonsils infected a lot or if it’s too big, they’re having difficulty breathing at night.
How Do I Help Myself Feel Better?
- Up your fluids and drink plenty of water;
- Try eating smooth and soft foods if throat pain is persistent;
- Rest until you feel better;
- Wash your hands regularly.
The Bottom Line: If You Feel Like You Have Tonsillitis, Visit Your Doctor Right Away
Tonsillitis can be incredibly frustrating and painful. And besides the discomfort you feel in the throat, you’ll also have a fever, which could keep you in bed the whole day. For this reason, if you’re feeling any of the symptoms mentioned above, visit your doctor as soon as possible to get your tonsils treated immediately.
How Can Agile Urgent Care Help You?
If you’re dealing with emergencies that need urgent care, Agile Urgent Care is here for you. We offer full-service, walk-in medical services using state-of-the-art technology at affordable prices. We treat injuries or illnesses that need urgent medical treatment. Learn more about our services today!
