Information on Tonsillitis and Recurrent Strep Throat

By | November 9, 2008

Information on Tonsillitis


Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils, which are present at the back of your throat and tongue. There are different variations of tonsillitis from acute to chronic to recurrent. Swelling or inflammation of the tonsils is generally due to bacterial or viral infection and not due to talking. Recurrent tonsillitis means that you have several episodes of acute tonsillitis in a year. Talking however can pose excess stress on the already inflamed glands and vocal cords and can be one of the reasons for the tonsillitis to recur in your case. In such situations it is very important to treat an episode of tonsillitis completely. Pain and other symptoms of tonsillitis like mild fever, sore throat, foul breath, difficulty swallowing, snoring, and airway obstruction and breathing orally or sleep apnea may usually resolve in 3 to 4 days. The infection however may last up to 2 weeks despite of the medical therapy. So taking care and providing adequate rest to your swollen glands is very important. Try not to talk or at the very least take less or minimal calls for 3-4 days. After a few days when your symptoms subside you may start attending calls gradually but make sure to continue your medications. If you don’t complete your medical course (assuming that you are well now) then you may get a relapse of tonsillitis again.

Strep Throat Treatment


Keeping your hydration level optimal is essential. Drink a lot of water (preferably lukewarm water) as this will not only prevent bad breath but also keep you well hydrated. Drinking water becomes extremely important in your case as talking may dry your mouth and irritate the swollen glands further. At work you can sip a cup of warm coffee or tea or the best option if available is hot chicken broth. Warm water gargles with salt added when done thrice a day will help to ease all your symptoms. If you have a congested nose then a steam inhalation will help if done at least once at night before going to bed. Good oral hygiene is also essential so make sure to brush your teeth twice daily, once in the morning and once before going to bed, and rinse your mouth after you eat anything. Avoid eating sour foods like sour yoghurt or butter milk, spicy foods, acidic drinks, cold foods and oily foods for few days when you get the infection.

If your infection recurs or if you have difficulty in swallowing, talking or breathing then consult a specialist for medical assistance.