Tonsillitis treatment in Patna

Tonsillitis is inflammation or infection of the tonsils, the two oval-shaped tissues located at the back of the throat. It is commonly caused by viruses, but bacterial infections such as Group A Streptococcus can also cause tonsillitis. It may occur at any age but is particularly common in children and young adults.

Common symptoms of tonsillitis include: * Sore throat and throat pain * Difficulty or pain while swallowing * Red, swollen tonsils * White or yellow patches on the tonsils * Fever and chills * Swollen or tender neck glands * Bad breath * Headache and body ache * Hoarseness or changes in voice * In children, poor appetite, irritability or excessive drooling may occur

Tonsillitis is most often caused by viral infections or bacterial infections. Common causes: * Viral infections such as common cold and influenza * Streptococcal throat infection * Other bacterial infections Risk factors: * Frequent exposure to respiratory infections * Close contact with an infected person * School or daycare exposure in children * Reduced immunity * Recurrent throat infections

Diagnosis usually involves examination of the throat and tonsils. Depending on the symptoms, your doctor may recommend a rapid strep test, throat swab/culture, or other investigations to determine whether the infection is bacterial.

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of tonsillitis. Mild cases may improve with rest, adequate fluids, warm salt-water gargles and appropriate pain/fever medicines. If a bacterial infection is suspected or confirmed, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Recurrent or severe tonsillitis may require further evaluation and, in selected patients, tonsillectomy (surgical removal of the tonsils).

Consult an ENT specialist if tonsillitis is severe, keeps recurring, does not improve with treatment, or causes difficulty swallowing or breathing. Urgent medical evaluation is needed for breathing difficulty, inability to swallow saliva, severe dehydration, significant neck swelling, or suspected complications such as a peritonsillar abscess.