What to Take for Tonsillitis

When we talk about tonsillitis we are commonly referring to inflamed tonsils, which is simply the inflammation of the tonsils, the lymph nodes located at the back of the mouth, on both sides, and at the top of the throat.

Their usual function is to remove pathogenic agents such as bacteria and harmful microorganisms, but sometimes the attack of a virus or bacteria causes them to become inflamed.

If you have pain in this area, at Farmaciasdirect we explain what to take for tonsillitis.

What medicines to take for tonsillitis

If you have a sore throat and confirm that it is tonsillitis, these are your options for what to take for tonsillitis:

• Ibuprofen is a good painkillerto relieve tonsillitis symptoms such as a sore throat and fever. Aspirin is another option that also works very well, but only for adults, as it can cause complications in children. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and people with stomach problems should avoid ibuprofen, as should those with heart conditions.
• Paracetamol is also a good painkiller and is especially recommended in cases of fever because of its antipyretic effect. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid it as well, as should people with liver problems.
• We can also use throat lozenges. Some of them contain locally acting painkillers and antiseptics that numb the throat and help relieve inflammation and pain in the area. Those containing lidocaine, such as bucomax con lidocaína or angileptol, which also have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory action, are therefore particularly suitable. These lozenges should be avoided in children under 6 years old, as they can easily choke on them or an accident may occur. In addition, some lozenges contain benzocaine, which is not suitable for very young children.
• Medicines of this kind in spray form are also useful. Depending on their active ingredients, they may simply be anti-inflammatory, such as strefen spray, or they may also act as antiseptics. As they are applied directly to the throat, they also have a very targeted and fast effect.

Symptoms of tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is especially common in children, although it can also occur in adults and young people. It is common to confuse it with an ordinary sore throat, but to be sure it is best to look in a mirror and check whether the tonsils themselves are swollen and redor have pus on them.

In most cases, tonsillitis occurs because of a viral infection, although between 15% and 30% of cases are caused by a bacterial infection.

When it is a viral infection, the body naturally produces antibodies and fights it off without difficulty, in a process that usually lasts around a week.

If symptoms persist after a week, it could be a more serious condition such as mononucleosis, commonly known as the kissing disease because it is transmitted through saliva.

If the infection is bacterial, almost always caused by streptococci, it will be necessary to see a doctor and take antibiotics, making sure to complete the full course even if the symptoms disappear quickly, otherwise the infection could return.

When should I see a doctor?

If tonsillitis does not clear up naturally by itself within a few days, it is a good idea to see a specialist for treatment. These are the cases in which you should see a doctor:

• If your sore throat lasts for more than 2 days.
• If it hurts so much that it makes eating or drinking very difficult.
• If you have difficulty swallowing saliva or breathing.
• If you feel very weak or tired.
• If you have a fever that lasts more than 3 days, or if it goes away for more than 24 hours and then comes back again.
• If the person affected is a child.

What else to do in the case of tonsillitis

If you have tonsillitis, there are some things you can do in addition to taking medication to make the time until recovery more bearable. These are some general measures to follow:

• Drink plenty of fluids.Especially hot ones, such as soups, teas and broths, which can help reduce a sore throat. Herbal teas with ingredients such as pectin or honey can create a protective layer over the mucous membranes, which will help relieve irritation.
• Cold foods.While symptoms are acute, stick to soft foods that will not hurt your throat when swallowing or chewing. Cold will also help numb the area, so it is a good time to eat ice cream with the best excuse possible. Smoothies, slushies and cold water are also great options.
• Gargle with salt water.Just as it sounds: a quarter of a tablespoon per glass of hot water, stir it well and gargle with it for a few seconds. Young children should not do this.
• Increase the humidity.Homes often have very dry air and this can aggravate the throat. Use a humidifier to increase the humidity, at least in the room you are staying in.

Bibliography:

• Couloigner, V. (2010). Tonsillitis. EMC-Tratado de Medicina, 14(3), 1-7.
• Zaragoza, C. S. R., & Madrid, C. E. Streptococcal tonsillitis, to treat or not to treat, that is the question.