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Why Do I Get Repeated Tonsillitis?

Updated: Jun 23, 2023

Tonsils are a collection of protective immune cells of the body located at the back of the throat. They increase in size when fighting active infection. However, they sometimes enlarge so much that they start causing difficulty and symptoms. Infection inside the tonsils is called “tonsillitis”. It is a common disease process affecting young children and many adults.


What Causes Tonsillar Infection?

One can always try to train one’s brain to ignore some sounds around us. We do it with the fan sound or the AC humming. So, it’s possible to learn to ignore the snores. Try the following

  • Most common viral infections

  • Bacterial infection, especially Group A beta haemolytic streptococci

  • Infectious mononucleosis (Mono)

  • Diphtheria (rarely)

A ENT Doctor examining the tonsil of kid

What are the symptoms of Tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis may cause symptoms such as

  • Pain in throat

  • Fever which may be a high grade above 100°F

  • Swollen pus-filled tonsils

  • Difficulty in eating and swallowing

  • Lumps on the sides of the neck

  • Dry or productive cough

  • Referred pain in the ear

  • Foul smell from mouth

Throat infection of human

What can you do?

  • Rest is essential to allow speedy recovery.

  • Warm fluids to soothe the throat

  • Over-the-counter painkillers take paracetamol or ibuprofen (Avoid aspirin in young children as it may cause severe drug reactions)

  • Warm salt water gargles

  • Lozenges to ease cough and soothe the throat


When should you see your Specialist?

  • Severe difficulty in eating or drinking

  • Failure to improve in 3-4 days

  • Worsening symptoms

  • Difficulty in talking

  • Difficulty in mouth opening

ENT doctor examining the throat of a girl

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