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Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis

Sore Throat That Won’t Go Away? It Could Be Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis causes painful inflammation of the tonsils, often making it hard to swallow or speak. At ENT Sinus Center of Orlando, we diagnose and treat both acute and chronic tonsillitis in children and adults — including when a tonsillectomy may be needed.

  • Tonsillitis is an infection or inflammation of the tonsils — two oval-shaped tissues at the back of the throat that help fight infection. When the tonsils become inflamed, they can cause sore throat, swollen glands, and difficulty swallowing.

    Tonsillitis can be acute (sudden and short-term) or chronic (recurrent and long-lasting).

  • ● Sore throat (often severe)● Difficulty swallowing or painful swallowing● Red, swollen tonsils (sometimes with white patches)● Swollen lymph nodes in the neck● Fever and chills● Bad breath● Hoarseness or muffled voice● Ear pain (referred from the throat)
    In children: irritability, drooling, or refusal to eat may also occur.

  • ● Viruses (like the common cold, influenza, or Epstein-Barr)● Bacterial infections, most commonly Group A Streptococcus (strep throat)
    Recurrent tonsillitis may also be caused by:● Poor immune response● Enlarged tonsils trapping bacteria● Allergic or environmental triggers

  • Our ENT specialists perform a physical exam and may use:● Throat swab to check for strep bacteria● Rapid strep test or throat culture● Examination of the ears and nasal passages
    If chronic or frequent episodes are occurring, further evaluation may be needed.

  • For Acute Tonsillitis:● Rest, fluids, and pain relievers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)● Antibiotics if the infection is bacterial● Salt water gargles or throat lozenges for symptom relief
    For Chronic or Recurrent Tonsillitis:● If tonsillitis occurs 5 or more times a year, you may be a candidate for a tonsillectomy — a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils.

  • You may be a good candidate for tonsil removal if:● You have frequent or severe episodes of tonsillitis● You’ve had abscesses or complications from tonsil infections● Your tonsils are enlarged, causing snoring or sleep apnea● Infections are not responding well to antibiotics
    Tonsillectomy is a safe, outpatient procedure with a high success rate.

Next Steps

Recurring sore throats and difficulty swallowing shouldn’t be a way of life. Book a consultation at ENT Sinus Center of Orlando and find out if tonsillitis treatment or tonsillectomy is right for you or your child.

(407) 937-1031Request an Appointment

Created by DearDoc

Ear, Nose, Throat & Sinus Center of Orlando, P.a. All Rights Reserved

Created by DearDoc

Ear, Nose, Throat & Sinus Center of Orlando, P.a. All Rights Reserved