Tonsillitis Treatment

Tonsillitis is an infection that can be caused by a bacterial infection or a viral infection, but never fear because tonsilitis treatment is available. It causes sore throat, swollen glands, flu-like symptoms, headache, trouble swallowing, vomiting and loss of appetite. Fever is another common side effect of tonsillitis. You can learn about tonsillitis treatment at home and with a doctor's care in order to make sure you head off any more serious symptoms. Here are a few common tonsillitis treatment methods.

Things you'll need:

• Aspirin
• Fluids
• Salt water

1. See a doctor. While this article has home remedies that can help, they should never be used as a cure instead of a doctor's care. If your tonsillitis lasts more than a few days, see a doctor to determine a course of action. A bacterial infection cannot be cured at home and can cause strep throat so make sure you know which type of tonsillitis you have.
2. Gargle with saltwater. Salt is a natural isotonic and is not as harsh on the membranes. However, some believe that salt has antibacterial properties that can help even further. Regardless of which you believe, gargling with saltwater can help ease your throat and may even help with healing. Table salt will work fine but if you have marine salt it seems to work even better. Many people who own saltwater fish tanks will have marine salt in their home or business. It's finer and has a powder consistency that dissolves easier in water.
3. Drink plenty of fluids. You hear this all the time as a helpful hint for illnesses but it's true. A dehydrated body cannot heal as fast and only hurts the immune system. Have plenty of clear liquids around that hydrates such as juice or soup. It doesn't matter if it's a cold liquid or hot; whichever one feels better to your throat is fine to use.
4. Take an aspirin. Aspirin will help with the pain from your throat being sore. You can give children acetaminophen instead because anyone under the age of 20 should not take aspirin due to Reye's Syndrome.
5. Take antibiotics. If you have seen the doctor and he prescribes antibiotics then be sure to take the full course and not stop just because you are feeling better. Follow his instructions to the letter so that you can get better as soon as possible.

By following this list of tonsillitis treatment, hopefully you'll be back to yourself and feeling fine in no time at all. Always seek a doctor's advice first but the home remedies combined with a doctor's care can double your chances of getting well.