Read up on Tonsillitis treatment options at Consumer Reports Health.

Tonsillitis

Key points about treatments

You won't usually need any treatment for tonsillitis. Your body will fight off the infection. Rest, drinking plenty of fluids and taking painkillers may help you feel better while this happens.

If you get repeated attacks of tonsillitis you may want to think about having your tonsils removed.

Taking painkillers such as acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen should help you feel better. But don't give aspirin to children under 16.
Doctors sometimes prescribe

antibiotics
These medications are used to help your immune system fight infection. There are a number of different types of antibiotics that work in different ways to get rid of bacteria, parasites and other infectious agents. Antibiotics do not work against viruses.

antibiotics for tonsillitis if the infection is caused by

bacteria
Bacteria are tiny organisms. There are lots of different types. Some are harmful and can cause disease. But some bacteria live in your body without causing any harm.

bacteria. But antibiotics have side effects.
Antibiotics don't work against

viruses
Viruses are microbes (tiny organisms) that need the cells of humans or other animals to exist. They use the machinery of cells to reproduce. Then they spread to other cells in the body.

viruses, which are a common cause of tonsillitis.
Children who have their tonsils out may get fewer throat infections in the short term. But this benefit may not last.
There haven't been any good studies on whether adults benefit from having their tonsils out.

This information was last updated on Jul 01, 2008

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
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