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Tonsillitis Medical and Surgical Treatment
Because most sore throats are caused by viruses, antibiotics are not routinely needed. However, penicillin is the most commonly prescribed class of antibiotics.
Throat pain and fever may be improved with medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
It is also important to drink plenty of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated.
Gargling with warm salt water (8 ounces of warm water mixed with 1 teaspoon salt) will ease sore throat pain. Gargle several times a day.
Occasionally, abscesses may develop that require needle aspiration or incision and drainage to help the infection heal and to reduce throat blockage or obstruction. If patients experience six or more infections in one year, some clinicians recommend surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy). An ENT specialist is frequently consulted for treatment of the patients.
Joseph Lauro, MD
Erik D Barton, MD, MS
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