How Is a Sore Throat From Tonsillitis Treated?
If the tonsillitis infection is bacterial like strep throat, then antibiotics are given. If the tonsillitis infection is viral, antibiotics will not help. The virus must run its course for the sore throat to resolve. For either type of throat infection, the following treatment measures may help: • Getting plenty of rest • Drinking lots of fluid • Eating smooth, soothing foods like gelatin, ice cream, shakes, frozen desserts, and soup • Avoiding crunchy or spicy foods • Using a vaporizer • Taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, naproxen, or ibuprofen. Children should NOT take aspirin. If antibiotics do not cure the bacterial tonsil infection, if the tonsillitis infections occur repeatedly, or if the tonsils are interfering with sleep and breathing, the doctor may recommend a tonsillectomy, which is the surgical removal of the tonsils.
