ear, nose, and throat disorders
Throat Infection
Treatment of Throat Infection
Pain relievers (analgesics) For strep throat, antibiotics Sometimes surgical removal of the tonsils Analgesics given by mouth, such asacetaminophenor nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), often help reduce pain in people with a throat infection. Gargling with warm salt water has often been recommended but has not been shown to help. Some doctors also give a single dose of a corticosteroid,dexamethasone, particularly if symptoms are severe;dexamethasonemay shorten the duration of symptoms. It may also help lessen airway blockage caused by mononucleosis. People with a strep infection are given an antibiotic, usually penicillin oramoxicillin. People who are allergic to penicillin may be givenclindamycin. People who have repeated streptococcal infections of their tonsils may need to have their tonsils removed (tonsillectomy), according to suggested guidelines. Typically, it ischildrenwho need tonsillectomy, including children who have had more than 6 infections in 1 year, more than 4 infections in each of 2 years, or more than 3 infections per year for 3 years. Doctors consider tonsillectomy if the child has an acute infection that is severe and persistent despite being treated with antibiotics, if the child has significant obstruction (including obstructive sleep disorder) or a recurrent peritonsillar abscess, or if they suspect cancer. Foradults,doctors do not use these specific criteria for when to do tonsillectomy. However, doctors may do tonsillectomy in adults who have severe bad breath due to tonsillar stones. For bothchildren and adults,doctors do allow for individual differences when deciding whether to recommend a tonsillectomy. There are numerous effective techniques for tonsillectomy. Doctors can use a scalpel or an electrocautery device, or they can destroy the tonsils using radio waves. Fewer than 2% of people, adults more than children, have bleeding complications resulting from a tonsillectomy. Bleeding typically occurs within 24 hours of surgery or after about 7 days. People who have bleeding after a tonsillectomy should go to a hospital. Partial tonsillectomyis sometimes done in patients with tonsillitis that causes some blockage in the throat. Part of the enlarged tonsil can be removed by shaving the tonsil using special scissors, or using other devices such as laser, radiofrequency, or electrocautery. It works as well as total tonsillectomy to relieve airway obstruction that is causing snoring and interruption of sleep. Tonsils do not usually grow back. 