Best ENT Doctor in Orange County
When the tonsils get inflamed, this is referred to as tonsillitis.
The tonsils are located in the throat toward the back. They look like pads with an oval shape. When inflammation happens, it can cause a lot of discomfort. While children most often experience this, it is possible in people of all ages.
The best ENT doctor in Orange County can help you to determine what is needed to treat this condition.
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Causes
Several common viruses can result in tonsillitis. However, it is also possible for a bacterial infection to be the underlying cause. When bacteria are the cause, it is usually due to the Streptococcus pyogenes type of bacteria. This bacterium also causes strep throat.
The immune system is generally pretty good at preventing infection in the mouth and throat. However, due to the high levels of bacteria and other microorganisms in this area of the body, it is vulnerable to inflammation and infection. The risk factors for tonsillitis include frequent exposure to germs and being between the ages of five to 15.
Symptoms
If you experience the symptoms of tonsillitis, it is important to promptly make an appointment with the best ENT doctor in Orange County. The symptoms may include:
- Swollen and red tonsils
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Your voice is muffled, scratchy or throaty
- Stomachache
- On the tonsils, there might be a yellow or white coating
- The lymph nodes in the neck become tender or enlarged
- Bad breath
- Headache
- Stiff neck
Diagnosis
A physical examination is typically used first to diagnose this condition. This can include:
- Exploring the nose, ears and throat to look for signs of infection
- Feeling the neck to see if any lymph nodes are enlarged
- Looking for a scarlatina rash
- Listening to the patient’s breathing
- Checking to see if the spleen is enlarged
To get a culture of what might be causing the infection, a throat swab is commonly used. A complete blood count might also be done. Both of these can help to determine if the cause is due to a virus or bacteria.
Treatment of Tonsillitis
Once a diagnosis has been made, the best ENT doctor in Orange County will help you to develop an appropriate treatment plan. If it is determined that bacteria are present, antibiotics are generally prescribed. One of the most common is penicillin. This is typically given for about 10 days. If the patient has an allergy to penicillin, there are alternative drugs that can be considered.
At home, there are several ways to help make the patient more comfortable while they are recovering:
- Rest
- Warm liquids and cold, soft foods
- Humidify the air
- Avoid irritants
- Treat fever and pain
- Get sufficient fluids
- Saltwater gargle
- Lozenges for a sore throat
In more severe cases or for patients who have recurrent tonsillitis, surgery might be recommended. For this procedure, the tonsils are removed.
Due to the issues that can occur with tonsillitis, if you or your child has symptoms, you should visit the best ENT doctor in Orange County for a thorough evaluation.
