Which antibiotics are prescribed for tonsillitis

I have taken several antibiotics that my doctor gave me. My throat is fine know it's not red and swollen but it still hurts a lot. I have problems talking Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.

For details see our conditions. This article is for Medical Professionals. Epidemiology It is a very common condition, most frequent in children aged years and young adults between 15 and 25 years. A GP with a list of 2, can expect to see around cases of sore throat a year with considerable seasonal variation - see the separate Sore Throat article [ 1 ].

Risk factors These include immune deficiency and a family history of tonsillitis or atopy. Referral criteria [ 3 ] Arrange hospital admission, with urgency determined by clinical judgement, for anyone with: Breathing difficulty. Clinical dehydration. Peritonsillar abscess or cellulitis, parapharyngeal abscess, retropharyngeal abscess, or Lemierre's syndrome as there is a risk of airway compromise or rupture of the abscess. Signs of marked systemic illness or sepsis.

A suspected rare cause such as Kawasaki disease, diphtheria, or yersinial pharyngitis. NICE has recommended that for people with severe recurrent tonsillitis a frequency of more than seven episodes per year for one year, five per year for two years, or three per year for three years, and for whom there is no other explanation for the recurrent symptoms , referral to an ear, nose, and throat specialist is advised as there may be a benefit from tonsillectomy in this group..

Are you protected against flu? If it is not improving, it is getting worse, or the symptoms are so severe that the individual is not able to eat or drink as necessary, it is a good idea to see a doctor.

As most cases of tonsillitis in adults, as with children, are due to viruses, rest and self-care at home are usually the only treatments necessary. Commonly recommended self-care practices include:. However, if testing reveals that tonsillitis is due to a bacterial infection, a doctor may prescribe antibiotic therapy. In situations where it is not clear whether bacteria are the cause, some doctors recommend a strategy of delayed antibiotics, with individuals taking medication if they meet certain criteria.

Penicillin and amoxicillin are the antibiotics that doctors prescribe most often to adults with bacterial tonsillitis.

People who are allergic to penicillin antibiotics will receive a suitable substitute. Using antibiotics, when appropriate, can shorten the duration of symptoms and reduce the risks of complications, such as rheumatic fever.

Various home remedies are available to help adults take care of themselves during a bout of tonsillitis. People can try:. Most cases of tonsillitis in adults resolve within a week, but for some people, the inflammation and discomfort last much longer. Some people also experience frequently recurring bouts of tonsillitis. A doctor may recommend that a person undergo the removal of their tonsils, called a tonsillectomy, if they have :. Therefore, if someone seems to be more prone to infections instead, removal may be the best option.

Pain is common after a tonsillectomy. Sore Throat Symptom Evaluation Sore throat is a common symptom that usually affects people during a weather change.

Tonsillectomy - Animation Multimedia flash depicting the surgical procedure of Tonsillectomy done through the dissection method. Cold Sores Herpes labialis presents as a blister or cluster of small blisters that appear at the corner or edge of the lips which are painful and reddish purple in color. Common Cold Encyclopedia section of medindia gives general information about Common Cold.

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Follow Us On :. Tonsillitis In Tonsillitis the tonsils are inflamed and swollen and it usually occurs due to bacterial or viral infection. Look at other sore throat symptoms.

Tonsillitis is not contagious, but most of the infections that cause it are, for example, colds and flu. A doctor can usually tell it's tonsillitis by asking about your symptoms and looking at the back of your throat.

This is usually only the case if you have severe tonsillitis that keeps coming back. Tonsillitis is usually caused by a virus, such as a cold, but it can also be due to a bacterial infection such as strep throat.