What makes tonsils feel better

A tonsillectomy is performed under general anaesthesia. The glandular tissue is contained inside a skin lining which the surgeon cuts using scalpel, scissors, laser or an electric current electrocautery. The surgeon then removes the tonsils. Each tonsil pad has a substantial blood supply, so electrocautery is often used to fuse the blood vessels and reduce the risk of haemorrhage. Safer Care Victoria has developed a number of videos where parents share their stories about caring for their child before, on the day of and after tonsil surgery.

Be guided by your doctor about how to care for yourself at home, but general suggestions include:. However, it will stop the tonsillitis and allow you to swallow more easily.

You will probably lose your bad breath, if that was a problem. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:.

People are less sensitive to smells the older they get, and women tend to have a more acute sense of smell than men. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo BPPV is a condition characterised by episodes of sudden and severe vertigo.

Croup is a viral infection of the throat and windpipe that causes noisy breathing, a hoarse voice and a harsh, barking cough. Deafness is caused by many different events including injury, disease and genetic defects. Dizziness is generally treatable and rarely indicates serious brain disease.

Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional.

The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances.

The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content. Ear nose and throat. Home Ear nose and throat. Tonsils may be removed with a scalpel or via cauterization or ultrasonic vibration. If your swollen tonsils are caused by a virus, home remedies may alleviate your discomfort and help you heal.

Things to try include:. The viruses and bacteria responsible for swollen tonsils are contagious. To prevent the spread of these germs:.

Asymmetrically sized tonsils can be associated with tonsil cancer. Swollen tonsils are usually caused by the same viruses that cause the common cold. Swollen tonsils caused by viruses usually resolve with at-home treatment within a few days. When left untreated, bacterial infections, such as strep, can cause serious complications. In some instances, swollen tonsils may signal tonsil cancer. Unusual symptoms, such as asymmetrically sized tonsils, should be checked by a doctor. Tonsillar hypertrophy is another term for enlarged tonsils.

Learn what causes mono and how…. Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation and pain in the throat. We explain the common signs, diagnostic tests, treatment…. Have a sore throat but only on one side? Read about eight possible causes and how to treat them. Cysts on your tonsils are a rare occurrence. Other conditions can easily be mistaken for a tonsil cyst, such as tonsillitis, strep throat, or….

Tonsillitis is more commonly seen in children, but it can occur in adults, too. It is a common childhood illness, but teenagers and adults can get it too. Tonsillitis can feel like a bad cold or flu. The tonsils at the back of your throat will be red and swollen.

Look at other sore throat symptoms. Tonsillitis is not contagious, but most of the infections that cause it are, for example, colds and flu. Foods to avoid include:. People should try eating softer foods that are easier to swallow or stick to soups, broths, or chilled smoothies until their symptoms subside. People can make a saltwater mixture by adding a quarter of a teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of warm water and stirring the solution until the salt dissolves.

They can then gargle with the salt water for a few seconds before spitting it out. It is safe to repeat the process as often as necessary as long as the person avoids swallowing the mixture. Gargling is not suitable for younger children as there is a risk that they will inhale the fluid and choke. Dry air can further irritate a sore throat. People with tonsillitis may benefit from using a cool mist humidifier.

These devices release moisture back into the air, helping alleviate throat discomfort. Individuals who do not have access to a humidifier can instead try inhaling steam from a hot shower or bath. Swelling in the throat can cause the voice to become muffled.

It may be tempting to counter this by raising the voice, but doing so risks further throat irritation. If speaking is painful, a person should try to rest the voice as much as possible. They should also make an appointment with the doctor, as having difficulty speaking can sometimes indicate a complication. People with tonsillitis should get as much rest as possible.

Resting will allow the body to fight off the viral or bacterial infection. Continuing to go to work or school not only increases the likelihood of a person being ill for longer, but it may also put others at risk of catching the infection. OTC analgesics can help relieve a sore throat, fever , and other painful symptoms of tonsillitis.

Examples of these drugs include:. Some throat lozenges contain anesthetic medications to numb and soothe the throat. Many also contain anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling and inflammation.