Relieve Symptoms and Restore Your Health with Tonsillitis Treatment
Tonsillitis is a viral or bacterial infection of the tonsils. In many cases, tonsillitis is not severe, but there are rare circumstances when a tonsillectomy must be performed. Dr. Michael S. Cohen uses innovative methods and technology to provide both surgical and non-surgical tonsillitis treatment while minimizing discomfort and recovery time for his patients. Providing exceptional care in Long Island, NY, we are dedicated to helping our clients achieve optimal oral health.
Symptoms of Tonsillitis
Bacterial and viral infections can cause tonsillitis. Symptoms of tonsillitis can range from minor to extreme depending on the severity of the infection. Prevalent symptoms can include:
- Bad breath
- Throat pain
- Inflammation
- Blisters or ulcers
- Loss of appetite
- Neck stiffness
- Swelling
In severe cases, swelling may escalate to the point that you may struggle to breathe or swallow.
Tonsillitis is fairly common in children. Signs your child may be suffering from tonsillitis can include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In addition to these frequently noted symptoms, parents should watch for refusal to eat and drooling due to an inability to swallow. You should see a doctor immediately if you or your child are experiencing a high fever or difficulty swallowing or breathing. While many cases of tonsillitis will go away on their own, occasionally professional treatment will be necessary.
Effects of Tonsillitis
Left untreated, tonsillitis can cause sinus and ear infections, development of an abscess, as well as common airway obstruction issues such as snoring and nasal congestion. Untreated or chronic tonsillitis can potentially lead to more serious conditions such as sleep apnea, heart and lung problems, or in rare cases, rheumatic fever.
Dr. Cohen goes above and beyond to create a pleasant experience for every patient by providing a friendly, comfortable environment.
Treatment
Tonsillitis is diagnosed after an examination which may require a swab or blood test to determine the cause of your infection. Depending on the severity and cause of your tonsillitis, Dr. Cohen will determine whether a tonsillectomy or non-surgical treatment is best. Mild cases of tonsillitis may not require any treatment and symptoms may resolve on their own.
Non-Surgical Treatment
For cases of acute tonsillitis, non-surgical treatment is recommended. Antibiotics can only treat tonsillitis caused by bacteria. While viral infections cannot be treated by antibiotics, there are various steps you can take to relieve your symptoms at home. These include drinking plenty of fluids, gargling with warm salt water, using a cool mist humidifier to moisten the air, and over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. As the tonsils serve as a primary defense mechanism against illness, Dr. Cohen will only recommend a surgical procedure if absolutely necessary.
Tonsillectomy
A tonsillectomy is a surgical treatment performed to remove the tonsils. Tonsillectomies are only recommended in cases of severe tonsillitis, or when the tonsils have become more harmful than protective. An outpatient surgery, a tonsillectomy is a fairly straightforward procedure that may involve electrocautery, microdebrider, laser tonsil ablation, or the traditional method involving a scalpel. By using the latest technology, we ensure that our patients are comfortable throughout treatment.
Our Commitment To Excellence
We understand that visiting the doctor can be intimidating, which is why Dr. Cohen goes above and beyond to create a pleasant experience for every patient by providing a friendly, comfortable environment. If you believe you or your child may be suffering from tonsillitis, contact us online or call our practice at (516) 704-7004 to assess your symptoms today.
