Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils that usually causes severe throat pain that makes it hard to eat and drink. Richard D. Orgill, MD, with two offices in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist who diagnoses and treats tonsillitis and adenoiditis in children and adults. To schedule a consultation with this board-certified ENT physician, call the nearest office or book an appointment online today.

What is tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils. Your tonsils are located in the back of your throat and are part of your immune system, along with the adenoids, trapping germs and dirt so they don’t go into your airway passage and cause an infection. 

Tonsillitis causes swelling of the tonsils, and usually the adenoids (adenoiditis). Viruses are the most common cause of tonsillitis and adenoiditis, but the swelling and inflammation may also occur from a strep infection, which is a bacterial infection.

What are the symptoms of tonsillitis?

You may have a severe sore throat when you have tonsillitis. You may also see the inflamed and swollen tonsils in the back of your throat. The swelling may make it painful to swallow, affecting your ability to eat and drink.

You may also develop white spots or a yellow coating on the tonsils, and the glands in your neck may swell. Tonsillitis may also cause bad breath and a fever.

What happens during an evaluation for tonsillitis?

Dr. Orgill is an experienced ENT physician who takes a patient-centered approach to care. He conducts a thorough evaluation when you come in with concerns about tonsillitis and adenoiditis so he can determine the cause and the best treatment options.

Dr. Orgill reviews your symptoms and medical history and examines your throat and nose. He may take a saliva sample from the back of your throat to confirm or rule out a strep infection. 

Thyroid problems are also a common cause of throat pain, and Dr. Orgill may evaluate your thyroid to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.

What are the treatments for tonsillitis?

Treatment for tonsillitis depends on the cause and frequency of your infections. If you have acute tonsillitis, Dr. Orgill recommends managing your symptoms and can prescribe antibiotics for a strep infection. Dr. Orgill treats tonsillitis in both children and adults. 

For chronic tonsillitis and adenoiditis, Dr. Orgill may recommend a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, which is a procedure he commonly performs on children that removes the tonsils and adenoids. For thyroid problems, he performs a thyroidectomy (removal of some or all of your thyroid).

To discuss tonsillitis treatment options with a skilled ENT physician, call the office of Richard D. Orgill, MD, or request an appointment online today.