If you are suffering from a sore throat, it may be that you have tonsillitis.
Your tonsils are actually lymph nodes at the back of your throat, Their job is to protect your body from infection. Tonsils do this by filtering the germs that come through your nose and mouth.
Healthy tonsils are a pink colour. If you open your mouth and look into a mirror you will see two small lumps on either side of your throat.
Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils. It affects adults, but it is more frequent in children. Your doctor might recommend that you have your tonsils removed if you suffer from repeated attacks of tonsillitis.
Usually, tonsillitis is caused by a viral infection. Viral infections do not respond to antibiotics which is why your doctor won’t prescribe them. But sometimes tonsillitis is caused by a bacterial infection and if this is the case your doctor will prescribe antibiotics.
You might also have a cough, earache, headache and flu symptoms.
A severe case of tonsillitis caused by a bacterial infection, might also include symptoms such as bad breath, patches of pus-filled spots on your tonsils and swollen glands in your neck.
Tonsillitis isn’t contagious, but it is often brought on by colds or flu which are contagious. If you have cold or flu symptoms it is best to stay away from other people for a few days.
Viral tonsillitis usually last around 3 to 4 days unless you have a severe bout and then it might last longer. Bacterial tonsillitis can last up to 10 days.
A rare complication of tonsillitis can be the build up of pus or an abscess that develops on one side of your mouth. The condition is called Quinsy. This condition will mean a hospital admission.
You will be treated in hospital with antibiotics through a drip. The abscess will be drained under local anaesthetic. Your hospital stay will usually last a few days and then you’ll be sent home to rest for one or two weeks.
Yes. You can use painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen. Paracetamol is suitable for children aged 2 months or older. Children aged 3 months or older or who weigh more than 11lb (5 kilos) can take ibuprofen. You might also want to try throat lozenges or antiseptic sprays.
Are there other ways I can treat myself?
If you are looking after yourself at home, then gargling with warm salt water will relieve the discomfort in your throat. We also recommend you get plenty of rest and use painkillers to reduce inflammation and soothe pain.
Yes. Instead of waiting for a doctor’s appointment, you can come into the pharmacy for a consultation and treatment. The consultation is free under the NHS. If we recommend prescription medication, then this is paid for unless you are exempt.
An easy way is to contact us online and tell us when you’d like to come in, we might not be able to give you the exact time you require but if you give us a choice of the hours and days we will do our best to accommodate you.
You can also make an appointment by coming into the pharmacy and speaking to a member of staff or by giving us a call on 01276 21002.
Recurring ear infections can cause ongoing discomfort and pose a challenge for those affected. This article provides insight into recurring ear infections, particularly otitis media, and discusses various treatment options and prevention strategies.
If you have a sore throat you can make an appointment at your pharmacy instead of waiting to go to the doctors.
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