What doctor specializes in tonsillitis?

What doctor specializes in tonsillitis?

Patients with symptoms of tonsillitis should see their primary care provider or an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist, or otolaryngologist. To determine whether a patient has a viral or bacterial infection, a doctor will typically swab the tonsils or pharynx (rapid strep testing).

Can I go to the doctors for tonsillitis?

See a doctor if your symptoms become severe or last longer than four days without any noticeable improvement. A physician can diagnose the cause of tonsillitis by asking you questions and examining your throat. You may also need to have your throat swabbed to see if you have a bacterial infection.

Do you go to the doctor or dentist for tonsillitis?

If you are experiencing severe pain of the tonsils, fever or see the appearance of white spots on the throat you should contact your doctor immediately.

When should you see ENT for tonsillitis?

A persistent sore throat: Sore throats are part and parcel of life and most resolve without any medical intervention whatsoever. However, if you have a sore throat that lingers for more than three weeks, then visiting an ENT is the best choice.

How does an ENT check tonsils?

They may use a small mirror or a flexible lighted instrument to see these areas. Other methods used to check tonsils and adenoids are: Throat cultures or strep tests to identify infections in the throat. A small, flexible scope to visualize the size of the adenoids; an X-ray may also be ordered.

Can you have tonsillitis without a fever?

Just as with the common cold, a mild case of tonsillitis may not always be accompanied by fever. If your tonsils feel swollen or appear enlarged for an extended period of time, this might be a sign of throat cancer. Swollen tonsils without fever can also be caused by allergies, tooth decay, and gum disease.

How long should tonsillitis last?

Symptoms will usually go away after 3 to 4 days. Tonsillitis is not contagious, but most of the infections that cause it are, for example, colds and flu. To stop these infections spreading: stay off work or keep your child at home until you or your child feel better.

How do you confirm tonsillitis?

Common signs and symptoms of tonsillitis include:

1. Red, swollen tonsils.
2. White or yellow coating or patches on the tonsils.
3. Sore throat.
4. Difficult or painful swallowing.
5. Fever.
6. Enlarged, tender glands (lymph nodes) in the neck.
7. A scratchy, muffled or throaty voice.
8. Bad breath.

Can tonsillitis go away without antibiotics?

Tonsillitis usually improves on its own within a week without any antibiotics. You can use over-the-counter medicines to ease your symptoms. Rest and take it easy for a few days and drink plenty of fluids to keep you hydrated.

Do tonsils affect breathing?

Enlarged tonsils don’t always cause symptoms. However, if they’re very large, they can partially block your throat, affecting your breathing. Other possible signs and symptoms of enlarged tonsils include: difficulty breathing through the nose.

What happens if tonsillitis goes untreated?

Sleep Apnea. Tonsillitis causes the tonsils to become swollen. When left untreated, this swelling can cause an airway obstruction and interfere with normal breathing. This can cause sleep apnea, a condition where breathing periodically stops or becomes extremely shallow during sleep.

Should I still go to work if I have tonsillitis?

Rarely, tonsillitis may be due to a serious infectious illness such as diphtheria which should be treated asap and you should avoid work till cleared by a doc. Many people will have mild tonsillitis with common cold of flu and it would be okay to go to work, once you are beyond three days from the start of illness.

What are symptoms of bad tonsils?

A tonsil infection can cause symptoms such as a sore throat, bad breath, fever and earaches. Red and swollen tonsils with white or yellow spots are commonly present and can be quite painful. Other symptoms include sleeping problems such as restlessness, snoring and waking up often.

Is tonsillitis an early symptom of HIV-infection?

Early HIV is sometimes called acute HIV. Signs and Symptoms of Acute/Early HIV. • Sore throat • Swollen glands • Fever • Rash • Joint and muscle aches • Diarrhea • Tired feeling • Tonsillitis • Mouth sores The signs and symptoms of acute HIV can begin 2 to 4 weeks after you are diagnosed as living with HIV.