How is tonsillitis and adenoid infection treated?
Bacterial infections of the tonsils and adenoids are treated with various antibiotics. Tonsillitis caused by the streptococcus bacteria can lead to serious complications, and must be treated. Often the diagnosis of strep throat is confirmed by a throat culture or rapid-strep tests in the doctors office. Once treatment begins, it is important to take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed because premature discontinuance of therapy can lead to adverse consequences and regrowth of the bacteria. Surgical removal is considered in situations resistant to medical therapy or in frequently recurrent infections. Viral causes of tonsillitis are often treated with only supportive care (hydration and control of fever). Antibiotics are not effective for viral infection of the tonsils. A peritonsillar abscess should be drained either by removal of fluid with a needle and syringe (needle aspiration), cutting open with a scalpel (incision), or tonsillectomy. Chronic stones in the tonsil can be r
