Swollen tonsils

My tonsils have been  swollen for the past couple of days and soar. I when to look at them this morning and theres like white patchs on the tonsils. It is hard to swallow and I have lost of appetite. Is the symptoms I have will result in haveing my tonsils remove?

[National Jewish]

Tonsillitis is an infection that can be viral or bacterial.  Viral tonsillitis usually does not make you very sick.  It may cause a low-grade fever that lasts for 2 or 3 days and then goes away without antibiotics.  Usually cold medicines help with the symptoms.  Bacterial tonsillitis is usually caused by Streptococcus and is more severe.  It makes you feel worse with a higher fever and requires antibiotics.

You will need to be seen by a doctor to learn the nature of the problem that is causing your symptoms.  If the doctor feels that you have a throat infection, a throat culture would be the type of test to find out if it is due to a bacteria or fungus.  Then your doctor will be able to suggest the most helpful medicine for you.  Generally the symptoms that you have described are treated with medicine before removing your tonsils is even considered.  Surgery to remove your tonsils is rarely needed.

[jenilee]

What you are describing sounds like strep throat to me..My husband had it recently and those were his exact symptoms. You need to go see a doctor !

[Ellis7]

You might have tonsillitis. See:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001043.htm
Tonsillitis
Excerpt:
"Signs and tests    

The health care provider will look in the mouth and throat for enlarged, visible tonsils. They are usually reddened and may have white spots on them. The lymph nodes of the jaw and neck may be enlarged and tender to the touch.

A culture of the tonsils may show bacterial infection. A culture for the streptococcus bacteria (strep) may be taken because it is the most common and most dangerous form of tonsillitis. A rapid strep test may also be performed by your physician by taking a throat swab for a quick diagnosis.

Treatment    

If the cause of the tonsillitis is bacteria such as strep, antibiotics are given to cure the infection. The antibiotics may be given as a one-time injection, or by a 10-day course of antibiotic pills.

If antibiotic pills are used, they must be taken for the full course. They must not be stopped just because the discomfort
stops, or the infection will NOT be cured. Some health care providers will treat all tonsillitis with antibiotics to prevent the chance of strep-related complications. Others treat only known bacterial and strep infections to minimize the chance of
reaction to the antibiotic.

Rest to allow the body to heal. Fluids, especially warm (not hot), bland fluids or very cold fluids may soothe the throat.
Gargle with warm salt water or suck on lozenges (containing benzocaine or similar ingredients) to reduce pain."

[starion]

Another thought--are you taking inhaled or oral steroids?  There is an infection that can be caused by taking either form of these medications called thrush.  It's best to see your doctor for an examination so s/he can determine why you have a sore throat & how best to treat it.

Good luck!  Aloha, Starion

[swimmer18]

A related discussion, possible toncilitis? was started.