tonsils

[shortie_1318]

I am not sure if this is the right board for this but anywho,
my tonsils have been swollen for more than a month now, the doctor said that is was viral tonsilitis and that it would go away by itself. I also noticed a small bump behind my tonsil (but it's not on the back of my mouth) it's located on the tissue behind the tonsil (if that makes any sense). also, on the front of my tonsil, it looks like there is a gash or something in it cause it looks like it was split or something, no blood or pain or anything like that

I just wanted to know if my doctor was right when he said I had tonsilitis or if it's something else

[vilmaa]

A related discussion, tonsils was started.

[National Jewish]

Tonsillitis probably was the source of the problem a month ago.  It is not clear what is going on right now.  It could be a continued infection, an abscess or none of the above.  If you have concerns you can have your family doctor look again or see an ENT doctor who will quickly give you an answer.

[shortie_1318]

Thank you so much! My doctor didn't tell me they could last 2 months, I am starting to feel a bit better

[LLRT]

Because most tonsillitis ailments are cause by viruses, most of the treatment is aimed at helping to relieve the symptoms such as pain and fever. Paracetamol can help. In most children with tonsillitis, they do not feel well and it hurts them to swallow. You said you have no pain, but if you do, you can try cool drinks (too cold of drinks can hurt), ice blocks and ice cream.
Many times antibiotics are prescribed. They may help some people, but often they are not needed. Sometimes having antibiotics with viral tonsillitis can cause unwanted effects such as rashes which could be what you have. Have you been on these? A certain virus that causes tonsilitis called epstien barr can take 2 months to go away. Hang in there!

If someone has many attacks of tonsillitis each year, taking the tonsils out may help, but the operation can be unsafe and most doctors are reluctant to recommend it.

Hope this helps.

~L (Reg Respiratory Therapist)