Tonsillitis is a condition in which our tonsils become inflamed. Tonsils are normal structures found at the sides of the back of our throat. When they become inflamed, tonsils often enlarge and become painful. This makes eating and drinking extremely painful.

1. Acute Tonsillitis
This is said to occur when an occasional tonsil infection happens. This is usually associated with fever.

Oral antibiotics, pain-killers and anti-septic gargles are necessary to treat such a condition.

2. Recurrent Tonsillitis
Recurrent Tonsillitis is a term used to describe Tonsillitis which recurs intermittently throughout the year. This troublesome condition is frequently treated definitively with tonsillectomy (removal of tonsils).

When is surgical removal of tonsils (tonsillectomy) required?

The main indications of tonsillectomy are: To treat recurrent Tonsillitis To treat patients with difficulty breathing as a result of large tonsils which obstructs the airway To treat patients who have a tendency to develop abscess near the tonsils (Peritonsillar abscess) A thorough physical examination and hearing test will often be adequate to help a clinician make a definitive diagnosis. Occasionally, radiological imaging may be required to visualize the middle and inner ear more to rule out abnormal growth.