What’s uncommon in your common cold?

Viruses and bacteria like streptococcal bacteria cause throat infections leading to pain and swollen, red tonsils. Analgesics for pain and antibiotics for streptococcal infection are prescribed by the ENT specialist in Faridabad.

Lymphoid tissue in the throat called the tonsils is part of the immune system. Tonsils get infected by the germs. However, even after the removal of tonsils, one can get a throat infection.

Diagnosis 

1. Visual 

By viewing the throat doctor can identify the problem. Although, the cause of infection i.e. viral or bacterial cannot be identified as throat appears the same in both cases. Running nose and cough when accompanied, are usually viral.

2. Throat Swab

Strep throat identification needs swabbing the patient’s throat to identify streptococcus bacteria.

Treatment 

1. Analgesics (Pain relievers)

2. Antibiotics (For strep throat), 

3. Surgical removal of the tonsils

4. Acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

5. Gargling with warm salt water 

6. Single dose of a corticosteroid, dexamethasone.

7. Penicillin or amoxicillin (Antibiotic). If allergic to penicillin, clindamycin can be given.

Tonsillectomy

Repeated streptococcal infections can result in tonsil removal or tonsillectomy.

Most kids with more than 7 infections in a year, more than 5 infections in each year for consecutive years, or more than 3 infections per year for 3 years at large are at a high risk. Tonsillectomy is recommended when a kid gets an acute infection. An infection i.e. severe and persistent even when antibiotics are given. It is recommended if the child has a significant obstruction, it may include obstructive sleep disorder or a peritonsillar abscess that is recurrent, or if cancer is suspected.

Adults undergoing tonsillectomy are uncommon but they do under special circumstances. Specific criteria for “when” to do tonsillectomy is not a usual discussion for doctors. Although, in case of severe bad breath due to tonsillar stones, tonsillectomy is done.

Tonsillectomy can be done through several effective methods and techniques. A scalpel or an electrocautery device can be used by doctors to destroy the tonsils through radio waves.

According to Dr. Swapnil Brajpuriya, best doctor for throat infection having 21 years of expertise “partial tonsillectomy with the help of special surgical scissors is also an option for obstructing swollen tonsils.” Dr. Swapnil is the best surgeon for ENT and has treated hundreds of patients till date.