Tonsillitis Services
There’s no reason to suffer from persistent throat or neck discomfort, especially if that person suffering is your child. Call us today to learn about tonsillitis solutions.
Throat Discomfort
Tonsillitis refers to the inflammation of the tonsils, often triggered by viral infections or, less frequently, bacterial infections. This condition is particularly prevalent among children, teenagers, and young adults. Additionally, tonsillitis can potentially contribute to issues like sleep apnea or, in the case of young children, bedwetting. If you or your child are suffering from persistent throat or neck discomfort, consider getting tested for tonsillitis by an ear, nose, and throat expert like Dr. Nancy Becker.
Becker Hearing Center
Phone: (360) 825-4027
Email: swilkie@ent-allergywa.com
Your immune system reacts to a variety of foreign objects it comes into contact with, and allergies are when your body encounters irritants in the air or food, whether through touch, breathing, or ingesting. Allergens are substances triggering any common symptoms:
• Itchy skin, mouth, or eyes
• Tongue, throat, or face swelling
• Coughs
• Nausea
• Sneezing
• Breakout of rashes or hives
• Scrathy Throat
• Vomiting
Thankfully, allergy exams can pinpoint allergens. The earlier your diagnosis, the better you can avoid dangerous allergic reactions. Dr. Becker recommends testing even if your symptoms are mild so you’re empowered to live the most comfortable life possible.
Allergy Treatment
Tonsillitis refers to the inflammation of the tonsils, often triggered by viral infections or, less frequently, bacterial infections. This condition is particularly prevalent among children, teenagers, and young adults. Additionally, tonsillitis can potentially contribute to issues like sleep apnea or, in the case of young children, bedwetting. If you or your child are suffering from persistent throat or neck discomfort, consider getting tested for tonsillitis by an ear, nose, and throat expert like Dr. Nancy Becker.
About 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, so if you think you’re one of them and live in the Puget Sound region, get tested by an ear, nose, and throat specialist like Dr. Nancy Becker. Call her Bonney Lake or Enumclaw, Washington office for a personalized allergy exam and the best available treatment options including immunotherapy.
Hearing Aids
When hearing loss makes it difficult for you to have conversations, consider using one or two hearing aids. The Hearing Center at the Dr. Nancy Becker clinic provides the latest listening devices for women and men. Call the Enumclaw or Bonney Lake, Washington, office today for a personalized consultation about Bluetooth® hearing aids.
Tonsillitis
FAQs
There are several common symptoms of tonsillitis:
- Sore throat
- Swollen tonsils
- Pain on the side of your neck (lymph nodes)
- Trouble swallowing
Dr. Becker takes many steps in diagnosing tonsillitis. In addition to feeling the sides of your neck to detect swollen lymph nodes, she shines a light on the back of your throat to inspect your tonsils for swelling or a rash. She usually also swabs your throat and has a lab analyze its secretions for signs of bacterial infection. Sometimes Dr. Becker takes a sample of your blood for a count of your red and white blood cells, which helps confirm a tonsillitis diagnosis as well as its exact cause.
Appropriate tonsillitis treatment depends on the cause, so it’s important to get a prompt and accurate diagnosis. There are both surgical and nonsurgical options, depending on the diagnosis. Antibiotics like penicillin are often the answer for bacterial infections, and a variety of home-care remedies can provide some relief for viral infections, but in many cases, you may require tonsillectomy surgery.
Dr. Becker usually prescribes tonsillectomy treatment when your tonsillitis is recurrent, chronic, or otherwise can’t be treated with antibiotics or other medications. She may also recommend surgery when your symptoms include trouble breathing or other complications.
Tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of your tonsils. It’s usually a same-day (outpatient) procedure, which is especially convenient for children. Dr. Becker administers local or general anesthesia before making any incisions. Full recovery takes one or two weeks.
Yes, tonsillitis can potentially lead to or exacerbate sleep apnea. In some cases, swollen tonsils can obstruct the airway during sleep, leading to breathing difficulties and interrupted sleep patterns, which are characteristic of sleep apnea. It's important to address tonsillitis and its potential impact on sleep health to prevent or manage sleep apnea effectively. If you have concerns about tonsillitis and its effects on your sleep, consulting a medical professional, like Dr. Nancy Becker, can provide valuable guidance and appropriate treatment.
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