Temperatures have begun to drop and we are officially in the cold and flu season. Sore throats are very common during this time, however, what you’re experiencing may be more than a run-of-the-mill throat infection. It just may be tonsillitis.
Your tonsils are considered your immune system’s first line of defense against bacteria and viruses that enter your mouth. Unfortunately, this means that your tonsils themselves are particularly vulnerable to inflammation or infection.
Because sore throats are not uncommon, it may be difficult to know when to make an appointment. Here are some signs that you might need to be further evaluated.
- Recurrent throat, ear, or sinus infections (e.g., strep throat, otitis media, sinusitis) that cause the child to miss school/work frequently, require persistent antibiotic treatment, occur more than five times in 1 year, or occur more than three times per year for 2 years.
- Tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils) that occurs more than seven times in 1 year or more than five times per year for 2 years
- Pain on one side of the throat
- Painful or difficult swallowing
- A hoarse voice
- Fever
- Enlarged or swollen lymph nodes, or glands, in the neck
- A white or yellow coating on the tonsils
- Severe or recurring sore throat
- Increased snoring
If you would like to see a specialist for further evaluation, please contact Advanced ENT and Allergy at one of our 10 locations.
