What are the treatments for tonsillitis?
Nov 28, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
Treatment methods for tonsillitis include anti-infective therapy, symptomatic and supportive care, local nursing interventions, TCM syndrome differentiation and regulation, and surgical removal, among others. A targeted approach should be selected based on the severity of illness and underlying causes to avoid indiscriminate use of medication. If symptoms such as persistent high fever, difficulty breathing, or severe pain during swallowing occur, prompt medical attention is recommended.
Methods for treating tonsillitis include anti-infective therapy, symptomatic supportive treatment, local care interventions, TCM syndrome differentiation and regulation, surgical removal, etc. Treatment should be selected based on the severity and underlying causes of the condition to avoid blind medication use. Seek prompt medical attention if symptoms such as persistent high fever, difficulty breathing, or severe swallowing pain occur.
1. Anti-infective therapy: Bacterial infections require antibiotics prescribed by a doctor, taken in sufficient dosage and full course to prevent drug resistance. Viral infections are primarily managed symptomatically; antibiotics should not be overused, but antiviral medications may be used to relieve symptoms.
2. Symptomatic supportive therapy: Use antipyretic drugs appropriately when experiencing high fever, and analgesics for severe sore throat. Ensure adequate rest and hydration to prevent dehydration from worsening the condition.
3. Local care intervention: Gargle with warm saline solution to clean the throat and reduce tonsillar congestion and swelling. Use throat lozenges with heat-clearing and throat-soothing effects to alleviate local discomfort and minimize ongoing irritation to the tonsils.
4. TCM syndrome differentiation and regulation: For the type caused by external wind-heat, use herbal formulas that clear heat and dispel wind; for excessive heat-toxin type, apply heat-clearing and detoxifying treatments; chronic recurrent cases may benefit from spleen-strengthening and qi-tonifying prescriptions to improve constitution and reduce recurrence.
5. Surgical removal: Indicated for patients with chronic tonsillitis experiencing frequent acute episodes, those who develop complications (such as nephritis or rheumatic fever), or those with significantly enlarged tonsils affecting breathing or swallowing. Surgical indications must be strictly evaluated.
Maintain daily oral hygiene by brushing teeth morning and night and rinsing mouth after meals; avoid spicy, irritating, or excessively hot foods. Maintain regular作息 (daily routines) to enhance immunity and reduce the risk of colds. Avoid excessive voice use and stay away from dusty, smoky, or other irritating environments to support throat health.
