Tonsillitis Treatment in India - Cost, Top Doctors & Hospitals

Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils. These tonsils act as filters that trap harmful germs that enter through the mouth or nose. They also produce antibodies to help fight infections. However, when viruses or bacteria overwhelm the tonsils, they can become inflamed and swollen, resulting in tonsillitis.

Although tonsillitis is more common in children, adults are also affected. Treatment for tonsillitis varies based on the cause and severity of the infection and may include medications or, in recurring cases, a tonsillectomy.

Many African patients from countries such as Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Congo, and Cameroon travel to India for tonsillitis treatment for a lot of reasons. India offers experienced ENT specialists, advanced diagnostic facilities, and highly successful surgical outcomes at a fraction of the cost compared to Western nations. India also ensures quick medical visa processing which makes it easier for international patients to access timely care.

What are the Types of Tonsillitis?

There are mainly three types of tonsillitis:

• Acute tonsillitis- In this type of tonsillitis, the symptoms last for about 3 to 4 days or sometimes even to 2 weeks.
• Recurrent tonsillitis- This is the type of tonsillitis where you face the problem many times in a year.
• Chronic tonsillitis - This is the type where you have a long-term tonsil infection.

What are the Causes of Tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is often caused by viral infections or sometimes bacterial infections. Streptococcus is the most common type of bacteria which causes tonsillitis.

Some other causes of tonsillitis are:

• Influenza virus
• Adenoviruses
• Parainfluenza viruses
• Epstein-Barr virus
• Herpes simplex virus
• Enteroviruses

What are the Common Symptoms of Tonsillitis?

Some common symptoms of tonsillitis are:

• Sore throat
• Fever
• Coughing
• Headache
• Stiff neck

How do Tonsils Get Infected?

The tonsils work as an immune system to defend against the viruses and bacteria that try to enter the mouth. The continuous defence of germs sometimes makes the tonsils vulnerable to swelling and infection.

What are the Risk Factors Involved in Tonsillitis?

There are some factors leading to a greater risk involved for tonsillitis:

■ Age - Children between the age of 5 and 15 tend to get tonsillitis, which is caused by bacteria and virus infection. Adults also have the chance of getting tonsillitis.

■ Exposure - Children spend more time outside with other kids in schools and parks. They are more exposed to the world of infection, which can lead to tonsillitis.

What are the Preventive Measures Taken for Tonsillitis?

The virus that causes tonsillitis is contagious. So, the best prevention to take is to maintain good hygiene. You should:

• Wash your hands frequently, before and after eating and after using the toilet
• Don't share your food and utensils
• Must change your toothbrush after being diagnosed with tonsillitis
• Be at home when you are ill
• Use tissue paper while sneezing and coughing
• Wash your hands after sneezing or coughing

Tonsillitis in Adults

Tonsillitis mostly affects children, but in some cases, adults can also develop it. Tonsillitis happens when there is swelling in the tonsils.

What are the Symptoms of Tonsillitis in Adults?

The symptoms of tonsillitis for adults are:

• Pain due to swelling
• Sore throat
• White or yellow coating on your tonsils
• Red, swollen throat and tonsils
• Difficulty in swallowing food
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Scratchy voice

What are the Causes of Tonsillitis in Adults?

Tonsillitis is caused by a number of viruses and bacteria. The viruses can be:

• Influenza virus
• Common cold viruses
• Cytomegalovirus
• Measles virus etc

Tonsillitis in Children

Tonsillitis is very common in children. It occurs when children have a cold, cough or a runny nose.

What are the Symptoms of Tonsillitis in Children?

If a child has tonsillitis, they may have the following symptoms:

• Sore throat
• Fever
• Bad breath
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargic
• Pain in the ears
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting

What is the Diagnosis Procedure of Tonsillitis for Children and Adults?

The doctor will first start with a physical examination of the children or adults. These include:

• With the help of a lighted instrument, the doctor will look at your throat as well as nose and ears to check the infection area.
• A rash named scarlatina associated with cases of strep throat will be checked by the doctor.
• The doctor will gently feel whether there is swelling in the lymph nodes.
• The doctor will examine your breath using a stethoscope.
• The doctor checks the enlargement in the spleen to check if there is mononucleosis, which creates swelling in the throat

The diagnosis process also includes tests like:

■ Throat swab - Your doctor will rub a sterile swab to test saliva as well as cells from the throat to get a sample of secretions. The sample will get tested in a lab or a clinic to check whether the tonsillitis is caused by streptococcal bacteria.

You will not face any problems and will get the results in 10 to 15 minutes. However, some other tests may require several hours or some days.

If the test is positive, it means you have a bacterial infection. But if the test is negative, it means you have a viral infection.

■ A complete blood cell count (CBC) - The doctor may take a complete blood cell count to figure out the number of blood cells, whether it is high or low in numbers. The blood cells will show the reason behind your tonsillitis. A CBC is not needed to diagnose strep throat but it will help in examining the cause of tonsillitis.

What are the Options for Tonsillitis Treatment in India?

Whatever the reason for tonsillitis is, bacterial or viral infection, you need the best tonsillitis treatment to make yourself better and more comfortable and promote recovery. There is not much difference between tonsillitis treatment for adults and children.

■ Home Care:

If you face tonsillitis due to a viral infection, home care will be the best treatment for it. Use these home care strategies to recover fast :

• Gargle with salt water - Gargling with salt and warm water can help in soothing your sore throat and the pain of tonsillitis. It can also help in reducing the swelling of the tonsils. Take one and a half teaspoons of salt in one glass of warm water. Gargle for some seconds, then spit out the water.
• Take rest - You should take plenty of rest and sleep.
• Provide fluids - You should drink plenty of fluids to keep your throat moist and your body hydrated.
• Warm beverages - Warm liquids like soup, ginger tea, or fennel tea, broth, or warm water with honey can provide comfort and reduce inflammation.
• Cold beverages - Cold can also be highly effective in tonsil treatment. You can have cold drinks, popsicles, and ice creams that will be effective in reducing inflammation and can soothe your sore throat.
• Humidifier - If you are experiencing dry air around yourself, try using humidifiers. It will add moisture to the air, which will help in relieving your sore throat. Humidifiers are also beneficial when your tonsillitis is caused by the virus. Use a humidifier at night to have a sound sleep.
• Avoid irritants - Try to keep your home free of cigarette smoke and products having strong smells, like home cleaning products.

■ Antibiotics:

If your tonsillitis is caused by bacteria, then your doctor may prescribe you a course of antibiotics.

Penicillin is a pill which you must take for 10 days. This antibiotic treatment is suggested for group A streptococcus and is the most common.

You must complete the full course of the antibiotics to get away with the symptoms. If you miss one dose of antibiotic, it may affect your infection. It may lead to spreading the infection in other parts of the body or other risks like rheumatic fever or inflammation in the kidney.

■ Surgery:

Surgery to remove tonsils is called Tonsillectomy. It is used when you have frequent recurring tonsillitis, chronic or bacterial tonsillitis, as these doesn't respond to the treatment of antibiotics.

Tonsillectomy is only recommended to you if your tonsillitis keeps coming back. It means if you face the problem more than seven times in a year, or four to five times in a year for continuous two years, or three times or more in a year for continuous three years.

It can also treat other medical-related problems. They include:

• Breathing problems
• Loud snoring
• Sleep apnea
• Bleeding in the tonsils
• Cancer in the tonsils

How to Prepare for a Tonsillitis Surgery in India?

Before you undergo the surgery for tonsillitis surgery, you will need to follow some rules:

• Don't take anti-inflammatory medicines
• Ask your doctor about any medication you must take
• Don't eat anything after midnight before the day of your surgery
• Plan in advance for your home recovery

How is Recovery After Tonsillitis Surgery in India?

After the surgery, you might experience some pain. So you must take full rest to recover from the surgery. Stay hydrated, and drink lots of warm fluids. You must eat soft foods like ice cream, oats, or pudding for a couple of days. Avoid eating spicy, hard or crunchy things. if your doctor prescribes you medicine, complete your course of medication. You will be able to get back to your normal life within two weeks.

Best Doctors for Tonsils Treatment in India

If you’re searching for the best doctors for tonsil treatment in India, you will need to choose experienced specialists who offer advanced treatments and proven results. With India’s reputation for excellence in ENT procedures, you can find highly qualified doctors who are well-equipped to diagnose and treat tonsil-related conditions. Let's hear from some of our leading tonsillitis treatment doctors in India:

1. Dr. J. M. Hans

Dr. J. M. Hans is one of India’s best ENT specialists, who is recognised for his extensive expertise in tonsils treatment, tonsil infections, and advanced tonsillectomy procedures. Known for his advanced surgical skills and patient-centric treatments, he provides comprehensive treatment options for both pediatric and adult tonsil disorders.

2. Dr. Neha Sood

Dr. Neha Sood is a leading ENT surgeon in India specialising in tonsil surgery and upper airway disorders. She is experienced, with over 14 years of experience in performing safe and minimally invasive tonsillectomy procedures and managing recurrent tonsillitis, sleep-disordered breathing, and other ENT conditions.

3. Dr. Vishesh Malhotra

Dr. Vishesh Malhotra is an experienced ENT and tonsils treatment specialist in India, well known for his extensive expertise of over 33 years in the clinical management of tonsillitis, tonsil hypertrophy, and advanced surgical treatments. His methodical and personalised treatments ensure high success rates for chronic and complex tonsil diseases.

4. Dr. Anil Thukral

Dr. Anil Thukral is a specialist in India with extensive experience of over 28 years in tonsils treatment, pediatric tonsil disorders, and surgical tonsil removal. He offers comprehensive treatment care for patients with recurrent throat infections, breathing difficulties due to enlarged tonsils, and airway-related ENT problems.

What is the Cost of Tonsils Treatment in India?

Many patients from African countries like Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana travel to India seeking the best treatment at minimum cost. As the cost of Tonsils treatment in India is too low, international patients gain many benefits with the best medical service. The hospitals in India are equipped with the latest technologies and the best doctors in the world. For tonsils, the treatments like Tonsillectomy and coblation Tonsillectomy,Coblation is a new method where the surgeon uses an electrically powered handpiece that 'burns' tissues using low temperatures.Coblation Tonsillectomy has increased the recovery period of a child, making it easier for him/her to return to normal activities and diet, and medications like Antibiotics, NSAIDs, and Analgesics are available in India. The cost of Tonsils treatment in India is listed below.

Tonsillitis must be treated in its initial stage so that you don't have to face many problems in the tonsil treatment. Most people recover while taking rest at home, some can by taking antibiotics. However, some people have to undergo surgery. So if you see any symptoms in yourself, consult a doctor to prevent further problems.

LET'S PLAN YOUR

TREATMENT IN INDIA

 

Tonsillitis Treatment in India FAQs

Which type of doctor should I consult for tonsillitis?

You must consult an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.

Is surgery a must to treat tonsillitis?

No, surgery is not a must to treat tonsillitis. However, if your problem is serious and if you have a problem with breathing and tonsil infection, the doctor will recommend surgery. But it is not a complex process and you can lead a normal life again in some weeks.

What should I eat after the surgery?

After the surgery, if you want to recover fast, try to drink more fluids. Don't eat spicy and hard foods.
Some suggestions are:

• Smoothies
• Yogurt
• Scrambled eggs
• Any type of liquid

How is tonsillitis treated?

The treatment of tonsillitis depends on the type of infection you have. The treatment is solely based on the symptoms shown to you. It is better to get in touch with an ENT specialist to know about what kind of treatment you need.

What are the complications involved with tonsillitis?

Complications are usually involved with strep throat and streptococcal bacteria. They include:

• Chronic tonsillitis- Those who have tonsillitis more than seven times in a year may have chronic tonsillitis. Doctors may recommend surgery if you are snoring and cannot sleep at night.
• Tonsil stones- If you are facing inflammation in the tonsil for a long time, it may lead to tonsil stones.
• Scarlet fever- Strep throat may lead to scarlet fever which causes red rashes and fever.
• Peritonsillar abscess- In some severe cases, an abscess may form in the tonsil. Surgery is a must if this happens.
• Rheumatic fever- Rheumatic fever occurs more in children. It is very rare but may occur if strep throat is not treated well or there is an incompleteness in the dose of antibiotics.

What is the best antibiotic for tonsillitis?

If the cause of your tonsillitis is a bacterial infection, your physician can prescribe you antibiotics. Penicillin is often given orally for ten days to treat tonsillitis induced by group A streptococcus. Your doctor will give you another antibiotic if you have a penicillin allergy.

What is the herbal treatment for tonsillitis?

Raw honey, often put in tea, kills bacteria well and may help treat the infections that cause tonsillitis. Warm the tea up instead of drinking it hot, & mix in the honey till it's completely dissolved. Some teas may make this home remedy work even better.

What is the normal shape of the tonsils?

If you have tonsillitis, you can check whether they are there by opening your mouth very wide and observing your reflection in a mirror. These pinkish lumps of tissue have an oval form and can be seen on both sides of your throat.

What is the right age to remove adenoids in children?

An adenoidectomy is often recommended for patients who are between the ages of 1 and 7 years old. From the age of 7, children's adenoids begin naturally decreasing, and by the time they reach their teens, virtually all of them have disappeared.

When does breathing improve after adenoid surgery?

During the adenoidectomy procedure, only the swollen adenoids are removed from the back of the nose and throat. This is done with the use of specialist dissecting tools. An adenoidectomy will often improve one's nasal blockage and snoring within one to two weeks following the surgical procedure.

Does tonsillitis affect the ear?

A middle ear infection, also known as otitis media, is one of the potential consequences of tonsillitis. This condition occurs when the fluid that is located between the eardrum & the inner ear becomes contaminated by bacteria.