Tonsillitis and Tonsillectomy

At Spokane ENT, we provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment of tonsillitis, an inflammation of the tonsils that can be acute or chronic. Tonsillitis can be caused by bacterial or viral infections and is characterized by symptoms such as sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and visible redness or white patches on the tonsils. While many cases of tonsillitis resolve with medical treatment, recurrent or chronic tonsillitis can significantly impact quality of life, causing frequent infections, persistent throat discomfort, and missed school or work. Our team specializes in evaluating patients with tonsillitis and determining when surgical intervention with tonsillectomy may be appropriate to provide long-term relief and prevent future infections.

We utilize advanced diagnostic techniques to evaluate tonsillitis, including detailed history taking to assess the frequency, severity, and pattern of infections. Our evaluation includes comprehensive physical examination of the throat and neck, looking for signs of inflammation, enlargement, or complications such as peritonsillar abscess. We may perform throat cultures or rapid strep tests when indicated to identify bacterial infections. Our team also evaluates for associated conditions such as sleep-disordered breathing, obstructive sleep apnea, or difficulty swallowing that may be related to enlarged tonsils. We work to differentiate tonsillitis from other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, ensuring accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.

Our treatment approach for tonsillitis begins with appropriate medical management, including antibiotics for bacterial infections, pain management, and supportive care. For patients with recurrent or chronic tonsillitis that significantly impacts quality of life, or for those with complications such as obstructive sleep apnea related to enlarged tonsils, we offer tonsillectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils. We utilize modern surgical techniques including electrocautery and coblation, which allow for precise removal with minimal bleeding and faster recovery. Our goal is to eliminate recurrent infections, improve breathing and swallowing when indicated, and restore normal quality of life. Following surgery, we provide comprehensive postoperative care and monitoring to ensure optimal healing and recovery.