CIH: Menu for patients
Monday 26 February 2024
We need to pay attention to health care, especially for sick people; protecting and restoring health is very necessary. For patients, in addition to spending more time resting, nutrition also...
Thursday 25 January 2024
Announcement of Public Holidays - New Year 2024
Dear valued patients, City International Hospital would like to announce the hospital opening hours during Public Holidays – New Year 2024 (Giap Thin Tet) as below:
Monday 22 January 2024
Staying healthy brings more happiness than anything else during TET holidays?
The Ministry of Health’s Department of Preventive Medicine warned that the coming Lunar New Year (Tet) holidays and spring festive season, when trading and travel...
Tuesday 26 December 2023
2024 New Year's Holiday Announcement
In observance of New Year’s Day, we would like to thank you for your support and cooperation in the year 2024 and look forward to receiving your continuing assistance...
Wednesday 29 November 2023
The journey of two hospitals in Vietnam first to qualify for coveted AACI accreditation
Nearly 2 years attentively nurturing & more than 6 months intensively executing, to be proudly become the two hospitals firstly in Vietnam certified for American...

Tonsillitis, also called: Tonsil Inflammation, is easy to diagnose. However Untreated tonsillitis can also lead to a collection of pus between the tonsils and soft tissue around it. This abscess may cover a large part of the soft palate. Rarely, the abscess may spread into the bloodstream or into the neck or chest.

 

What are tonsils?

Tonsils are lumps of tissue at the back of the throat. There are two of them, one on each side. Along with the adenoids, tonsils are part of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system clears away infection and keeps body fluids in balance. Tonsils and adenoids work by trapping the germs coming in through the mouth and nose.

What is tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the tonsils. Sometimes along with tonsillitis, the adenoids are also swollen.

What causes tonsillitis?

The cause of tonsillitis is usually a viral infection. Bacterial infections such as strep throat can also cause tonsillitis.

Who is at risk for tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is most common in children over age two. Almost every child in the United States gets it at least once. Tonsillitis caused by bacteria is more common in kids ages 5-15. Tonsillitis caused by a virus is more common in younger children.

 Adults can get tonsillitis, but it is not very common.

Is tonsillitis contagious?

Although tonsillitis is not contagious, the viruses and bacteria that cause it are contagious. Frequent handwashing can help prevent spreading or catching the infections.

What are the symptoms of tonsillitis?

The symptoms of tonsillitis include

  • A sore throat, which may be severe
  • Red, swollen tonsils
  • Trouble swallowing
  • A white or yellow coating on the tonsils
  • Swollen glands in the neck
  • Fever
  • Bad breath

When should I get medical help for my child?

You should call your health care provider if your child

  • Has a sore throat for more than two days
  • Has trouble or pain when swallowing
  • Feels very sick or very weak

You should get emergency care right away if your child

  • Has trouble breathing
  • Starts drooling
  • Has a lot of trouble swallowing

How is tonsillitis diagnosed?

To diagnose tonsillitis, your child's health care provider will first ask you about your child's symptoms and medical history. The provider will look at your child's throat and neck, checking for things such as redness or white spots on the tonsils and swollen lymph nodes.

 Your child will probably also have one or more tests to check for strep throat, since it can cause tonsillitis and it requires treatment. It could be a rapid strep test, a throat culture, or both. For both tests, the provider uses a cotton swab to collect a sample of fluids from your child's tonsils and the back of the throat. With the rapid strep test, testing is done in the office, and you get the results within minutes. The throat culture is done in a lab, and it usually takes a few days to get the results. The throat culture is a more reliable test. So sometimes if the rapid strep test is negative (meaning that it does not show any strep bacteria), the provider will also do a throat culture just to make sure that your child does not have strep.

What are the treatments for tonsillitis?

Treatment for tonsillitis depends on the cause. If the cause is a virus, there is no medicine to treat it. If the cause is a bacterial infection, such as strep throat, your child will need to take antibiotics. It is important for your child to finish the antibiotics even if he or she feels better. If treatment stops too soon, some bacteria may survive and re-infect your child.

No matter what is causing the tonsillitis, there are some things you can do to help your child feel better. Make sure that your child:

  • Gets a lot of rest
  • Drinks plenty of fluids
  • Tries eating soft foods if it hurts to swallow
  • Tries eating warm liquids or cold foods like popsicles to soothe the throat
  • Isn't around cigarette smoke or do anything else that could irritate the throat
  • Sleeps in a room with a humidifier
  • Gargles with saltwater
  • Sucks on a lozenge (but do not give them to children under four; they can choke on them)
  • Takes an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen. Children and teenagers should not take aspirin.
  • In some cases, your child may need a tonsillectomy.

What is a tonsillectomy and why might my child need one?

A tonsillectomy is surgery to remove the tonsils. Your child might need it if he or she

  • Keeps getting tonsillitis
  • Has bacterial tonsillitis that does not get better with antibiotics
  • Has tonsils are too big, and are causing trouble breathing or swallowing

Your child usually gets the surgery and goes home later that day. Very young children and people who have complications may need to stay in the hospital overnight. It can take a week or two before your child completely recovers from the surgery.

For appointment or more information about medical services provided by the ENT Clinic, please contact:

  • Nurse Station: (8428) 6280 3333, ext. 8172
  • Reception Desk: (8428) 6280 3333, ext. 8137 or 8139

Or call City International Hospital

  • Operator: (8428) 6280 3333, ext.0 
  • Address: No. 3, 17A Street, Binh Tri Dong B Ward, Binh Tan Dist. (Next to AEON Mall Binh Tan), Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Website: https://cih.com.vn/en/
  • Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Disclaimer:

As a service to our readers, City International Hospital (CIH) provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.