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What is the option available for severe tonsillitis?

Dr Ajit Man Singh
Senior Consultant ENT & Head and Neck Surgery,
Max Healthcare,
New Delhi

Q: I am 29 years old and am suffering from enlarged tonsils since my child hood (especilly in cold season). If I take cold water or have it at a new place, my tonsils get infected. Even when not infected, people some times cant understand my words and I have to repeat again. I came to know that if in a year tonsils are infected more than three times, patient can get septicemia (what is this disease) and can also affect their heart, kidney and some joints. Is it true sir? Please give your suggestion.

A:If you are getting tonsillitis more than 3-4 times a year, which is severe, or is causing obstruction, then it is best to have them removed. Provided that you are not suffering from sinusitis, where post nasal drip causes irritation to the tonsils, or from acid reflux, where the tonsils are irritated by acid from the stomach. These two conditions need to be ruled out.