Can a doctor treat tonsillitis on Laso MD?

Absolutely. In certain instances, a Laso MD doctor can provide a tonsillitis diagnosis by discussing your symptoms and assessing your condition.

Should the doctor deem it necessary for further examination, they might recommend a clinic visit for a physical examination to check for swollen tonsils and conduct a throat swab test.

 

Can I receive a prescription on Laso MD?

Certainly, our physicians can prescribe medications online during your consultation. Once you accept the prescription, you’ll have the flexibility to pick it up from any pharmacy or opt for convenient doorstep delivery at no extra charge.

 

What is tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is an infection affecting the two masses of tissue located at the back of your throat, known as tonsils.

There are three types of tonsillitis:

1. Acute tonsillitis (lasting from 3 or 4 days, up to two weeks)
2. Recurrent tonsillitis (experiencing tonsillitis multiple times within a year)
3. Chronic tonsillitis (a prolonged tonsil infection)

The treatment for tonsillitis may vary based on the specific type you’re dealing with and the recommendations provided by your doctor.

 

What are the symptoms of tonsillitis?

Common symptoms of tonsillitis include:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Loss of appetite
• White or yellow coating on the inner throat
• Headache
• Ear pain
• Red or enlarged tonsils
• Fever or chills
• Throat pain
• Tenderness in the esophagus
• Muffled or scratchy sounding voice
• Unexplained bad breath
• Ulcers or blisters in the throat
• Neck stiffness
• Swollen glands in the neck or lower jaw

Additionally, children may experience additional symptoms such as:

• Stomach pain
• Vomiting
• Indigestion
• Excessive drooling
• Reluctance to eat or swallow

 

What causes tonsillitis?

Tonsils, positioned at the back of your throat, act as filters for germs, preventing them from entering the upper respiratory tract and causing infection. They also generate antibodies to combat infections.

Tonsillitis typically arises when the tonsils are overwhelmed by bacteria or viruses attempting to enter the body, a condition more prevalent in children.

Common culprits include Streptococcus bacteria, influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, herpes simplex virus, enteroviruses, adenoviruses, and Epstein-Barr virus. Streptococcus-induced tonsillitis is contagious, while viral infections are not.

 

How is tonsillitis treated?

Treatment options depend on whether the infection is bacterial or viral. For streptococcus-induced infections, antibiotics are often prescribed, and completing the full course is crucial to prevent a recurrence.

Viral infections, however, do not respond to antibiotics. In such cases, doctors may recommend home remedies to alleviate symptoms, such as gargling with warm salt water, consuming smooth foods, using a humidifier, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, staying hydrated, getting ample rest, and using lozenges.

 

What is the difference between tonsillitis and strep throat?

Tonsillitis and strep throat can both result from streptococcus bacteria, but they are distinct conditions stemming from the same infection. While strep throat specifically refers to a throat infection, tonsillitis involves the inflammation of the tonsils.

The presence of streptococcus bacteria in tonsillitis doesn’t guarantee the development of strep throat, as various viruses can also cause tonsillitis.

 

What is the difference between viral and bacterial tonsillitis?

The key difference lies in treatment. Bacterial tonsillitis can be treated with antibiotics, whereas viral tonsillitis cannot.

For viral infections, doctors recommend managing symptoms while the body naturally combats the infection.

 

What is Laso MD?

With Laso MD, initiate a conversation with a doctor about your symptoms within minutes. We’re a healthcare app providing fast, convenient 24/7 access to Canadian doctors.

Simply log in, tap a button to request a consultation, and we’ll immediately connect you to a doctor via live chat or video. Explore our How it Works page to learn more.

Our doctors can assess symptoms and provide treatment, including prescriptions as necessary.