ENT Services — Thiruvananthapuram
Tonsillitis & Throat Care
Recurring sore throats, painful swallowing, or persistent throat infections? Get accurate diagnosis and effective treatment at our clinic in Pongumoodu.
Understanding the Condition
What is Tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils — two lymph nodes at the back of the throat that act as the body's first line of defence against infection. When bacteria or viruses infect the tonsils, they become swollen, red, and painful.
While a single episode of tonsillitis is common and usually resolves with treatment, recurrent tonsillitis (7 or more episodes in a year) can significantly impact a child's schooling, sleep, and quality of life — and may require specialist evaluation.
Acute Tonsillitis
Sudden onset with severe sore throat, fever, and difficulty swallowing. Usually resolves in 7–10 days with treatment.
Recurrent Tonsillitis
Frequent repeated infections throughout the year. Specialist evaluation recommended to discuss long-term management options.
Recognise the Signs
Symptoms of Tonsillitis
Sore Throat
Severe throat pain, often the first and most prominent symptom of tonsillitis.
Fever
High temperature, chills, and feeling generally unwell accompany the infection.
Difficulty Swallowing
Swallowing food, water, or even saliva can be painful with swollen tonsils.
Red, Swollen Tonsils
Tonsils appear red and enlarged, often with white or yellow patches on the surface.
Bad Breath
Unpleasant breath caused by bacterial infection and mucus in the throat.
Muffled or Changed Voice
Voice may sound hoarse, strained, or muffled due to swollen throat tissue.
Ear Pain
Pain referred to the ears from the throat — common in tonsillitis due to shared nerve pathways.
Snoring or Breathing Difficulty
Enlarged tonsils can block the airway during sleep, causing snoring or disturbed sleep in children.
Full Throat Care
Other Throat Conditions We Treat
Beyond tonsillitis, Dr. Marissa provides comprehensive evaluation and management for all throat-related conditions.
Pharyngitis
Inflammation of the pharynx (back of the throat) causing pain, scratchiness, and difficulty swallowing.
Laryngitis
Inflammation of the voice box (larynx) causing hoarseness, loss of voice, or a dry, scratchy throat.
Hoarseness of Voice
Persistent voice changes evaluated for vocal cord problems, acid reflux, or other causes.
Post-Nasal Drip
Mucus draining down the back of the throat causing chronic cough, throat clearing, or sore throat.
Throat Foreign Body
Sensation of something stuck in the throat — thorough examination to rule out structural or functional causes.
Adenoid Problems
Enlarged adenoids in children causing breathing difficulties, snoring, and recurrent ear infections.
How We Help
Treatment Approach
Treatment is tailored to the cause, severity, and frequency of your throat condition. Dr. Marissa takes a thorough, evidence-based approach before recommending any intervention.
Throat and Neck Examination
Complete examination of the tonsils, pharynx, larynx, and neck lymph nodes. Flexible laryngoscopy may be performed to visualise the voice box directly.
Accurate Diagnosis
Differentiating between viral and bacterial tonsillitis, as treatment differs significantly. Throat swab culture may be recommended when appropriate.
Medical Treatment
Appropriate antibiotics for bacterial infections, analgesics for pain relief, anti-inflammatory medications, and supportive care guidance.
Recurrence Assessment
For patients with frequent tonsillitis, a detailed review of episode frequency, severity, and impact on quality of life to guide long-term management decisions.
Surgical Referral When Indicated
When tonsillectomy is the right option — such as in recurrent tonsillitis or obstructive enlarged tonsils — appropriate surgical referral with full counselling.
Paediatric Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is one of the most common reasons children miss school in Kerala. Repeated infections can affect growth, sleep quality, and academic performance. Dr. Marissa provides child-friendly ENT care in a calm, reassuring environment — helping both children and parents understand the condition and the best path forward.
Common Questions
Tonsillitis FAQ
Is tonsillitis contagious?
Yes. Bacterial and viral tonsillitis spread through droplets from coughing, sneezing, or sharing utensils. Good hand hygiene and avoiding close contact during illness helps prevent spread.
Does my child need a tonsillectomy?
Not necessarily. Tonsillectomy is usually considered when a child has 7 or more episodes in one year, 5 per year for two years, or 3 per year for three years — especially if episodes are severe and affect quality of life. Dr. Marissa will help you make this decision with full information.
Can adults get tonsillitis?
Yes, adults can get tonsillitis, though it is more common in children. Adults with recurrent tonsillitis deserve the same thorough evaluation as children.
What is the difference between tonsillitis and strep throat?
Strep throat is a bacterial tonsillitis caused specifically by Group A Streptococcus. It requires antibiotic treatment to prevent complications. Not all tonsillitis is strep — many cases are viral and do not need antibiotics.
Can enlarged tonsils cause snoring in children?
Yes. Enlarged tonsils and adenoids are the most common cause of snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea in children. Untreated, this can affect behaviour, concentration, and growth. An ENT evaluation is important if your child snores regularly.
Recurrent throat infections are sometimes linked to nasal drainage issues — read about our sinusitis treatment if you also have nasal congestion.
Sore Throat Getting You Down?
Book a throat consultation at Dr. Marissa's ENT Clinic in Pongumoodu, Thiruvananthapuram. Serving families from Kowdiar, Pattom, Sasthamangalam, Kesavadasapuram, and surrounding areas.