Viral infections will not respond to antibiotic treatment, so self-care methods are the best treatment for viral tonsillitis. If you or your child has been diagnosed with a bacterial infection, these methods can help relieve discomfort and reduce inflammation in the tonsils:

- Drink warm liquids such as herbal teas with lemon and honey can help relieve pain caused by a sore throat.

- Drink plenty of water to maintain hydration.

- Reduce or remove irritants such as pet dander, smoke, harsh chemicals, or mold from your home that may aggravate the sore throat.

- Use a cool-mist humidifier to moisten the air and reduce dryness that can worsen a sore throat.

- Gargle warm water with table salt - being sure to spit the solution out - to soothe soreness in the throat.

- Use an air purifier to help remove air pollution from your living spaces.

- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to reduce pain and inflammation caused by infected tonsils. If the infection is also causing a fever, these medications can help manage fever symptoms as well.

For recurring tonsil infections or chronic tonsillitis, your health care provider may recommend a tonsillectomy procedure to remove the tonsils.

Tonsillectomy is an outpatient procedure that rarely requires an overnight stay in the hospital. Once the anesthesia has worn off, the patient is usually free to go home. Recovery from a tonsillectomy usually takes about 7-10 days; during this time, the patient may experience some discomfort in the throat and neck. Talk to your health care provider about methods to mitigate this discomfort while recovering.