Swollen tonsils can be treated with self-care practices and home remedies. Here are some things you can do to help relieve the symptoms of swollen tonsils:
- Drink warm or very cold fluids to help with throat pain.
- Eat smooth foods, such as flavored gelatins, ice cream, and applesauce.
- Use a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier in your room.
- Gargle with warm salt water.
- Suck on lozenges with benzocaine or other medications to numb your throat.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
- Use throat sprays that contain anesthetic, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic medications.
- Use a cool-mist humidifier to add moisture to the air.
- Drink plenty of fluids, including warm, soothing liquids such as soup, broth, or tea with honey and lemon.
- Eat soft foods, especially if it hurts to swallow.
It is important to note that if swollen tonsils make it hard for you to breathe or eat, or if tonsillitis keeps coming back or won’t go away, you should see a doctor.
