Acute tonsillitis is an infectious disease, primarily caused by bacterial infections, so the use of antibiotics is necessary. Antibiotics like penicillin and cephalosporins are commonly used. If the patient is allergic to these, erythromycin can be used as an alternative, as it also effectively covers the bacterial spectrum associated with tonsillitis, providing good treatment results.

However, when it comes to chronic tonsillitis, relying solely on antibiotics is not effective. In addition to medication, if the patient experiences frequent throat infections—four to five times a year—or if there is a risk of the condition leading to complications, such as significantly enlarged tonsils affecting breathing, surgery should be considered.

What does the surgery involve? The surgery requires the removal of the tonsils. Some may worry that since the tonsils are part of the immune system, removing them might make the body more susceptible to infections. However, this is a misconception.

Tonsils do play a role in the immune system during infancy and early childhood, but as one ages, especially after the teenage years, their function diminishes, and the tonsils begin to shrink. They become less useful over time, and their contribution to the immune system becomes negligible. In fact, in patients with chronic tonsillitis, the tonsils can become a breeding ground for bacteria due to the presence of crypts, or small pits, that trap food particles, secretions, and bacteria. These can turn into focal points of infection. Therefore, in such cases, removing the tonsils can significantly help control chronic tonsillitis. It may also alleviate related conditions such as kidney inflammation, arthritis, and even psoriasis.

For patients with enlarged tonsils that interfere with breathing, leading to snoring, sleep apnea, or even waking up due to lack of air, removing the tonsils can greatly improve these symptoms. Thus, for patients with chronic tonsillitis who meet the criteria for surgery, tonsillectomy is a viable treatment option.