What is Involved in a Tonsillectomy?
A tonsillectomy is an operation to remove the tonsils, which are two small areas of tissue at the back of the throat. The procedure is usually carried out under a general anaesthetic, so you will be asleep during the operation. A tonsillectomy may be recommended if you have repeated episodes of tonsillitis, enlarged tonsils causing […]
What is Dysphagia?
Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing food, drinks or saliva. It can affect people in different ways, from finding certain foods difficult to swallow to being unable to swallow safely at all. Dysphagia is usually a symptom of another condition rather than a condition itself. It can increase the risk of choking, dehydration, […]
How Do Doctors Test for Swallowing Problems?
Doctors test for swallowing problems, also called dysphagia, by first asking about your symptoms and examining how you eat, drink and swallow. Depending on what they find, you may be referred to a speech and language therapist or a throat specialist. Tests can include a clinical swallowing assessment, a videofluoroscopy, an endoscopy or other investigations […]
What Should I Do if I Keep Getting Tonsillitis?
If you keep getting tonsillitis, the most important thing is to focus on symptom relief at home, reduce how often it comes back, and speak to a GP or throat specialist if it keeps recurring. Repeated tonsillitis can be caused by viral infections, bacterial infections, or sometimes irritated tonsils that become inflamed easily. In many […]
Why Does My Throat Hurt When I Swallow?
If your throat hurts when you swallow, it is usually because the tissues in your throat are irritated or inflamed. The most common cause is a viral infection, such as a cold or flu, although tonsillitis, strep throat, allergies, acid reflux and smoking can also cause discomfort. Most sore throats improve on their own within […]
What Are Remedies If You Can’t Stop Coughing?
If you can’t stop coughing, simple measures like drinking warm fluids, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter medication can often provide relief. However, if your cough lasts for more than three weeks, keeps coming back, or is accompanied by symptoms such as coughing up blood, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, you should speak to a healthcare […]