My right tonsil is swollen to the middle of my throat and covered with more holes then a speed limit sing in redneck country. The left one is beginning to show signs of forming holes as well, although there hasn't been significant swelling yet. The entire back are of my mouth, including the uvula, is a dark red color, with occasional small puss pockets. My throat in the lymph node area on the right side. Overall it is very painful to swallow or talk. I have tried the classic remedy of gargling with warm salt water, and/or mouthwash. This is the 6th episode this year, and by far the worse. The only thing that has remotely helped the pain, including pain killers, has been my husband's joking suggestion of rubbing "Head On" on the outside of my throat. We're going to try and get me to the doctor soon, but before then are there any other suggestions that might help with the pain and swelling?

Some hillbilly told me once they used to put a drop of iodine on the tonsil and drink a shot of 151 back in the hills. I think I would just go see a doctor but would be intrigued about the guy's suggestion.

As funny as it might sound the guy did have cures I saw people try like like nail polish remover on chiggers, some kind of common yard weed to cure poison ivy and such.

Ice cubes to soothe the swelling and itchiness in your throat. I had simliar problems, however they were also triggered by new allergies that I didn't know I had until after the operation.

Best thing to do - go see your doctor asap, have your throat checked thoroughly and ask if tonsil removal is the best option to go. It will be hell if you are an adult (believe me, it was one of several hells I went through in my life, OMG) but it will be worthwhile all of the pain in three months where your percentage of infections in your throat go down dramatically.

Try crackers and soup as they do wonders for the "itching" part for your throat and you'll be able to keep yourself hydrated as well at the same time.

Good luck.

Use silver nitrate spray. It kills germs and feels cool and good.