The tonsils are two lymph nodes located on either side of the back of the throat. These lymph nodes act as a defense mechanism to help the body fight off infection. When the tonsils become infected, the condition is called tonsillitis. Tonsillitis can occur at any age, but it is a common childhood condition. It is most often diagnosed in children from preschool age to mid-teens. It is contagious and can be caused by a variety of viruses and bacteria, such as the streptococcus bacteria, which is responsible for strep throat. Tonsillitis is easy to diagnose. In this article, you will find everything you need to know, from the different types of tonsils to their treatment.
Tonsillitis and Its Types
Tonsillitis is a common infection of the tonsils. There are three different types of tonsillitis: acute, chronic, and recurrent.
1. Acute Tonsillitis
In acute tonsillitis, the symptoms last for 10 days or less. These symptoms are usually intense and can cause significant discomfort. Acute tonsillitis occurs suddenly and resolves quickly within a short period of time. If the infection is severe or accompanied by pus, medical treatment is usually required, and antibiotics may be prescribed.
2. Chronic Tonsillitis
Chronic tonsillitis lasts longer than 10 days and does not go away as quickly as acute tonsillitis. The symptoms of chronic tonsillitis are usually milder, but they do not respond to treatment compared to acute tonsillitis.
3. Recurrent Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis, occurring frequently several times a year, is called recurrent or recurring tonsillitis. If you experience this condition repeatedly, it is important to visit an otolaryngologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Tonsillitis Causes
Tonsillitis Causes
A wide range of viruses and bacteria can cause this condition. One of the most common bacteria responsible for tonsillitis is Streptococcus. If tonsillitis caused by this bacteria is not treated properly, it can lead to more serious and complicated health problems. However, tonsillitis is not difficult to diagnose and usually resolves within 7 to 10 days with proper treatment.
The tonsils serve as the body’s first line of defense against infections. They produce white blood cells that protect the body by destroying bacteria and viruses that enter through the mouth and nose. However, in the process of fighting the infection, the tonsils themselves can become infected and swollen. Viruses such as the common cold virus or bacteria such as streptococcus can cause tonsillitis. In many cases, treating the cold will lead to the tonsils healing.
Tonsillitis Symptoms
The symptoms of this condition do not appear evenly throughout the mouth. They may include:
- Severe sore throat
- Difficulty swallowing liquids and food
- Hoarseness or changes in voice
- Bad breath
- Fever and chills
- Ear pain
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Stiff neck
- Redness and swelling of the tonsils
- Swollen tonsils with white or yellow patches
- Tenderness in the jaw and neck due to inflamed tonsils
Tonsillitis Symptoms in Children:
- Increased irritability
- Excessive drooling
- Loss of appetite
Tonsillitis Treatment
Tonsillitis Treatment
If tonsillitis is mild, it does not require serious treatment, especially when it is caused by a virus such as the common cold. In such cases, antibiotics are not needed, and the condition can be managed with painkillers, plenty of rest, and proper hydration.
When tonsillitis is severe, treatment may include antibiotics or even surgery to remove the tonsils. If the patient is dehydrated due to the infection, intravenous fluids may be necessary. Painkillers are also prescribed to help reduce throat discomfort. It is important to note that treating tonsillitis in adults is just as important as treating it in children.
Home Remedies for Tonsillitis
There are several simple methods to relieve symptoms and reduce tonsil swelling. Some effective home remedies are:
- Drinking plenty of fluids and consuming soups or other liquid-based foods
- Gargling with salt water several times a day
- Using throat lozenges
- Eating popsicles or frozen treats
- Keeping indoor air moist with a humidifier
- Avoiding smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke
- Taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce pain
- Using cough sprays to soothe the throat, especially for children
- Consulting a doctor before giving any medication to children
- Drinking thyme tea, a natural remedy for tonsillitis
Tonsillitis Antibiotics
Tonsillitis Antibiotics
If a bacterial infection is causing your tonsillitis, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help fight the infection. Antibiotics can help relieve symptoms more quickly. However, they may increase the risk of antibiotic resistance and cause side effects such as digestive problems. Taking antibiotics is especially important for people who are at risk for complications from tonsillitis. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, it will likely be penicillin for tonsillitis caused by group A streptococcus bacteria. If you are allergic to penicillin, alternative antibiotics are available. It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics. Even if your symptoms disappear completely, not taking all of the prescribed medication as directed can make the infection worse. An otolaryngologist may ask you to make an appointment to make sure the treatment is working.
Tonsil Surgery
Tonsil surgery, also known as a tonsillectomy, is recommended when tonsillitis is frequent, severe, painful, or leads to other complications. If a person experiences 5 to 7 episodes of tonsillitis or strep throat in a year, surgery can help prevent symptoms from recurring and reduce swallowing and breathing problems.
Children who undergo tonsillectomy usually do not experience symptoms of tonsillitis for up to 12 months. However, adults may still face a higher risk of breathing problems and infections over time. While surgery reduces the risk of bacterial and viral infections through the mouth and nose, it does not completely eliminate this risk. In rare cases, tonsils may grow back and cause problems again.
Is Tonsillitis Contagious?
Tonsillitis itself is not contagious, but the germs that cause it can spread to others. These infectious agents can be transmitted 24 to 48 hours before symptoms appear in an infected person. If the cause of tonsillitis is bacterial, the risk of spreading the bacteria disappears 24 hours after starting antibiotics. However, if someone with tonsillitis coughs or sneezes near you and you inhale the droplets of mucus and saliva, you may become infected with the virus or bacteria.
Touching contaminated surfaces that carry the bacteria or virus responsible for tonsillitis can also increase the risk of infection. To prevent tonsillitis, it is important to avoid close contact with infected or suspected people. Regular hand washing and good hygiene are essential to reduce the risk of infection.
Tonsillitis Symptoms
Does Tonsillitis Go Away?
Yes, in most cases, tonsillitis goes away on its own. If it is caused by a virus, it usually resolves within 7 to 10 days without the need for antibiotics. Rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and using home remedies can help speed recovery. If bacteria are causing the infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help it clear up more quickly. However, if tonsillitis occurs frequently or becomes severe, your doctor may recommend other treatments, such as surgery to remove your tonsils.
How Long Do Tonsils Take to Heal?
The time it takes for tonsillitis to heal depends on the cause. If it is caused by a virus, it usually takes about 7 to 10 days to heal with rest and proper care. If it is a bacterial infection and antibiotics are prescribed, you may feel better within a few days, but it is important to finish the entire course of antibiotics. In some cases, especially with severe or recurring tonsillitis, it may take longer or require other treatments, such as surgery.
Why Do Adults Get Tonsillitis?
Adults can get tonsillitis just like children. It is usually caused by a viral infection, such as the common cold, or bacteria, such as Streptococcus. Poor hygiene, close contact with sick people, or a weakened immune system can increase your risk of getting tonsillitis. While it is more common in children, adults can still get the condition, especially if they have a history of frequent throat infections or other health problems that affect their immune system.
Final Word
Tonsillitis can cause breathing difficulties, which may ultimately result in sleep disturbances. If left untreated, the inflammation can spread the infection to the tissues around the mouth. If you suspect that you have symptoms of this disease, there is no need to worry. You just need to visit an otolaryngologist in person or online. Consulting a doctor and taking prescribed medications will eliminate the symptoms within a few days and prevent the infection from spreading to other people and different parts of the body.
