tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is caused by a variety of bacterial and viral infections that affect your tonsils. The main symptoms are having a sore throat, a fever and difficulty swallowing.

While this illness most often affects children from four to fourteen, anyone can get it. The germs that trigger these infections, including Streptococcal bacteria, can be passed to others.

Keep in mind that not all germs are bad. Take a moment to read this blog and learn about the difference between healthy and harmful germs.

While tonsilitis is easy to diagnose and the symptoms usually improve within ten days, if it is caused by strep throat, there can be more serious complications without treatment.

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Potential Complications of Tonsillitis

If not properly treated, this infection can lead to complications such as:¹

• Peritonsillar abscess: This is a buildup of pus near the tonsils. This may require drainage and surgery.
• Tonsillar cellulitis: The infection may increase in severity.
• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): If you have chronic tonsillitis, you may develop obstructive sleep apnea. This impacts your ability to sleep well and may lead to other medical issues. You can learn more about sleep disorders in this informative blog.
• Spread of infection: The bacterial or viral infection may spread to your bloodstream.

Additionally, complications caused by strep throat may include:¹

• Rheumatic fever: A rare but serious condition that damages the heart, joints and nervous system.
• Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis: An autoimmune disorder that affects the kidneys.

What are the Symptoms of Tonsillitis?¹

• Abdominal pain
• Bad breath
• Chills
• Difficulty swallowing
• Earache
• Extremely sore throat
• Fever
• Headache
• Jaw and neck pain
• Loss of voice
• Red and swollen tonsils with white or yellow spots
• Stiff neck

Young children may also have the following symptoms:¹

• Excessive drooling
• Increased irritability
• Poor appetitive

Types of Tonsillitis

There are three different types of this infection:¹

• Acute Tonsillitis: This is the most common type. Most children will get it at least once in their lifetime. The symptoms will usually improve within ten days or less.
• Recurrent Tonsillitis: If you or your child have had multiple episodes of acute tonsilitis within a year, the infection is considered recurrent. How many cases do you need to be diagnosed with recurrent tonsilitis?
  • Sore throat or tonsillitis six to seven times in the same year
  • Five cases of each in the last two years
  • Three cases of each in the last three years
• Chronic Tonsillitis: If symptoms last for longer than ten days, they may require a more intensive treatment. The more chronic form of this infection may also cause tonsil stones. This happens when dead cells, food and saliva build up around the tonsils and harden into small stones. They often come loose on their own, but a provider may need to remove them.

In severe cases, your provider may choose to give you a tonsillectomy, which surgically removes your tonsils.

How Do You Diagnose Tonsillitis?

A provider will start with discussing your symptoms and health history. They’ll examine your throat and the lymph nodes in your neck. Then, to determine if you have a viral or bacterial infection, they will swab your throat for a culture collection. Once sent to a lab, it will determine the next step in your care.

They may also conduct a flu, strep throat or COVID-19 test to determine the next step in treatment.

Want more info on flu season and how MedExpress can help you diagnose your illness? We’ve put together some facts about how the flu season can bring more than just flu.

Treatment Options for Tonsillitis

Your care will depend on whether you have a viral or bacterial infection:¹

Viral Treatment: A virus doesn’t respond to antibiotics, so stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.

Bacterial Treatment: Take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by your provider. Even if you start feeling better, it’s important to complete the full dose.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Tonsillitis?

Most viral cases resolve within a week or two. Bacterial infections usually get better within a few days of taking antibiotics. If you develop recurrent or chronic tonsillitis, you may need a long-term care plan and possible tonsillectomy surgery.

How Do You Prevent Tonsillitis?

You should always be working to have a strong immune system. Having a balanced diet and getting plenty of rest are great first steps. Here’s a few ideas on how to build a strong immune system.

Other ways to prevent this throat infection include:

• Avoid close contact with infected people: If you know someone who has tonsilitis, keep a safe distance. If you have it, make sure not to be near people, as you can pass on the infection until you get the proper care.
• For once, don’t share: If someone in your home is sick with this infection, don’t share bedding, face cloths or towels. You should also not drink from the same glass or use the same silverware or dishes.
• Good hygiene: Frequently wash both your and your child’s hands frequently with soap and warm water. Don’t have access to soap and water? Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer made up of at least 60 percent alcohol.

How to Manage the Symptoms of Tonsillitis¹

• Get plenty of rest.
• Stay properly hydrated.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers and throat lozenges as needed.
• Gargle with warm salt water.

If your throat is hurting and you’re not feeling your best, you can get back to feeling better fast with MedExpress. Just schedule a visit online or walk in at the time that works best for you. Our neighborhood locations are open when you need us from 8 to 8 every day.

References:

1 Healthline. Everything You Need to Know About Tonsillitis. Last updated April 17, 2024. Accessed June 26, 2024.