This test involves taking a tiny amount of blood to investigate levels of certain types of blood cells. This bloodwork can help a doctor supplement the information they have obtained from the swab. In some cases, if the swab is inconclusive, a complete blood cell count can help the doctor determine the best treatment. People can use over-the-counter OTC pain relieving medications to numb the symptoms of tonsillitis.
If a bacterial infection is causing tonsillitis, a doctor will usually prescribe antibiotics. However, they will not do so for a person with viral tonsillitis. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses. Penicillin is the most common antibiotic. When on a course of antibiotics, a person must follow the full course and continue taking them, even if the symptoms have resolved.
Stopping a course of antibiotics part of the way through might allow the infection to spread. Rarely, if left untreated, certain types of bacteria may lead to rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation. Previously, doctors regularly recommended surgery to treat tonsillitis. Today, a doctor will not recommend a tonsillectomy unless the condition is chronic and recurring. Although the tonsils become less active after puberty , they are still a functional organ.
For this reason, a surgeon will not remove them unless necessary. If a tonsillectomy is necessary, doctors can choose from a variety of methods.
Medical practitioners have successfully used lasers, radio waves, ultrasonic energy, cold temperatures, or a heated needle to remove the tonsils. Surgery has increasingly become the last port of call. The negative implications of surgery may outweigh the positives of tonsil removal.
While tonsillitis can be distressing and uncomfortable when it occurs, it will pass without any serious long term implications for most people. Learn more about treating tonsillitis at home here. Tonsils are the first line of defense against potential diseases and infections. For this reason, they can easily develop an infection. Viral or bacterial tonsillitis can be contagious and spread from person to person. However, if tonsillitis is due to a secondary illness, such as sinusitis or hay fever , it is unlikely to spread.
A viral infection is the most common cause of tonsillitis. The most common types of virus that infect the tonsils include:.
The most common type of bacteria to infect the tonsils is Streptococcus pyogenes. However, less often, other species can cause tonsillitis, including:. Tonsillitis can be caused by bacteria or viruses. Causes of tonsillitis include: Streptococcus commonly referred to as "strep" bacteria the most common cause of tonsillitis Adenoviruses The Epstein-Barr virus infectious mononucleosis The herpes simplex virus Cytomegalovirus Measles virus What are the symptoms of tonsillitis? Symptoms may include: Swollen, red tonsils often coated with a yellow, gray, or white membrane Blisters or painful ulcerated areas on the throat Sudden onset sore throat Pain or difficulty with swallowing Snoring Foul breath Headache Loss of appetite Malaise Chills Fever Swollen and tender lymph nodes in the neck or jaw area These symptoms may also occur if your child has a peritonsillar abscess: Severe throat pain Muffled voice Drooling Difficulty opening mouth The symptoms of tonsillitis may resemble other conditions or health problems.
Can tonsillitis be prevented? These suggestions may help to stop the spread of the contagious illnesses that are generally responsible for the spread of tonsillitis: Keep your and your child's distance from anyone with tonsillitis or a sore throat. Wash your and your child's hands frequently.
Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and teach your children to do the same. Treatment for tonsillitis Specific treatment for tonsillitis will be determined by your doctor based on: Your age, overall health, and medical history Extent of the disease Cause of the infection Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies Expectations for the course of the disease Your opinion or preference Tonsillitis caused by a viral infection is treated differently than tonsillitis caused by a bacterial infection.
Last Name. This same bacteria is the only cause of strep throat. Both conditions are contagious, so you should try to stay away from other people if you think you have either one.
Your doctor can use the same tests to diagnose both conditions. Treatments for bacterial tonsillitis and strep throat are also similar. Learn more about the differences between tonsillitis and strep throat. People who experience chronic tonsillitis may start to experience obstructive sleep apnea. This happens when the airways swell and prevents a person from sleeping well, which can lead to other medical issues if left untreated.
This is known as tonsillar cellulitis. The infection can also cause a person to develop a buildup of pus behind the tonsils, called a peritonsillar abscess.
This can require drainage and surgery. These include rheumatic fever and poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis. To decrease your risk of getting tonsillitis, stay away from people who have active infections. Ensure you and your child practice good hygiene habits. Wash your hands often, especially after coming into contact with someone who has a sore throat, or is coughing or sneezing. Swollen tonsils may cause difficulty breathing, which can lead to disturbed sleep.
Tonsillitis left untreated can result in the infection spreading to the area behind the tonsils or to the surrounding tissue. Symptoms of tonsillitis caused by a bacterial infection usually improve a few days after you begin taking antibiotics. Learn about what foods are good to eat and what foods to avoid if you have a sore throat. Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation and pain in the throat.
We explain the common signs, diagnostic tests, treatment…. Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that affects the throat and nose. Get the facts on causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention. White spots on the tonsils have several possible causes.
Learn more about causes and treatments. Tonsillitis can be caused by various viruses or bacteria. Strep throat is only caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils, which are located in the back of your throat. Sometimes they can become infected. Use this guide to help decide whether or not your child should take a sick day from school.
Z-Pack is a form of Zithromax, a brand-name version of the antibiotic azithromycin. Learn about Z-pack for strep throat here. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. Tonsillitis symptoms. Acute tonsillitis. Chronic tonsillitis. Recurrent tonsillitis. When to see a doctor. Is tonsillitis contagious? Tonsillitis causes. Diagnosis of tonsillitis.
Tonsillitis treatment. Tonsillitis home remedies. Tonsillitis in adults. Tonsillitis vs.
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