The tonsils are two fleshy, oval-shaped pads of tissue located at the back of the throat, one on each side. They are a part of the body’s immune system and stop germs from entering through the mouth and nose. An inflammation of the tonsils is called tonsillitis. It is a common childhood illness in which school-age children between 5 and 15 years make up the majority of cases of tonsillitis, but adults can develop symptoms of tonsillitis too. 

Please continue reading to learn more about the causes of tonsillitis, whether it is contagious, how to treat it, and when to seek emergency medical care.

What causes tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis refers to an infection of the tonsils. It is caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Viral tonsillitis is more common and is caused by a common virus. The viruses that cause the flu or common cold can also cause tonsillitis. Bacterial tonsillitis is typically caused by the same common bacteria that causes strep throat. 

What are tonsillitis symptoms?

Common signs and symptoms of tonsillitis include: 

• Red or swollen tonsils in the back of the throat
• Yellow or white patches visible on the tonsils
• Sore throat and throat pain
• Painful swallowing
• Fever
• Swollen glands (lymph nodes) in the neck
• Scratchy voice
• Bad breath
• Headache
• Neck ache
• Stomachache

Can I be around someone with tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is contagious. It is caused by a bacterial or viral infection, which can spread from person to person. When an infected person sneezes, coughs, or talks, they can pass on tonsillitis-causing germs to others through respiratory droplets. Tonsillitis can also spread through kissing, close contact, and touching contaminated surfaces. 

How long are you contagious with tonsillitis?

You are contagious for 24-48 hours before developing symptoms of tonsillitis (incubation period), and you continue to remain contagious until your symptoms resolve.

How is tonsillitis treated?

Treatment for tonsillitis depends on the cause. Healthcare professionals may perform a swab test, throat culture, blood test, and other investigations to find out whether it is viral tonsillitis or bacterial tonsillitis.

Viral tonsillitis treatment

If tonsillitis is caused by a virus, supportive measures are all that is usually needed. This includes getting plenty of rest, drinking warm liquids, and using throat lozenges and over-the-counter pain relievers that can provide relief from symptoms and help the body fight infection. 

Bacterial tonsillitis treatment

In bacterial tonsillitis cases, doctors may prescribe antibiotics like penicillin, clindamycin, or cephalosporin. The usual treatment duration is 10 days. It is important to finish the entire course of antibiotics even if you start to feel better. Failure to complete all your prescribed antibiotics can cause your infection to come back worse or spread to other parts of your body. 

Surgery for tonsillitis

Tonsillectomy (surgery to remove the tonsils) is performed only for severe tonsillitis that does not respond to other treatments or for recurrent tonsillitis (at least 7 episodes in the past year, 5 episodes per year in the past 2 years, or 3 episodes per year in the past 3 years). 

What medicine is good for tonsillitis?

As mentioned above, antibiotics are only prescribed for bacterial infections. Antibiotics cannot treat tonsillitis caused by a viral infection.

Most people with tonsillitis feel better in 7-10 days and do not require treatment in the hospital. The following home remedies for tonsillitis can help you stay more comfortable while you recover:

• Get plenty of rest.
• Drink lots of fluids to keep the throat moist and relieve sore throat.
• Eat comforting soft foods and drink warm beverages like warm water with honey, broth, and tea.
• Use throat lozenges for comfort.
• Do warm salt water gargles.
• Humidify the air in your home.
• Avoid irritants like cleaning products and cigarette smoke.
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to minimize symptoms.

When to see a doctor for tonsillitis?

You should call your doctor if you have the following symptoms and signs:

• Pus-filled spots on your tonsils.
• Throat pain that is bad enough, such that you cannot eat or drink.
• Trouble swallowing.
• Fever of more than 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Symptoms that last more than 4 days.

How to prevent tonsillitis?

You should take the same precautions you normally take for other respiratory viral infections and bacterial infections. This includes practicing good hygiene. You should:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Stay home if you develop symptoms.
• Stay away from anyone who is sick with tonsillitis symptoms as much as possible. 
• Don’t share utensils, drinking glasses, water bottles, and other personal items with others.
• Replace your toothbrush regularly.

References:

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tonsillitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20378479#