Darrick Robles What to do with tonsillitis? The severe sore throat that is often caused by tonsillitis is extremely uncomfortable. The good news is that tonsillitis usually goes away on its own. At the same time, there’s a lot you can do to make yourself feel better while you’re sick.
Tonsillitis symptoms
The tonsils are 2 almond-shaped soft tissues. They are located at the back of the palate, one on each side. As part of the body’s immune system, they protect us from infection: they are the body’s first line of defense against viruses and bacteria that enter through the mouth. So they can easily become infected and inflamed. If viruses are the triggers, this often means that it is a cold.
Symptoms of tonsillitis caused by bacteria
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Yellowish coating on the tonsils
Symptoms of tonsillitis caused by viruses
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Sniffles
- hoarseness
Lymph nodes on either side of the neck, just below the jaw, may become swollen . In this case you will feel 2 painful globules under the skin. Tonsillitis symptoms usually go away on their own within 3 to 7 days.
Causes of tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is a common disease. It is caused by viruses or bacteria , the latter mostly of the streptococci type. However, viral infections are much more common.
Infection occurs through direct contact with an infected person . It can be enough for someone near you to sneeze or cough. Indirect infection via objects such as e.g. B. doorknobs is possible. The first symptoms of tonsillitis appear 2 to 4 days after infection.
diagnosis of tonsillitis
Since tonsillitis is contagious, it is especially important to diagnose it with certainty. The doctor will try to find out whether the tonsillitis is caused by a virus or bacteria . To do this, he will first inquire about the symptoms and the history of the disease. This is followed by an examination of the mouth, nose and ears.
The doctor feels under the jaw for swollen lymph nodes. A swab in the throat with a cotton swab can also confirm the diagnosis of tonsillitis.
You can do this yourself if you have tonsillitis
Oh wow – tonsillitis! What to do? Regardless of whether viruses or bacteria are the culprits, tonsillitis usually goes away on its own. Here’s what you can do to feel better during sick days:
- Relax
- drink a lot
- Gargle with a saline solution
- Take fever-reducing and pain-relieving medication
- Do not smoke
prevent tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is very contagious. They are most common in winter and spring. By acting proactively , you can reduce the spread of an infection or the risk of reinfection.
- Always use your own towel, even within the family.
- Replace your toothbrush after receiving antibiotics for tonsillitis. Bacteria remaining in the toothbrush can lead to reinfection.
- If your child has been given antibiotics for tonsillitis, you should wash anything that has been in their mouth thoroughly.
- Don’t eat off other people’s plates and don’t drink from their cups and glasses.
- Wash your hands frequently and carefully.
Despite all precautionary measures, it can happen that you get tonsillitis again after the symptoms have subsided. It is quite common for tonsillitis to return within a month . The reason is a renewed infection or the remaining of bacteria in the tonsils.
If tonsillitis occurs frequently within a family, the whole family should be examined. It could be that a family member has tonsillitis without symptoms and infects the others.
Treatment options for tonsillitis
Tonsillitis caused by viruses is not treated causally . Improvement usually occurs within a week. If you have become ill from bacteria and are feeling unwell, an antibiotic may help. However, this is not always the case.
If you get frequent tonsillitis and this is very problematic for you, surgery may be an option. The tonsils are removed. It is a frequently performed operation. Talk to your doctor about it – the pros and cons of tonsillectomy should be carefully weighed.
Tonsillitis in children
What to do with tonsillitis in children? Even the youngest can be plagued by contagious tonsillitis. Common signs of tonsillitis are when children refuse to eat or drink. They may have a fever, be tired, and complain of a headache or an earache.
Tonsillitis caused by bacteria can also occur in children without symptoms . However, infants under the age of 3 are rarely affected by the bacterial variant. In general, however, children and adolescents are more likely to have contagious tonsillitis.
If your child has tonsillitis, you can treat it yourself at home if the course is mild. If you have a fever, severe suppuration of the tonsils or if the symptoms do not improve after 3 days, you should definitely take it to the doctor . Since tonsillitis is contagious, your child should not go to daycare or school until it has recovered.
This is how Med-Healths can help with tonsillitis
If you suspect contagious tonsillitis, Med-Healths can help you assess the situation correctly. Your symptoms will be assessed individually via video examination and description of your symptoms and you will be advised on how to proceed. If necessary, you will also receive a prescription and a sick note.
If you have severe pain on one side of your neck or are having trouble opening your mouth, we recommend that you see a doctor right away. This also applies if you have a disturbed or weakened immune system.
