Is Tonsillitis Contagious?

Overview

Tonsils refer to the small lymph nodes found at the back of your throat. They help your body fight infections by trapping germs from your nose and mouth. Tonsillitis refers to the inflammation of your tonsils. It is a very common childhood illness.

Is Tonsillitis Contagious? How Does Tonsillitis Spread?

Tonsillitis in itself is not contagious, however, the bacteria and viruses that cause it are. Tonsils combat the infections that enter your body, but they may also become vulnerable to it.

• Bacterial Tonsillitis- Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal (GABHS) infection is one of the main causes of bacterial tonsillitis. It is also known as GA strep. It spreads when direct contact is made with the saliva or mucus of an infected person. The incubation period is around 2-5 days.

• Viral Tonsillitis- Viruses that cause common cold and influenza are also the culprit behind tonsillitis. These viruses can live on surfaces like computer keyboards and doorknobs. They are the most common cause of tonsillitis.

Other viruses, such as rhinovirus, hepatitis A, HIV, Epstein-Barr virus, etc. may also cause tonsillitis.

How Can You Avoid Spreading Tonsillitis?

You can avoid Tonsillitis by preventing the spread of the bacterial or viral infections that cause it. Some ways that are recommended for you to follow:

• Wash your hands frequently, especially after you’ve coughed, sneezed or touched your nose, face or mouth.

• If you’re out in public and cannot wash your hands, use a sanitiser.

• Stay at home if you’re experiencing symptoms.

• Avoid sharing personal items, such as toothbrushes, eating utensils, towels, etc.

• Replace a toothbrush after you’ve recovered from tonsillitis.

• Carry a tissue for coughing or sneeze or use the crook of your elbow.

• Disinfect surfaces while living in a shared space.

• Teach children to cover their mouths while sneezing or coughing.

• Stay away from crowded places and people who have active infections.

How Do I Know If I Have Tonsillitis?

The most common symptom of Tonsillitis is a sore throat. The symptoms usually get better after three to five days. Some of the additional symptoms experienced along with sore throat are:

• A scratchy feeling in the throat

• Red and swollen tonsils

• White/Yellow spots on the tonsils

• Difficulty swallowing

• Earache

• Bad breath

• Fatigue

• Fever

• Headache

• Chills

• Stiff neck

• Dehydration

• Breathing or sleeping with an open mouth

• Stomach ache

How does the ENT specialist diagnose tonsillitis/ tonsils infection

Your healthcare practitioner will begin asking several questions regarding the symptoms you’re experiencing. They will then proceed to conduct a physical examination of your throat. They may do a throat culture which involves gently swabbing the back of your throat and sending the swab to the laboratory to identify the cause of the infection.

Your healthcare practitioner may also take a blood test.

How is tonsillitis treated?

A mild case of tonsillitis may not require treatment. If the tonsillitis is caused by a bacterial infection, you may be prescribed certain antibiotics. These antibiotics may not help tonsillitis caused by a viral infection. Severe cases of tonsillitis may require a tonsillectomy. This refers to the surgical removal of your tonsils. For more queries on the procedure, you can seek consultation with the ENT department at Pristyn Care.

What would happen if you do not get treatment for tonsillitis?

If Tonsillitis is left untreated, a complication can develop called a peritonsillar abscess. This refers to a pus-filled pocket that forms near one of the tonsils. This will require surgery and drainage.

Untreated tonsillitis can also cause Obstructive Sleep Apnea. It is a condition in which breathing stops for brief periods of time involuntarily during sleep.

If tonsillitis caused by the GA strep bacteria is left untreated or if the antibiotic treatment isn’t completed, it can lead to the following complications among children:

• Rheumatic Fever: This causes inflammation of the heart, blood vessels and joints.

• Poststreptococcal Glomerulonephritis (PSGN): This refers to the rapid deterioration of kidney functions.

• Tonsillar Cellulitis: It’s also possible the infection will worsen and spread to other areas of the body.

• Poststreptococcal Reactive Arthritis (PSRA): This is a condition that causes inflammation of the joints.

• Middle Ear Infection

• Complications Of Scarlet Fever

Takeaway

Tonsillitis isn’t contagious, however, the infection that causes tonsillitis is contagious. It is most commonly caused in children and teenagers.

It is mostly acute and doesn’t require much treatment except certain home remedies. Severe cases may require a Tonsillectomy. If left untreated, it may lead to several severe complications.

Hence, it is important to seek consultation from your medical practitioner if your symptoms persist and worsen.

FAQs

1. Will my child need to go through a Tonsillectomy?

Tonsillectomy is usually the last resort and only performed if the tonsillitis is extremely severe and doesn’t respond to treatment.

1. When should I see a doctor?

Seek consultation from your medical practitioner if you experience the following:

• High fever

• Neck stiffness

• Muscle weakness

• Difficulty breathing

• Severe pain in tonsils

• Fever with rash

1. What food should I avoid with Tonsillitis?

• Chips

• Dry cereal

• Toast

• Raw carrots

• Raw apples

• Crackers

• Spicy food

• Sour food

1. Home Remedies To Treat Tonsillitis

If your Tonsillitis is caused due to a viral infection, you can follow the remedies below for symptom relief:

• Get plenty rest

• Stay hydrated by drinking water, tea (herbal), etc.

• Avoid caffeine, alcohol and carbonated drinks

• Gargle with warm salt water several times a day

• Take steam

• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your room

• Avoid smoke

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers

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