Symptoms will usually go away after three to four days. Tonsillitis isn't contagious but the infections that cause it are (for example, colds and flu). To stop these infections from spreading: stay off work or keep your child at home until you or your child feel better.
In rare cases, tonsillitis can also be caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes glandular fever. If this is the case, you'll probably feel very ill. You'll have a sore throat and the lymph glands in your throat may be swollen. You may also have a fever and feel very tired.
Self-help for tonsillitis
Rest and take it easy for a few days. Drink plenty of fluids to stop you getting dehydrated. This is particularly important if you have a temperature. Hot drinks can make your sore throat worse, but some people find warm tea with honey helps.
Tonsillitis usually gets better with several days of self-care and rest at home. If it is not improving, it is getting worse, or the symptoms are so severe that the individual is not able to eat or drink as necessary, it is a good idea to see a doctor.
The tonsils are part of the body's immune system. Because of their location at the throat and palate, they can stop germs entering the body through the mouth or the nose. The tonsils also contain a lot of white blood cells, which are responsible for killing germs.
Enlarged tonsils or adenoids can lead to the following problems: Respiratory tract infections such as common colds: Constantly breathing through your mouth due to enlarged adenoids increases the likelihood of these infections.
Glandular fever (also knowns as infectious mononucleosisis, or “mono”) is an infection caused by the Epstein Barr virus, a kind of herpes. It usually causes an illness much like tonsillitis, although the symptoms may be more severe and last for a longer period of time.
As such, tonsillitis itself is not contagious, but the pathogen responsible for the inflammation is. The tonsils are two small lymph nodes located either side of the back of the throat. As with other lymph nodes, they form part of the immune system.
Getting enough sleep gives your body time to rest, recover and fight off whatever is causing your sore throat.
Excess mucus in the throat can lead to itching, irritation, and soreness. Postnasal drip typically increases when a person is lying down. As a result, a sore throat may worsen at night or first thing in the morning.
Sleep With Your Head Elevated
Elevating the head while sleeping may help relieve congestion.
You can still send your child to school if they have a sore throat. But if they also have a high temperature, they should stay at home until it goes away. A sore throat and a high temperature can be symptoms of tonsillitis.
Quinsy, also known as a peritonsillar abscess, is a rare and potentially serious complication of tonsillitis. You should see your GP if you or your child have symptoms of quinsy.
Bacterial tonsillitis
Although this bacteria usually exists in the throat and mouth without causing any harm, it can start to cause symptoms if the immune system is under strain. If a person is stressed, exhausted or has already been infected with a virus, for example, the immune system may be weakened.
Your tonsils act as filters, trapping germs that could otherwise enter your airways and cause infection. They also make antibodies to fight infection. But sometimes, they get overwhelmed by bacteria or viruses. This can make them swollen and inflamed.
If someone in your household or a friend has tonsillitis, don't use that person's cups, glasses, silverware, toothbrush, or other utensils. And if you have tonsillitis, keep your stuff separate and don't share it with anyone. Don't kiss anyone until you're completely over the tonsillitis.
The viruses and bacteria that cause tonsillitis are highly contagious. They're passed along by: Kissing or sharing utensils, food or drink. Coming into close contact with someone who's sick.
There is no need to be isolated from others if you have glandular fever as most people will already be immune to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). You can return to work, college or school as soon as you feel well enough.
Mononucleosis and severe streptococcal tonsillitis appear quite similar. Unless there are other findings to suggest mononucleosis, a throat culture and blood studies may be necessary to make an accurate diagnosis. Infectious mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.
Strep throat, which is an infection due to streptococcus bacteria, is another cause of sore throats and tonsillitis. With strep throat, the sore throat is often more severe and persists. Tonsillitis is a painful inflammation or infection of the tonsils, the tissue masses located at the back of the throat.