Tonsillitis

In the case of tonsillitis (other names are tonsillitis or angina tonsillaris), the tonsils become inflamed . These are located in the throat on both sides of the uvula. The task of the tonsils is to ward off pathogens that enter the body via the nose and mouth.

Because the immune system in children has yet to build up and reacts to a large number of pathogens, they are particularly often affected. Babies and adults are less likely to get sick. A tonsillitis should always be treated, otherwise serious complications can occur or the disease can become chronic.

People may develop tonsillitis even after surgery to remove their tonsils. When infected without tonsils, remaining tissue in the back of the throat becomes inflamed. Doctors call this clinical picture lateral cord angina.

A tonsil enlargement is to be differentiated from tonsillitis. In this disease, in addition to the tonsils, the lower-lying tonsils are usually also affected.

Tonsillitis: is it contagious?

Tonsillitis is contagious . After infection, it takes two to four days for symptoms to appear. During this incubation period , infected people can already transmit the pathogen to other people. 

How long a person is contagious depends on whether they are taking an antibiotic or not. Without antibiotics, patients are contagious as long as they have symptoms. This can take one to a maximum of two weeks. If you take an antibiotic, there is no longer any risk of infection 24 hours after the first tablet.  

Tonsillitis: transmission

People can get tons of tonsillitis from a droplet infection. This means that the disease can be transmitted if the person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Even when kissing, the partner can become infected with tonsillitis.

Tonsillitis: prevention

There is no safe protection against tonsillitis. Measures that strengthen the immune system can help: plenty of exercise, a healthy diet, enough sleep and little stress .

Tonsillitis: symptoms

Acute tonsillitis can be recognized by the following signs :

• Severe sore throat that may radiate. Earache is also possible.
• High fever
• difficulties swallowing
• Fatigue and general feeling of illness
• headache
• Loss of appetite, in children also abdominal pain and nausea
• Bad breath
• Coating on the tongue
• Reddened, swollen tonsils
• Swollen and painful lymph nodes on the neck

If a yellow-whitish liquid can be seen on the tonsils, doctors speak of a purulent tonsillitis. This type of infection is particularly contagious. Those affected are therefore not allowed to go to kindergarten, school or work.

If the symptoms last longer than three months, it is chronic tonsillitis. This can be relatively inconspicuous without fever and pain. If the symptoms flare up again and again and heal from time to time, doctors refer to the disease as recurrent (recurring) tonsillitis. On the other hand, coughing or runny nose are not symptoms of tonsillitis.

Tonsillitis: home remedies

When children develop tonsillitis, parents often look for home remedies. There are many different herbals and natural remedies such as gargle solutions, throat sprays, pills to suckle or neck wraps.

While these methods have not been shown to relieve pain, they cannot do any harm. Many patients find the remedies pleasant.

Purulent tonsillitis is an exception : those affected should not gargle liquids, as the strong movements can cause bacteria to get into the blood.

Treat tonsillitis

Doctors usually prescribe medication such as ibuprofen or paracetamol for tonsillitis . The active ingredients lower the fever and relieve pain.

If the bacterial infection is severe, the doctor may also give an antibiotic . This shortens the duration of the illness and usually prevents complications. In most cases, however, treatment without antibiotics is possible. The drug has no effect on viral infections.

The doctor usually treats recurrent tonsillitis with pain relievers or antibiotics. An operation only makes sense if the symptoms are frequent and severe . The surgeon removes the tonsils.

Doctors now perform almond operations less often than in the past. The benchmark today: If a person affected had more than six tonsillitis in the past twelve months, doctors suggest surgery.

The risks and benefit should be weighed before the procedure . This is because side effects such as secondary bleeding can also occur during an operation. As a compromise, surgeons often shrink the tonsils rather than removing them entirely. According to studies, children with recurring, severe tonsillitis benefit from tonsil surgery. There is not enough evidence for adults. @ READ MORE Which medications are prone to side effects?