Anyone can develop tonsil infections, although they are more prevalent in children. These infections can become chronic if not treated, making it difficult to swallow food. Although good oral hygiene protects tonsils Harvey infections, sometimes you may be unable to prevent them, and it is not your fault.
An overview of tonsillitis
Tonsils are the two fleshy masses in your pharynx (the back of your throat). Your tonsils are responsible for filtering out the germs that enter through your mouth or nose to protect you from infection. Sometimes these fleshy mashes can get infected or swollen, leading to pain. If this disorder does not improve with medication, your provider may suggest tonsillectomy for tonsil removal. Even without your tonsils, you can still fight off bacteria and infection without any issues. Your body naturally finds alternative ways to fight germs. Although tonsilitis is the most prevalent condition, other conditions may also affect your tonsils. They include strep throat, peritonsillar abscess, tonsil cancer, enlarged tonsils, and mononucleosis.
How contagious tonsillitis is
You cannot spread tonsillitis directly to other people, but the organisms causing it can spread to other people 48 hours before your symptoms manifest. After taking antibiotics, you won’t be able to spread these microorganisms to those surrounding you. You can develop this disorder if someone carrying the pathogen sneezes or coughs near you. You may get tonsilitis if you also touch objects like doorknobs containing infectious organisms. Large crowd increases your risk of getting tonsillitis which is why school-going kids often get the disease. Tonsillitis is usually due to the virus that causes the common cold, but sometimes other viruses like HIV, rhinovirus, and hepatitis A may contribute to its development.
Diagnosis and treatments for tonsil pain
You may have tonsilitis if you experience pain and discomfort at the back of your throat. During your appointment at ENT of New Orleans, the team discusses your symptoms and performs several tests to determine the cause of your discomfort. They may conduct a bacterial culture test that checks for bacterial infections such as pneumonia, strep throat, and tonsilitis. If your provider suspects that your symptoms are due to mononucleosis, they may conduct a monospot test to confirm their suspicion. Your treatment will rely on your results, but antibiotics are the primary treatment in most cases. Your doctor may recommend tonsillectomy for tonsil stones, chronic tonsil infections, and draining for peritonsillar abscess.
Keeping your tonsils healthy
Frequent handwashing can reduce your risk of viral and bacterial infections affecting your tonsils. You must also avoid sharing beverages, utensils, or food with sick people. If you frequently get tonsil stones, you may need to improve your oral hygiene, which includes routine dental checkups, brushing, and flossing. However, it is paramount to understand that some people are more prone to tonsil infections. In such cases, the team may recommend tonsillectomy to prevent recurrent infections. Your tonsils may be small, but they can cause too much discomfort when infected.
For more information, call the ENT of New Orleans office or use the online schedule button to create an appointment.
