Can you catch bacterial tonsillitis

Infectious mononucleosis. Sore throat. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Drutz JE. Acute pharyngitis in children and adolescents: Symptomatic treatment.

Reye's syndrome information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Kliegman RM, et al. Acute pharyngitis. Mitchell RB, et al. Clinical practice guideline: Tonsillectomy in children update. Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery. DOI: Paradise JL. Messner AH. Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils at the back of your throat. It is a common childhood illness, but teenagers and adults can get it too. Tonsillitis can feel like a bad cold or flu.

The tonsils at the back of your throat will be red and swollen. Look at other sore throat symptoms. The type of infection you have plays a significant role in your tonsillitis relief options. The most effective way to stop the spread of tonsillitis is to stay home until your symptoms are gone. Wash your hands regularly.

Good general hygiene practices will go a long way in keeping your friends and family healthy. Wash your hands before eating and after using the restroom.

Do not share personal items, such as spoons, with other people. Apply hand sanitizer to your hands every time you cough, sneeze or touch your mouth, nose or face. If you feel the urge to cough or sneeze, make sure you do so into the crook of your elbow or a tissue.

Promptly dispose of any used tissues. You should also wipe down surfaces in the home that you have touched with a disinfectant wipe. If tonsillitis is caused by a virus such as the common cold, not a lot can be done to treat it. The best you can hope for is symptom relief through at-home remedies. These remedies include:. If you suffer from bacterial tonsillitis, antibiotics are the most common form of relief.

If you suffer from chronic or recurring tonsillitis, a tonsillectomy is often required. Tonsillectomy refers to a medical procedure in which the tonsils are removed from the throat. This relief method is usually only recommended for people struggling with recurrent or chronic tonsillitis. Alternatively, it may be recommended if symptoms do not improve with home care or if tonsillitis is causing serious complications.

Although rare, it is possible for your tonsils to grow back after they have been removed. If this occurs and you suffer from tonsillitis again, you may need to have your tonsils removed again.

It is also important to note that while a tonsillectomy is a guaranteed method for preventing tonsillitis, it is only an effective way to reduce your risk of developing strep throat.

Remember, your tonsils are designed to prevent throat infection. It is possible to get strep throat without tonsils. Antibiotics are only prescribed for tonsillitis when it is caused by a bacterial infection. Antibiotics will provide rapid symptom relief and, after 24 hours, prevent you from spreading the infection to others.

Never take an antibiotic for viral tonsillitis. It is ineffective and increases your risk of antibiotic resistance and gastrointestinal distress. It also follows the principles of the The Information Standard.

Adenoid and tonsil removal is a procedure that involves taking away small lumps of tissue at the back of your nose and throat. This information was published by Bupa's Health Content Team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been reviewed by appropriate medical or clinical professionals and deemed accurate on the date of review. Photos are only for illustrative purposes and do not reflect every presentation of a condition.

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Back to top Menu. About tonsillitis Your tonsils are two small round lumps of tissue at the back of your throat. Diagnosis of tonsillitis You can often ease tonsillitis at home without needing to see your GP. Self-help for tonsillitis Tonsillitis usually improves on its own within a week without any antibiotics. Rest and take it easy for a few days.

Drink plenty of fluids to stop you getting dehydrated. Hot drinks can make your sore throat worse, but some people find warm tea with honey helps.

Cold or iced drinks may also help. Gargling with a simple mouthwash such as warm salt water may help to ease the pain in your throat. You may find that sucking throat lozenges can ease your sore throat. Frozen desserts such as ice lollies may make your throat feel better.

They may prescribe antibiotics if you: have very bad symptoms, which could suggest a more severe bacterial infection could be prone to serious complications see our Complications section for more information Your GP may give you a delayed prescription for an antibiotic. Surgery for tonsillitis Your GP may refer you to an ear, nose and throat ENT surgeon if they feel having your tonsils removed will help.

Causes of tonsillitis Viral infections cause most cases of tonsillitis. You may also have: earache a raised temperature difficulty swallowing difficulty opening your mouth Peritonsillar abscess is more common in teenagers and young adults.

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Adenoid and tonsil removal. Read more. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections and are only available via prescription. Over-the-counter painkillers.