Risk Factors For Pharyngitis And Tonsillitis
Frequent exposure to germs is the major risk factor for getting pharyngitis and tonsillitis.
Viral and bacterial infections are spread by close contact with other people who are sick. As a result, children attending school or daycare are at risk. This is especially true during the winter months, when most viral and bacterial infections occur.
When To See A Doctor For Swollen Tonsils
Most of the time, tonsillitis gets better over a few days, Dr. Nelson says. But, if youre having trouble swallowing, difficulty breathing, or a high fever, youll want to call your doctor, he says.
If your swollen tonsils arent getting better after a few days, its a good idea to call your doctor. If its related to bacterial infection, an antibiotic can help with swelling, Dr. Chio says. Oral steroids such as prednisone can also help decrease swelling. Ultimately, he says, prescription medications may be needed, so its best to see your doctor.
How Is Tonsillitis Treated
Treatment for tonsillitis depends on the underlying cause. Viral tonsillitis usually goes away on its own, while bacterial tonsillitis requires antibiotics. Allergic and upper respiratory-related tonsillitis can be treated with antihistamines or decongestants. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the tonsils .
A physical examination and lab tests can help confirm the diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to prevent complications, such as dehydration, weight loss, and difficulty breathing. Treatment can also help relieve symptoms and speed recovery.
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How To Avoid Tonsillitis
If youre worried about getting tonsillitis, you can follow a few methods in order to prevent this medical issue. The easiest thing you can do is wash your hands with soap and warm water, making it a habit to do so after youve touched the area around your mouth. In addition to washing your hands, you also shouldnt share anything with someone who is sick. A final way to avoid tonsillitis is to regularly replace your toothbrush every three months. By taking advantage of these methods, you decrease the risk of obtaining tonsillitis.
What To Do If You Have Anaphylaxis
Give yourself epinephrine right away if you start to:
- have trouble breathing
- feel tightness in your throat
- have two or more milder allergic symptoms together
Don’t try to use an inhaler or antihistamine and wait to see what happens. Go straight for the epinephrine! Time matters during anaphylaxis.
If you have signs of a serious allergic reaction:
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Causes Of Enlarged Tonsils And Adenoids
or year-round allergies Year-Round Allergies Year-round allergies result from indoor exposure to airborne substances that are present throughout the year. The nose is congested, itchy, and sometimes runny… read more ), irritants, and, possibly, gastroesophageal reflux Gastroesophageal Reflux in Children Gastroesophageal reflux is the backward movement of food and acid from the stomach into the esophagus and sometimes into the mouth. Reflux may be caused by the infantâs position during feeding… read more also can cause the tonsils and adenoids to enlarge. Ongoing exposure to children who have bacterial or viral infections, such as children at child care centers, increases the risk of infection.
When enlarged, tonsils sometimes interfere with breathing or swallowing, and adenoids may block the nose or the eustachian tubes that connect the back of the throat to the ears. Usually, tonsils and adenoids return to normal size once the infection is over. Sometimes they remain enlarged, particularly in children who have had frequent or chronic infections.
What Are Common Tonsil Issues
One of the most common conditions affecting tonsils is tonsillitis. This is an inflammation of the tonsils accompanied by other symptoms such as sore throat, white or yellow coating, and a fever. Tonsilitis appears in three forms: acute , recurrent , and chronic . Another issue for your tonsils is tonsil stones, or tonsiliths. These pieces of yellowish-white hard material cause many of the same symptoms of tonsillitis but are caused by debris caught in the tonsillar crypts .
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How Pharyngitis And Tonsillitis Are Treated
Treatment depends on whats causing your childs infection, the symptoms, your childs age and general health, and how severe the condition is.
If your child has a bacterial infection, antibiotics will be prescribed . If bacteria are not the cause of the infection, treatment will focus on making your child comfortable. This may include:
- Taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain other medicines or treatments may be recommended for severe pain
- Increasing how much your child drinks some teas have ingredients that soothe the throat
- Eating smooth, cool foods such as gelatin, ice cream, and ice pops
- Gargling with salt water
- Sucking on throat drops, lozenges, or hard candies
Tonsillitis may also require a hospital stay if enlarged tonsils are blocking the airways, making breathing difficult. In some children with recurrent tonsillitis, your healthcare provider may recommend that your child have his or her tonsils removed . Your child’s healthcare provider will likely refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist .
Tonsillitis Inflammation: The Basics
Many medical issues can affect your ears, nose, and throat, which is why there are specialists that focus on these issues. One of the most common ENT issues that people suffer from is tonsillitis. Many people may be aware of a sore throat, but they may not always know whether its strep throat, tonsillitis, or simply a cold. If you have pain in your throat and tonsil inflammation and want to know the severity of your condition, here are the basics of tonsillitis inflammation.
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Its A Symptom Of Certain Stds
Both syphilis and gonorrhea can flare up in the throat area. Syphilis usually appears as sores in the early stages, called chancres, and can crop up at the back of your throat, swelling your tonsils in the process. Symptoms of gonorrhea are more subtle, and can include mouth soreness and burning in the throat.
Although both STDs have been increasing in prevalence, theyre still considered uncommon, says Dr. Zalvan. The sooner you catch them, the easier they are to treat. If you suspect an STD might be the cause of your swollen tonsils, your doc can do a throat swab to be sureand if positive, prescribe antibiotics, according to the American Dental Association.
A Look Inside The Throat
Tonsils Throat The throat is located behind the mouth, below the nasal cavity, and above the hollow tube that leads from the throat to the stomach and windpipe . It consists… read more and adenoids Throat The throat is located behind the mouth, below the nasal cavity, and above the hollow tube that leads from the throat to the stomach and windpipe . It consists… read more are collections of lymphoid tissue that may have a role in helping the body fight infection. They trap bacteria and viruses entering through the throat and produce antibodies. The tonsils and adenoids are largest in children who are 2 to 6 years of age.
The tonsils are located on both sides of the back of the throat. The adenoids are located higher and further back, where the nasal passages connect with the throat. The tonsils are visible through the mouth, but the adenoids are not.
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What Helps A Sore Throat From Allergies
Some home remedies only mask painbut these solutions can help you get rid of your sore throat completely.
- Gargle with salt waterbut steer clear of apple cider vinegar. …
- Drink extra-cold liquids. …
- Suck on an ice pop. …
- Fight dry air with a humidifier. …
- Skip acidic foods. …
- Sip herbal teas.
Can You Get A Sore Throat From Allergies And What Causes It
Yep, and how you develop it all comes down to how your body reacts when its exposed to an allergen like pollen. If you have allergies, your immune system will react to being exposed to an allergen by releasing histamines, chemicals that cause allergy symptoms.
For many people with seasonal allergies, those histamines can cause a stuffy, runny noseand that can trigger post-nasal drip, i.e. mucus running down the back of your throat, explains Purvi Parikh, MD, an allergist with Allergy & Asthma Network. And that can cause irritation back there. Cue the sore throat. Often, first thing in morning it will be worse from laying down all night, Dr. Parikh says.
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Post-nasal drip isnt the only reason you might develop a sore throat from allergies, though. Coughing and mouth breathing can also mess with the way your throat feels, says Kara Wada, MD, an allergist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
Of course, not everyone with allergies gets a sore throat. Allergies can affect each of us differently, Dr. Wada says. There are some things that might make you more prone to struggling with a sore throat from allergies, Dr. Parikh says, including how severe your allergies are and the anatomy of your nose.
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Can Sesonal Allergies Swell Tonsils
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Can Allergies Cause Swollen Tonsils
Allergic reactions in general can cause sore throats due to increased nasal drainage, but they can also impact your tonsil health. Your tonsils work as a filtration system against bacteria, viruses, and debris, the latter of which includes allergens like pollen and food particles. If one was to have an allergic reaction to certain types of food or other allergens, it could lead to upper respiratory inflammation and, as a result, swollen tonsils. This swelling can also affect your appetite and sleep habits with obstructive sleep apnea.
Dr. Jonathan Moss, a CEENTA allergy specialist who sees patients in our Matthews office, knows exactly how prevalent these symptoms can be in his community due to environmental factors. “With pollen levels that we see seasonally in Charlotte, symptoms outside the nose and eyes are not uncommon. Tonsils can be affected and, at times, not respond to allergy medications. If these symptoms are new or persist, an evaluation by an ENT physician would be worthwhile.
Whether your tonsil conditions are caused by infection or allergies, it is important to seek medical help whenever they occur. At CEENTA, we offer ENT services to treat tonsil-related issues along with allergy tests to diagnose and relieve allergy symptoms due to pollen, ragweed, and other environmental causes. Schedule an appointment with specialists like Dr. Moss today to get the comprehensive care you need any time of year.
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Common Causes Of Swollen Tonsils
Keep in mind that swollen tonsils are often a symptom of another health condition. If tonsillitis is caused by a viral or bacterial infection, then you might be diagnosed with one of the following illnesses:
- Adenoviruses: Viruses that cause the common cold and other related conditions, such as bronchitis or a sore throat.
- Strep Throat: Streptococcus pyogenes is a bacterial infection, commonly known as strep throat. When this infection occurs, it often results in spots and swelling on the tonsils.
- Herpes Simplex: Herpes type 1 affects the mouth, with people often experiencing cold sores on the lips. Sometimes, this virus can also lead to blisters that form on the tonsils and cause swelling.
- Allergies: The immune response to allergy triggers can cause the tonsils to swell. This symptom is common in people with seasonal allergies.
- Dental Infection: Sometimes gum disease or tooth decay can cause the tonsils to swell. You might need to talk to a dentist for the treatment of these mouth infections.
- Epstein-Barr : This virus causes mononucleosis, which can have an inflammatory impact on the body. A sore throat or swollen tonsils are often a symptom associated with this disease.
- Measles: The respiratory system is affected by the measles virus, causing swelling and discomfort through the throat and airways.
Different Types Of Tonsillitis
You can actually suffer from one of several different types of tonsillitis. The type of tonsillitis you have can play a role in how long you suffer from the sickness and the symptoms you experience.
- Acute tonsillitis: The first type you need to worry about is acute tonsillitis. This is when tonsillitis symptoms last less than ten days. Acute tonsillitis is a less serious type of the illness. Certain treatments may still be necessary, but you can usually cure this type with home remedies and medicine.
- Chronic tonsillitis: This is when symptoms occur over a longer period of time. Because of this, seeing a doctor is completely necessary.
- Recurrent tonsillitis: This is the third and final type of tonsillitis you can suffer from. The main difference between recurrent tonsillitis and the other two types we mentioned above is that this type is a reoccurring issue you have been dealing with. Recurrent tonsillitis is defined as having it seven times in one year, more than five a year over the course of two years, or more than three times over three years.
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Whats The Difference Between A Cold Strep Throat And Tonsillitis
A sore throat is often the first sign of a cold. However, a sore throat from a cold often gets better or goes away after the first day or two. Other cold symptoms such as a runny nose and congestion may follow the sore throat.
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.
What Are The Treatments For Infected Adenoids
The treatment for adenoiditis really depends on the cause and severity of symptoms. For adenoiditis that is not caused by allergy, common treatments include:
To treat the symptoms
If adenoiditis is due to viral infection, antibiotics will not help. However, there are some treatments such as decongestants, steroid nasal sprays and anti-inflammatory medications that may reduce swelling and other symptoms.
Remember, many medications can come with side-effects. So, speak to your healthcare professional about the best course of treatment for you.
Antibiotics
If a bacteria is the culprit, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to eliminate the infection.
Adenoidectomy for adenoiditis
An adenoidectomy is the most common treatment for chronic adenoiditis. It involves the complete removal of the adenoids and is often done at the same time as grommet insertion, tonsil removal or sinus surgery.
Though some experts suggest that adenoids are unimportant and adenoid removal harmless, they often grow back after removal. This is thought to be because they play a crucial role in the development of our immunological memory, especially during early childhood.
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Can You Have Just A Sore Throat From Allergies With No Other Symptoms
Technically, its possible to have just this one symptom from allergies, but its less likely to be your only symptom, Dr. Wada says. Basically, if you develop a sore throat and dont have any other issues, like a runny, stuffy nose, you should at least consider that your pain might be due to something else.
What Causes Swollen Tonsils Without Pain
Swollen tonsils with no pain This symptom is sometimes associated with tonsil cancer, especially if it lasts a long time. It may also be caused by a number of other conditions, including GERD, postnasal drip, and seasonal allergies. Children with abnormally shaped palates may also have swollen tonsils without pain.
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Your Allergies Are Acting Up
Environmental irritants like allergens, dust, and pollution can cause throat irritation and inflammation, but typically doesnt cause significant tonsil swelling on its own, says Dr. Zalvan. These irritants can ban together with a persons allergies or sinusitis, however, and trigger inflammation in the upper airway, lungs, and esophagus, leading to swollen tonsils.
Another sucky side effect that can cause swollen tonsils is post-nasal drip . The throat irritation it spurs can also cause tissues in the throat to swell, including the tonsils, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology.
It can be tough to figure out exactly whats flaring up your sinuses soloyou may need to get an ear, nose, and throat exam by a specialist to nail down the culprit and start the appropriate treatment.
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Your Tonsils Need A Good Cleaning
If, in addition to swollen tonsils, youre experiencing a sensation of fullness in your throat, you might have what experts call tonsilloliths, or tonsil stones.
These yellow-white spots are pebbles that have a cheese-like quality to them, and are typically a result of tiny food particles building up in the nooks and crannies of the tonsils, says Dr. DeSilva. This can cause bacteria to grow, leading to swelling and all-around discomfort.
The fix? Gargling with salt water or using a water pick is helpful for removing tonsil stones, says DeSilva. You can also gently dig out extra-stubborn ones with a cotton swab or the back of your toothbrush, followed by regularly brushing and flossing to prevent new stones from setting up shop.
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