Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils. You can still get this infection if you've had your tonsils removed. Show
Although swelling—and sometimes even infectious oozing—of the tonsils can happen with strep throat, you can develop this infection in the lining of your throat with or without tonsils. This article will explore what strep throat is like with and without tonsils, what causes this infection, and how it's treated. Kittiphan Teerawattanakul / EyeEm / Getty Images Strep Throat Without TonsilsSwollen, red, and painful tonsils that are sometimes coated in a white film or streaks of pus are one of the many symptoms of strep throat. That doesn't mean removing your tonsils will prevent you from getting strep throat, though. If anything, you may have milder symptoms without the threat of red, swollen tonsils. Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can affect many parts of your body. Without the presence of tonsils, the bacteria that causes this infection can colonize on a number of other surfaces. This can cause problems to develop outside of the throat like:
What Causes Strep Throat?Strep throat is caused by group A Streptococcus (group A strep), a type of bacteria. There are several subtypes of this bacteria, but groups A and B are the most common. Group A strep is responsible for several different diseases or infections, including:
Group B strep can also cause some strep throat infections, but this subtype more often causes things like:
Strep Throat SymptomsSymptoms of a strep infection in the throat outside of tonsil inflammation and pain include:
Some people carry group A strep with no symptoms at all and are called carriers. While carriers may not get symptoms of a strep throat infection, they can still transmit the bacteria to others. Strep Throat vs. TonsillitisTonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils. This can be caused by bacteria, but most cases of tonsillitis are based on clinical examination alone and not bacterial testing. Strep throat can develop with or without inflammation of the tonsils and is almost always confirmed with laboratory testing for group A strep. Strep Throat TreatmentLike most bacterial infections, strep throat is usually treated with antibiotics. Penicillin and amoxicillin are usually the first choice in treating a group A strep throat infection, but other antibiotics may also be used—usually, if you have an allergy to penicillins. Although antibiotics will help you resolve the bacterial infection causing your sore throat, there are other things you can do to ease your symptoms while you wait for them to resolve. Supportive care for strep throat might include things like:
When to See a Healthcare ProviderUntreated strep throat can lead to a more complicated illness, such as scarlet fever. If you notice white or red spots at the back of your throat or the roof of your mouth, see your healthcare provider for testing and an antibiotic prescription. If your tonsils become swollen and enlarged—whether from strep throat or another infection—seek emergency care right away, especially if you are having trouble breathing. Strep Throat PreventionThere is no vaccine against strep throat, and you can get this infection repeatedly during your life. The best way to keep from developing this infection is to avoid people who are sick and practice good hygiene. This might include:
When Should I Consider Getting My Tonsils Removed?The only two real clinical indications for having your tonsils removed is obstructive sleep apnea and repeated episodes of tonsillitis. Frequent bouts of strep throat may not be an indication since:
There is no real accurate way to tell whether the bacteria causing your strep throat is in your tonsils or the other areas of your throat as a whole. In fact, most diagnoses of tonsillitis are made without any bacterial testing at all. If you experience frequent throat infections or are looking to minimize your healthcare provider visits and missed school or work due to throat infections, your healthcare provider may consider a tonsillectomy. This procedure will not prevent you from getting strep throat, but according to research, it was associated with a better quality of life for most people after their surgery. SummaryStrep throat is a bacterial infection that often causes inflammation and pain in the tonsils, but you can still get it after your tonsils are removed. A tonsillectomy is usually performed to treat either obstructive sleep apnea or frequent throat infections of any type. Strep throat needs to be treated with prescription antibiotics, so it's important to get an accurate diagnosis from a healthcare provider so you can get the medication you need. Untreated step throat could lead to serious complications. A Word From VerywellYou might think your tonsils are to blame if you have repeated bouts of strep throat. In actuality, only bacteria is to blame, and it can affect many areas of your body outside the throat. After a tonsillectomy, you can still get a strep throat infection. If you're considering a tonsillectomy, discuss the risk and benefits of this surgery with your healthcare provider. You should also talk to your healthcare provider if you frequently get strep throat or other infections. Frequently Asked Questions
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Rachael Zimlich, BSN, RN Thanks for your feedback! Can you still have strep without tonsils?Strep throat generally infects the structures of the throat and tonsils. However, it is still possible to get strep throat without tonsils. Removing the tonsils may reduce the severity or frequency of future strep throat infections, but it does not remove the risk of infection completely.
How long does strep throat last without tonsils?Strep throat typically goes away within three to seven days with or without antibiotic treatment. If strep throat is not treated with antibiotics, you may be contagious for two to three weeks and at a higher risk for complications such as rheumatic fever.
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