Pharyngitis and TonsillitisNot what you're looking for? Show
What are pharyngitis and tonsillitis?Pharyngitis and tonsillitis are throat infections that cause inflammation. If the tonsils are mainly affected, it is called tonsillitis. If the throat is mainly affected, it is called pharyngitis. If you have both, it’s called pharyngotonsillitis. These infections are spread by close contact with others. Most cases happen during the winter or colder months. What causes pharyngitis and tonsillitis?There are many causes of throat infections. Viruses are the most common cause and antibiotics will not help. Causes of throat infections include:
What are the symptoms of pharyngitis and tonsillitis?The symptoms of pharyngitis and tonsillitis depend greatly on what’s causing it. For some people, symptoms may start quickly. For others, symptoms start slowly. These are the most common symptoms of pharyngitis and tonsillitis:
The symptoms of pharyngitis and tonsillitis may look like other health conditions or problems. Always check with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. How are pharyngitis and tonsillitis diagnosed?In most cases, it is hard to tell the difference between a viral sore throat and a strep throat based on a physical exam. But it is important to know if the sore throat is caused by strep bacteria. Then antibiotics are needed to help prevent the complications that can happen with these bacteria. As a result, most people with the above symptoms will get a strep test and throat culture to find out if it is an infection caused by strep. This will be done using a throat swab in the healthcare provider’s office. Quick tests, called rapid strep tests, may be done. This may immediately show as positive for strep and antibiotics can be started. If it is negative, part of the throat swab will be kept for a throat culture. This will further identify strep in 2 to 3 days. Your healthcare provider will discuss the treatment plan with you based on the findings. How are pharyngitis and tonsillitis treated?Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. If bacteria are not the cause of the infection, the treatment is often more for comfort. Antibiotics will not help treat viral sore throats. Treatment may include:
Antibiotics are prescribed if the cause of the infection is bacterial. What are possible complications of pharyngitis and tonsillitis?Most cases of pharyngitis and tonsillitis will run their course without any complications. But if the disease is caused by strep, rare complications can happen. These include rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart disease, and kidney disease. Treatment with antibiotics can prevent these complications. In rare cases, a pocket of infection (peritonsillar abscess) can develop in the tissues around the tonsils. This may need surgery. When should I call my healthcare provider?If a sore throat is severe and includes trouble swallowing, drooling, or neck swelling, see a healthcare provider right away. Key points about pharyngitis and tonsillitis
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
Medical Reviewer: Ashutosh Kacker MD Medical Reviewer: Ronald Karlin MD Medical Reviewer: Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN CCRC © 2000-2022 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. Not what you're looking for? Can you get a sore throat if you've had your tonsils removed?After tonsillectomy, you can still get colds, sore throats, and throat infections. But you won't get tonsillitis unless the tonsils grow back, which is uncommon. Even though the tonsils are part of the immune system, removing them doesn't affect your body's ability to fight infections.
How long does a sore throat last without tonsils?Sore throats, also known as pharyngitis, can be acute, lasting only a few days, or chronic, lingering on until their underlying cause is addressed. Most sore throats are the result of common viruses and resolve on their own within 3 to 10 days.
Why is my throat sore with no tonsils?Many things can cause a sore throat on one side, even if you don't have tonsils. These include post-nasal drip, canker sores, tooth infections, and other conditions. You might only have throat pain, or you might have additional symptoms, such as an earache.
Can your throat get infected without tonsils?While some people who undergo tonsil removal may notice less frequent or less severe strep throat infections, it is still possible to get a strep throat without tonsils. Basic hygiene practices may help reduce the spread of the infection, and the person should see a doctor for a diagnosis and antibiotic treatment.
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