Can i have tonsillitis without tonsils

Antibiotics, the typical treatment for tonsillitis caused by bacterial infections, are not recommended in these cases, however, unless someone is experiencing symptoms of tonsillitis.

Whether tonsillitis has been caused by a virus or bacteria, it can easily spread from person to person because such infections are contagious. This is more likely when someone has an active infection, Clark says. Tonsillitis caused by a bacterial infection, such as Streptococcus pyogenes group A streptococcus , the same bacteria that causes strep throat , is highly contagious. People with strep spread the bacteria by coughing and sneezing, which sends tiny droplets through the air that contain the bacteria.

The infection can then be spread by any of the following ways: 5. But sore throats are fairly common and can happen several times in a cold season. And Clark adds that you should seek urgent care such as an emergency room if these symptoms are present:. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Health Topics. Tonsillitis can also be caused by bacteria. An estimated percent of tonsillitis is caused by bacteria. The most common infectious bacteria are group A Streptococcus , which cause strep throat.

Other species of strep bacteria may cause tonsillitis as well, including:. Strep throat is caused specifically by the group A Streptococcus bacteria. No other group of bacteria or virus causes it.

You may not need to see a doctor for tonsillitis or strep throat. In most cases, symptoms will resolve within a few days of home care, such as rest, drinking warm liquids, or sucking on throat lozenges. Your doctor will ask you about symptoms and do a physical exam. During the physical exam, they will examine your throat for swollen lymph nodes, and check your nose and ears for signs of infection.

If your doctor suspects tonsillitis or strep throat, they will swab the back of your throat to take a sample. They can use a rapid strep test to determine if you are infected with strep bacteria. They can get results within a few minutes. If you test negative for strep, your doctor will use a throat culture to test for other potential bacteria.

The results of this test usually take 24 hours. Learn more: Streptococcal screen ». Most treatments will relieve your symptoms instead of actually treating your condition.

For example, you can use anti-inflammatory medications to relive pain from fever and inflammation, such as acetaminophen Tylenol or ibuprofen Advil and Motrin. Strep throat can be a nasty illness, often with pus at the back of the throat and a fever, but not usually a cough, runny nose, or watery eyes, as….

Strep throat is a common bacterial infection that typically leads to a sore, scratchy throat. Sometimes, it can also cause a rash. Several other…. Many factors can cause a chronic sore throat, including allergies, smoking, and infections. In this article, we explore the possible causes and…. Some bacteria and viruses can cause inflammation of the tonsils, or tonsillitis.

Read on to find out how these pathogens spread, and how to prevent…. If a person has a sore throat, checking the tonsils can help to identify the cause. Several conditions can cause white spots to appear on the tonsils…. How to tell the difference between tonsillitis and strep throat. Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. Pictures Definitions Causes Symptoms comparison When to see a doctor Diagnosis Treatment Outlook Tonsillitis and strep throat are similar illnesses that affect the inside of the throat and surrounding tissue.

Comparison of symptoms. When to see a doctor. Latest news Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes. Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. How to recognize strep throat Strep throat can be a nasty illness, often with pus at the back of the throat and a fever, but not usually a cough, runny nose, or watery eyes, as… READ MORE.

Sore throat and rash: Strep infection and other causes. Medically reviewed by Vincent J. What causes a chronic sore throat? 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. The most common antibiotic prescribed for tonsillitis is penicillin. Let us know during your appointment if you are allergic to penicillin so we can offer you an alternative antibiotic. It is absolutely critical that you take your entire course of antibiotics exactly as prescribed. Even if your symptoms disappear completely, you run the risk of the infection getting worse if you deviate from the instructions provided to you.

Moreover, you may suffer from other complications, such as post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis or rheumatic fever. Never hesitate to reach out if you feel you need additional medical care. Unfortunately, one strain of bacteria that causes tonsillitis can also cause strep throat.

Like tonsillitis, strep throat is contagious, so you want to stay home until your symptoms are gone. You may have both tonsillitis and strep throat if you are experiencing the symptoms of tonsillitis along with:. The same tests used to diagnose tonsillitis can accurately diagnose strep throat. Therefore, you will not need two separate treatments for the two illnesses.

If you suffer from chronic tonsillitis, you are at risk for developing obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. OSA occurs when your airways swell and you cannot draw in enough oxygen when you sleep.