How long tonsils swollen

Tonsillitis is usually caused by a virus. It can also be caused by the same bacteria that cause strep throat. In rare cases, a fungus or a parasite can cause tonsillitis. The main symptoms of tonsillitis are a sore throat and swollen tonsils. Symptoms may also include a fever, a congested or runny nose, swollen lymph nodes , a headache, and trouble swallowing.

Your doctor will look at your throat to see if you have red and swollen tonsils with spots or sores. These signs can mean that you have tonsillitis. Your doctor may do a rapid strep test along with a throat culture. These will show if the tonsillitis is caused by streptococcus bacteria.

If your tonsillitis is caused by strep bacteria, you may need treatment with antibiotics. Tonsillitis caused by a virus usually goes away on its own. Treatment includes self-care at home, such as over-the-counter pain medicine. Chronically swollen tonsils are known as tonsillar hypertrophy , and can be caused by a long-term or chronic underlying condition.

Swollen tonsils can also be caused by several strains of bacteria. The most common type of bacteria responsible for swollen tonsils is Streptococcus pyogenes group A streptococcus. This is the bacteria that causes strep throat. Around 15 to 30 percent of all cases of tonsillitis are caused by bacteria.

Swelling in the tonsils can be caused by many things. Tonsillitis and swollen tonsils are common in children, while cancer of the tonsils is very rare.

In adults, some specific tonsil symptoms may indicate tonsil cancer. These include:. In some instances, you may have trouble swallowing or difficulty breathing, with no pain or discomfort in your throat.

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. Tonsils can be different sizes in different people, especially children.

If your tonsils feel swollen or appear enlarged for an extended period of time, this might be a sign of throat cancer. Swollen tonsils without fever can also be caused by allergies, tooth decay, and gum disease. Having one swollen tonsil can be an indicator of tonsil cancer. It may also be caused by something else , such as lesions on the vocal cords from overuse, postnasal drip, or a tooth abscess.

Your doctor will want to determine the root cause of your condition. If a bacterial infection caused your tonsillitis, your doctor can prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection.

Antibiotics may help your symptoms go away slightly faster. However, they increase the risk of antibiotic resistance and may have other side effects , like an upset stomach. Antibiotics are more necessary for people at risk of complications from tonsillitis. Your doctor may want you to schedule a follow-up visit to ensure that the medication was effective.

Use throat sprays rather than lozenges for young children, and always check with your doctor before giving children medications. Find out more ways to care for tonsillitis at home. Tonsillitis is most common in children because they come into close contact with others every day at school and play, exposing them to a variety of viruses and bacteria. However, adults can get tonsillitis too.

Frequent exposure to people increases the risk of encountering someone with the infection. As a result, taking public transportation or doing other activities alongside many people may increase your chance of being exposed to tonsillitis. Symptoms of tonsillitis and treatments are similar for both adults and kids. Learn what to do if you develop tonsillitis as an adult. A number of different bacteria or viruses can cause tonsillitis, including group A streptococcus bacteria.

This same bacteria is the only cause of strep throat. Both conditions are contagious, so you should try to stay away from other people if you think you have either one. Your doctor can use the same tests to diagnose both conditions. Treatments for bacterial tonsillitis and strep throat are also similar.

Learn more about the differences between tonsillitis and strep throat. People who experience chronic tonsillitis may start to experience obstructive sleep apnea. This happens when the airways swell and prevents a person from sleeping well, which can lead to other medical issues if left untreated. This is known as tonsillar cellulitis. The infection can also cause a person to develop a buildup of pus behind the tonsils, called a peritonsillar abscess.

This can require drainage and surgery. These include rheumatic fever and poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis. To decrease your risk of getting tonsillitis, stay away from people who have active infections. Ensure you and your child practice good hygiene habits. Wash your hands often, especially after coming into contact with someone who has a sore throat, or is coughing or sneezing. Swollen tonsils may cause difficulty breathing, which can lead to disturbed sleep.

Tonsillitis left untreated can result in the infection spreading to the area behind the tonsils or to the surrounding tissue. Symptoms of tonsillitis caused by a bacterial infection usually improve a few days after you begin taking antibiotics. Learn about what foods are good to eat and what foods to avoid if you have a sore throat. Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation and pain in the throat. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.

Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Inflamed tonsils Open pop-up dialog box Close. Inflamed tonsils Tonsils are fleshy pads located at each side of the back of the throat. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Kliegman RM, et al. Tonsils and adenoids. In: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics.

Elsevier; Accessed Oct. Ferri FF. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor