what is tonsillitis? is it contagious?

Question

my friend had it about a week ago......is it possible for me to get it?

Answer 1

Open your mouth wide in front of a mirror. Do you see your tonsils? They're located on each side of your throat, just behind and above your tongue.

Years ago, many young children had their tonsils removed. In fact, surgery was once the standard treatment for recurrent tonsillitis — inflammation of the tonsils caused by a viral or bacterial infection.

Today, tonsils are recognized for their role in filtering harmful bacteria and viruses that could cause more serious infections. When tonsillitis strikes, the first line of treatment is typically self-care or antibiotics. Surgery is seldom necessary, unless tonsillitis recurs often or it interferes with breathing or swallowing.
Signs and symptoms

Tonsillitis is characterized by red, swollen tonsils. You may also notice white patches on the tonsils. Other signs and symptoms of tonsillitis include:

* Severe sore throat
* Difficult or painful swallowing
* Headache
* Fever and chills
* Enlarged, tender glands (lymph nodes) in the jaw and neck
* Loss of voice
Causes
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Tonsils Tonsils

When bacteria and viruses enter your body through your nose or mouth, your tonsils act as a filter — engulfing the offending organisms in white blood cells. This may cause a low-grade infection in your tonsils, which stimulates your immune system to form antibodies against future infections. But sometimes the tonsils are overwhelmed by a bacterial or viral infection. The result is tonsillitis.

Various viruses and bacteria can cause tonsillitis, including the virus that causes mononucleosis (the Epstein-Barr virus) and the bacterium that causes strep throat (Streptococcus pyogenes).Risk factors

Tonsillitis is a common condition, especially in children. Viruses and bacteria tend to flourish where people are in close contact, such as schools and child care facilities.When to seek medical advice

Although tonsillitis itself usually isn't serious, it can lead to complications if left untreated. Call your doctor if your sore throat:

* Lasts more than 48 hours
* Gets worse
* Is accompanied by other signs or symptoms

Seek emergency care if you're:

* Drooling
* Unable to eat or drink
* Having trouble breathing

Answer 2

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils, that causes a sore throat, as well as an inability to swallow. A fever generally also appears, as well as white spots on the tonsils. There are three types of tonsillitis: acute, sub-acute and chronic. Acute tonsillitis is viral so therefore, yes, it is contagious. Acute tonsillitis can will usually go away in a week and can be treated with painkillers and sometimes medicines that work to anesthetize the tonsils (viscous iodines), to provide relief of swelling. Sub acute tonsillitis is caused by the Actinomyces bacteria and can last up to three weeks. It is not viral, but to my knowledge it can be contagious (if you cough, the bacteria can be transferred onto other surfaces and can end up in someone else's immune system if immaculate sanitation is not used). Sub acute tonsillitis can usually be treated with amoxicillin (my favorite banana flavored syrup, sometimes in pills), viscous iodines or with penicillin. Chronic tonsillitis is also caused by bacteria and can last for very long periods of time, and usually, a tonsillectomy is indicated in order to remove the problem. So, to answer your questions, you may get tonsillitis- in fact, I'd say that probably everyone has had either tonsillitis or strep throat once in their life. I would not become too pre-occupied with getting tonsillitis because you would likely have had a sore throat by now. If you feel any symptoms coming up, go to the doctor, it can be treated! If your friend had it, it doesn't mean that you'll get it...but, if you ever have another friend with it, make sure not to share food/drinks and such. Good luck!

Answer 3

Simply, it's an inflammation of the tonsils which are chunks of lympatic tissue on both sides of the back of the throat.

Depends on what caused the tonsillitis whether you'll get or not, the bug that attacked her tonsils may attack something else on your, or it may pass you by entirely. So, yes, it can be contagious and it can be possible for you to get it but no one can tell for sure. Did she have a strep test? If it was strep you need to see a doctor right away if you develop a sore throat. If her tonsillitis went away on it's own, IF you get it, yours probably will too.

Answer 4

Having children, the dr. always says they need to be on an antibiotic for at least 24 hours before they can return to school, so I would guess that would be a good rule of thumb to follow. But I would also guess that you would still be contagious as long as you are running a fever.

Answer 5

Tonsillitis is the swelling of the tonsils.

It depends upon what the source was for your friend's infection, but as a rule unless there is deep kissing involved, you cannot get it.

Answer 6

It is a bacterial infection (Strep throat)...if you were in close contact with that person and you carry the virus (not everyone does) then yes, you will more then likely get it. I hope you don't get it because it's brutal. I'm a carreir of the Strep virus, and it's no walk in the park!

Answer 7

It's an infection in the throat. You'll be glad to hear it's not infectious, I know because I've had it and asked my doctor.