Tonsil pain is often caused by allergies or infections, including bacterial and viral infections. Treatment options include medications for allergies and antibiotics for bacterial infections. Viral infections usually clear up on their own. Medical attention may be needed for severe or prolonged discomfort. Tonsil pain is contagious and can be prevented by avoiding crowds. In some cases, surgical removal of the tonsils may be necessary.
Most tonsil pain is caused by irritation from allergies or an infection. Tonsil infections are often caused by group A strep bacteria, as well as other bacteria and viruses. Sometimes tonsil pain can also be caused by a secondary infection such as the common cold or the flu. This is usually due to drainage, just as is the case with allergies.
Allergies can cause tonsil pain due to congestion in the nasal passages which causes irritation. Other times the same allergens, such as pollen, can attach themselves to the tonsils, throat and nasal membranes and cause inflammation and pain. Treatment options include medications designed for allergies and sometimes allergy shots for those with severe seasonal or continuing allergies.
Most commonly, bacterial infections are the cause of this pain. The bacteria can be breathed in through the mouth, or bacteria naturally found in the nasal passages or other parts of the body can overgrow on the tonsils and lead to inflammation and discomfort. Other symptoms of a tonsil infection can include fever, severe sore throat, pus buildup on the tonsils, redness, chills, and swelling. Bacterial infections can often be treated with antibiotics.
Viral infections can also infect the tonsils and cause pain, but they often clear up on their own. Medications can be used to relieve symptoms, but there are no known drugs that can kill a virus. Many people try to use antibiotics, but these are not effective for viral infections.
Most of the time, this condition eventually resolves on its own without intervention. Patients can drink cold liquids, eat frozen treats, or take over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms in the meantime. Only when the discomfort becomes very severe or prolonged is medical attention usually needed. A doctor may also be needed for those who have other symptoms as well.
Aside from allergies, most causes of tonsil pain are contagious, meaning they can be passed from one person to another. Those with severe throat discomfort that lasts for more than a day or two should see a doctor to find the underlying cause. They should also avoid crowds of people to prevent the transmission of the virus or bacteria. In most situations pain can be resolved with medication, both for pain relief and to kill bacteria. Occasionally, long-term problems can arise and the tonsils will need to be surgically removed.
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