Is Tonsillitis Contagious

There are two masses of lymphatic tissues present on each side of the oral pharynx which are known as tonsils. Sometimes, certain virus or bacteria can cause infection in the tonsils which leads to a medical condition known as tonsillitis. It can be defined as the inflammation of the tonsils due to viral or bacterial infection. It is also one of the most common conditions in the world and is mostly seen in infants and children.

Causes of Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is not a life-threatening or serious medical condition, however, it should be treated quickly as it can cause pain in the throat and difficulty in swallowing. As both, bacteria and virus can cause tonsillitis, there are simply numerous possibilities of it. Streptococcus group A are the prominent tonsillitis causing bacteria. This is the similar group of bacteria that causes strep throat. On the other hand, Epstein-Barr, a group of virus causing mononucleosis, also causes tonsillitis in people.

Symptoms of Tonsillitis
Pain in the throat is the most significant identifying symptom of tonsillitis. Inflammation in the throat leads to reddening and swelling in the throat. The inflammation also causes difficulty in swallowing food and water which can also be very painful. Sometimes, swollen tonsils can also be felt in the neck or below the jaw. The other symptoms of tonsillitis include stomach ache, headache, earache, change in voice and high temperature. Infants and children find it very difficult to swallow food, hence, end up drooling excessively. Irritability, pain and crying are also the symptoms of tonsillitis in children.

Is Tonsillitis Communicable
Tonsillitis is contagious. Any kind of tonsillitis, be it viral or bacterial, is highly contagious. It is transmitted from an infected person to the healthy one by coming in contact with the nasal fluids of the infected person. The disease can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes near a healthy person and the healthy person breathes in the same polluted air. Similarly, sharing of plates, glasses and other articles also contributes in spreading of the disease. Tonsillitis is highly and equally contagious at any stage.

Treatment of Tonsillitis
If one observes the symptoms, he should consult the doctor and the doctor will ask the person to undertake strep test in order to diagnose the condition. If tonsillitis is caused due to bacteria, antibiotics are prescribed to cure it. On the other hand, viral infection subside on its own without any treatment. Tonsillitis caused due to bacterial infection can be treated within a week if proper and timely treatment is undertaken. Whereas, it takes somewhat longer time for the viral infections to subside. In earlier times, it was believed that the tonsils are not required by the body and hence, were completely removed when inflamed. Today, however, it has been found that tonsils play an important role in preventing foreign bodies from entering the throat and hence, are required. With the advancement of treatment and medication, there is rarely a need to remove the tonsils completely.

You might as well follow certain precautions to avoid contracting the infection. Maintenance of hygiene is very important for prevention of tonsillitis. Secondly, if any family member has contracted the disease, it is better to keep his personal and daily items separately. You should also avoid having a close contact with the person till the symptoms subside completely. Always remember that prevention is better than cure! This write-up is meant only to provide information.