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Tonsillitis is the inflammation of one or both tonsils.

Although this disease is relatively common, many people still have questions about it: what are its causes? Is it contagious? What treatments exist for it? Do home remedies work? Keep reading to learn the answers to these questions and more.

The tonsils, along with the spleen, thymus, and adenoids, make up the lymphatic system. This system is responsible for regulating body fluids and preventing infections by trapping germs that enter through the mouth or nose.

In some cases, these infectious germs overcome the tonsils’ ability to repel them and end up infecting them. Tonsillitis is most often caused by common viruses, such as adenovirus, influenza, Epstein-Barr, or herpes simplex. But it can also be caused by bacteria, such as those from the genus Streptococcus.

Tonsillitis usually causes:

• Red, swollen tonsils accompanied by white and yellow spots or coating
• Headache, stomachache, sore throat, or sore neck
  
• Pain or difficulty swallowing
  
• Fever
  
• Sensitive, swollen glands in the neck
  
• Bad breath
  
• Muffled, scratchy, or hoarse voice
  

In young children, it can also cause unusual fussiness, lack of appetite, or excessive drooling.

How to treat tonsillitis

It is important to clarify that tonsillitis itself is not contagious, but the bacteria and viruses that cause it are.

That is why good hygiene, primarily through frequent handwashing, is essential to stopping these germs from spreading. Other steps to take are:

• Keeping the glasses, cups, plates, and other utensils used by the person with tonsillitis separate
• Changing your toothbrush after you recover from tonsillitis
  
• Not kissing anyone until you have recovered from tonsillitis
  

You should contact your doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms.

The following tests are used to detect tonsillitis:

• Rapid strep test
• Throat culture

If you have tonsillitis, your health care professional may use different treatments, depending on the type of infection:

• Bacterial infection: You will be given antibiotics. It is important to finish the treatment, even if you feel better. If you don’t finish it, some bacteria may survive and reinfect you.
• Viral infection: There is no medication to treat this type of infection. The body must deal with it on its own.

Some cases may require a tonsillectomy, which is a surgery to remove the tonsils.

There is currently no scientific evidence that home remedies or herbs can be used to treat this condition.

Remember:

Until there is significant scientific evidence from studies in humans, people should be very careful when using herbal therapies and supplements.

Don’t stop or change your medications or treatments before speaking to a doctor about the potential effects of complementary or alternative therapies.

Don’t forget that the medicinal properties of herbs and supplements can also interact with prescription medications and other herbs and supplements and may even affect your diet.

Sources: Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database; National Library of Medicine; Mayo Clinic; National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.