Tonsillitis can lead to a number of complications, including: Chronic tonsillitis – infection of the tonsils which does not clear up. The person may go on feeling unwell and tired. Secondary infections – the infection can spread to the person’s nose, sinuses or ears .
Can swollen tonsils affect your ears?
Swollen tonsils can occur with tonsillitis , mononucleosis, or other forms of throat infection
What does tonsillitis do to your ears?
Possible complications of tonsillitis include: a middle ear infection (otitis media) – where fluid between the eardrum and inner ear becomes infected by bacteria. quinsy (peritonsillar abscess) – an abscess (collection of pus) that develops between one of the tonsils and the wall of the throat.
Can tonsillitis cause pain in ears?
It’s usually a complication of untreated tonsillitis. The pain is often quite severe and distinctly worse than a regular sore throat. Only one tonsil is usually affected, which means the pain is worse on one side than the other. A peritonsillar abscess often causes pain in the ear of the affected side.
Can tonsils affect inner ear?
Frequent infections of the adenoids can affect other areas such as the ear’s passage between the back of the nose and the inside of the ear, known as the eustachian tube. This can lead to frequent ear infections and collection of fluid in the middle ear that may cause temporary hearing loss.
Is tonsillitis an emergency?
Anyone with tonsillitis who is drooling, unable to drink or swallow or has any difficulty breathing should go to the emergency room for evaluation.
How serious is tonsillitis in adults?
You may not have any symptoms but still have the strep bacteria, which you can spread to another person. If tonsillitis is left untreated, a complication can develop called a peritonsillar abscess. This is an area around the tonsils that’s filled with bacteria, and it can cause these symptoms: Severe throat pain .
Do u need antibiotics for tonsillitis?
Most cases of viral tonsillitis clear up in a few days with fluids and plenty of rest. Antibiotics usually eliminate bacterial tonsillitis (strep throat) in about 10 days. Tonsillitis usually doesn’t cause any serious or lasting health problems.
How do you get rid of ear pain from tonsillitis?
- a humidifier to help keep your throat and nasal passages moist.
- over-the-counter (OTC) pain and fever medication.
- OTC throat lozenges or sore throat spray.
- OTC antihistamines.
- a salt water gargle.
- popsicles or ice chips for throat pain and inflammation.
- a few drops of warmed olive oil in the ears.
What are symptoms of tonsillitis in adults?
- Red, swollen tonsils.
- White or yellow coating or patches on the tonsils.
- Sore throat.
- Difficult or painful swallowing.
- Fever.
- Enlarged, tender glands (lymph nodes) in the neck.
- A scratchy, muffled or throaty voice.
- Bad breath.
What age is best to remove tonsils?
A child at any age can have a tonsillectomy if the indications are severe. However, surgeons generally wait until children are 3 years old to remove tonsils because the risk of dehydration and bleeding is greater among small children.
How do you fix swollen tonsils?
- drink plenty of fluids.
- get lots of rest.
- gargle with warm salt water several times a day.
- use throat lozenges.
- eat popsicles or other frozen foods.
- use a humidifier to moisten the air in your home.
- avoid smoke.
- take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation.
What should you not do when you have tonsillitis?
Avoiding hard foods . For people with tonsillitis, eating hard or sharp foods can be uncomfortable and even painful. Hard foods may scratch the throat, leading to further irritation and inflammation.
Can I kiss someone with tonsillitis?
If someone in your household or a friend has tonsillitis, don’t use that person’s cups, glasses, silverware, toothbrush, or other utensils. And if you have tonsillitis, keep your stuff separate and don’t share it with anyone. Don’t kiss anyone until you’re completely over the tonsillitis .
Can I call 111 for tonsillitis?
Call NHS 111 or see your GP if you have any of the following: difficulty breathing . significant difficulty swallowing .
What is the best medicine for tonsillitis?
Penicillin taken by mouth for 10 days is the most common antibiotic treatment prescribed for tonsillitis caused by group A streptococcus
