Tonsillitis
Alternate Names : Acute Tonsillitis, Subacute Tonsillitis, Chronic Tonsillitis
What can be done to prevent the infection?
The best way to prevent acute tonsillitis is to avoid people who have strep throat or any of the bacterial or
viral infections that can lead to acute tonsillitis.
A person can get acute tonsillitis by:
coming into contact with someone who has
strep throat or mononucleosis
having strep throat that develops
into tonsillitis
sharing utensils or toothbrushes with someone carrying strep bacteria or
Epstein-Barr virus
There is no way to prevent subacute or chronic tonsillitis.
What are the long-term effects of the infection?
Usually, no significant long-term effects result from any of the three forms of
tonsillitis. However, difficulty swallowing or breathing during sleep can result
if the chronic infection causes enlargement of the tonsils.
The healthcare provider may recommend a
tonsillectomy, or removal of the tonsils, if there are recurrent
infections or difficulties with swallowing and breathing.
What are the risks to others?
Strep, diphtheria, and Epstein-Barr infections are all contagious.
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