AskDocDoc
/
/
/
what causes tonsillitis
FREE!Ask Doctors — 24/7
Connect with Doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
500 doctors ONLINE
#1 Medical Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 21M : 53S
background image
Click Here
background image
General Health
Question #25706
91 days ago
127

what causes tonsillitis - #25706

Vivaan

I am really confused about what's going on with my throat. A few days ago, I started feeling this weird scratchy feeling, and it turned into a sore throat that I thought would just go away. But nope. I ended up going to the doctor, and they said I have tonsillitis. What causes tonsillitis, anyway? My kids have been sick lately too, with some nasty colds, and I'm worried if that's connected. I mean, can tonsillitis be contagious? I remember having this as a kid but can’t recall what causes tonsillitis to happen. It’s super annoying because my tonsils are so swollen they feel like they're blocking my airways sometimes. Is it from a virus or is there a bacteria to blame? The doc gave me some antibiotics, but nobody really explained what causes tonsillitis in the first place. I just wanna know if I should be avoiding my kids or if they might be able to catch whatever this is. I feel like knowledge is power, you know? Like is it common? Should I be worried a lot? What causes tonsillitis to flare up suddenly like this?

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors' responses

Tonsillitis is often caused by common viruses, but bacteria like the group A streptococcus can also be culprits. This inflammation of the tonsils usually results from these infectious agents, and it’s quite possible that the colds runnin’ through your household played a role. Tonsillitis can indeed be contagious, particularly when it’s viral or bacterial in origin. That means it can spread through close contact, sharing utensils, or being around someone who sneezes or coughs without covering their mouth properly. So yes, it’s good to practice hygiene measures like handwashing and maybe avoid being too close to your kids until things settle down. In terms of contagion, it’s the viral or bacterial infection that can be passed on, not the ‘tonsillitis’ itself.

The scratchiness and sore throat you mentioned are typical symptoms, along with those swelling tonsils—common indicators that your body’s immune response is kicking into gear. Antibiotics you got are usually prescribed if a bacterial cause is suspected; they won’t work on viral tonsillitis, though. When bacteria are involved, antibiotics can help reduce the duration and severity of the illness, and prevent complications. Tonsillitis can also flare up suddenly when your immune system is weakened, especially when dealing with a viral cold as you seem to be encountering. Don’t lose sleep over it being common—tonsillitis is relatively frequent and mostly resolves without complications. Keep an eye out for red-flag symptoms like difficulty breathing, intense pain, or dehydration; these would definitely require immediate medical attention. Otherwise, manage with the antibiotics, stay hydrated, rest, and consider over-the-counter pain relievers if needed to ease the discomfort.

20040 answered questions
90% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


What could be causing my wife's fatigue and high ESR after changing jobs and having gallbladder removal?
lifestyle changes examples
how to reduce head heat
What could be causing my low-level headache and mental fog for a few weeks?
how to remove body acne scars
first aid in case of heart attack
How to treat Lower back pain after C section delivery
how to improve liver health naturally
which juice is good for liver and kidney
What to do if I took 10 Panadol Extra and feel unwell with stomach pain?
dolo tablet side effects
Can I take perindopril and amlodipine separately instead of Coveram, and how might weight loss affect my medication?
how to treat otitis externa
What to do for lingering pain and heaviness in my left leg after a superficial clot?
does sugarcane juice cause acidity
What causes swollen legs in a diabetic patient with a history of dilated cardiomyopathy?
how to lower body heat
doctor types list
What could be causing left side chest pain in a 25-year-old male runner on mephenatermin sulfate for 7 months?
Can a short axis mm lymph node be benign
physical therapy yoga
which juice is good for cold and cough
is pineapple good for cold and cough
is fasting required for cbc blood test
Which yoga helps lower cholesterol?
10000 steps per day benefits
why do i have hair fall
What causes excess saliva and difficulty speaking for almost 2 years?
How to reduce painin back? Also how to reduce fungus from ears?
What exercises can change the angle of the ribs in the ribcage?
soaking raisins in water
how to cool body temperature
how to remove acne marks from face
priyanka arya
is it good to drink water in copper bottle
md degree meaning
Brucellosis genital discharge urine problems
why food stuck in throat
how to clear liver
is gokhru and gokshura same
is lemon juice good for hair
Do I need a booster or vaccine after being scratched by my vaccinated cat?
brain me blood clotting
how to heat up your body
how to identify pure shilajit
best treatment for black spots on face
What is causing my neck pain, dizziness, and blurred vision with DDD and stenosis?
Experiencing Dizziness and Pain in Limbs with Irregular Periods
What could be causing my wife's low energy and fatigue after starting a new teaching job?
can you work with chronic venous insufficiency
best motion tablet
What to do if my lipoma has grown rapidly and is now the size of a tennis ball?
How to stop an earache fast in adults?
does masterbation increase height
What should I do for liver congestion and intestinal inflammation with severe pain at 16?
what is yin yoga
is amla good for hair growth
buttermilk benefits for liver
pet me infection ke gharelu upay
What to do if my vaccinated cat scratched me and I washed it multiple times with no signs of infection?
does isabgol reduce cholesterol
how do i know if i have anemia?
is it good to drink mosambi juice in empty stomach
face milk cream
Why does BP fluctuate during stress?
What to do for neck pain that radiates to the right arm and causes dizziness for five months?
how to use giloy stem
cause of body pain
which kadai is good for cooking
is lakshadweep a dry state
can i eat apple during cold
Post-abortion menstrual cycle irregularity
what if direct bilirubin is high
how we remove dark circles
Is it normal for my neck to be slightly tilted to one side since childhood, and can exercises or physiotherapy help improve it?
Request for Written Questions for Consultation
how to repair liver damage
how to reduce teeth pain immediately
best yoga therapy training
ansa clinic photos
how to reduce body heat naturally
What to do if my lipoma is growing fast and is the size of a tennis ball?
blood pressure normal range for female
tea treat
how to improve pulse rate at home
Ayuda con mi salud mental y entres y ansiedad
earing aid
can we eat apple during cold
how to get rid of under eye dark circles
testicle problems doctor
is mosambi juice good for cough
from which age we can use sunscreen
Peur angoisse apres passage au urgence
which juice is best for energy
how much protein in sattu drink
difference between paracetamol and dolo
body heat how to reduce
What is causing my extreme fatigue and hangover feeling after a viral infection for 6 months?
how to stop tobacco chewing
how to take care of our health