Despite being one of the most important organs in the human body, your mouth is also one of the most vulnerable. Vulnerable in the sense that it can easily be infected and is an entry for all sorts of diseases. The mouth can be infected due to several reasons, like poor hygiene, and these infections can cause a lot of pain that easily spreads between people. One such prolific infection is tonsillitis, which causes swollen tonsils and difficulty swallowing. So you must be wondering, how long do these swollen tonsils last? In this blog, we will be providing an answer to the duration of swollen tonsils, as well as explore the causes, symptoms, and prevention tips.
For same-day general illness treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Cortez. Our urgent care center is open seven days a week with no appointments required. Simply walk-in at your convenience!
Causes and Symptoms of Swollen Tonsils
Swollen tonsils are caused by bacterial infections like strep throat, and other harmful pathogens. These infections tend to usually be contracted via using the tools of the infected person like toothbrushes and kitchen utensils. The bacteria infects the mouth and causes inflammation in the roof of the mouth. Some of the symptoms of swollen tonsils are shared with that of strep throat, which can make it challenging to self-diagnose. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, it’s important to seek prompt medical attention.
Common signs and symptoms associated with swollen tonsils include:
- Chills
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Headaches
- Trouble swallowing
- Sore throat
- Red, swollen tonsils
- Enlarged lymph nodes
Swollen Tonsils Duration
The duration of swollen tonsils can vary depending on the underlying cause and how effectively it is treated. In many cases, swollen tonsils due to a viral infection may last for about 1 to 2 weeks. However, if the cause is bacterial (strep throat), treatment with antibiotics can shorten the duration of symptoms. It’s essential to consult a healthcare professional if you experience persistent or recurrent symptoms of swollen tonsils. These providers can determine the underlying cause of the swelling and recommend appropriate treatment to alleviate discomfort and promote recovery. It’s important to follow the treatment plan and practice preventive measures to help reduce the duration and frequency of swollen tonsils.
Treatment of Swollen Tonsils
If you feel like you have swollen tonsils, it's best to seek help from healthcare professionals so that they can make the proper diagnosis. Depending on the type of infection, the healthcare professional will decide on what medication should be used. For bacterial infections, an antibiotic might be enough to restrain the infections. It’s important to stay hydrated with lots of fluid to aid quick recovery and consider gargling with warm salt water daily to help reduce inflammation. The pain and coughing due to the sore throat can also be lessened by using a throat humidifier and over-the-counter remedies.
Tonsillitis Prevention Tips
It is always better to have a preventive method ready especially for an infection like tonsillitis. Some people tend to have recurring tonsillitis and despite using the above treatment plans do not get better. In a situation of persistent tonsils and recurring ones, you should seek the help of a professional. This health professional will provide various means to get rid of it. In mild cases, a change in diet and hygiene might be what is needed to give the body a boost to fight back against the infection. But in severe cases, they might have to remove the tonsils which is dangerous due to the proximity of several blood vessels.
To prevent swollen tonsils from recurring, it is advised that you follow these tips:
1. A Good Diet: A good diet is one of the first steps to healthy living. Without a good diet and proper nutrition, the body becomes too weak to fight off infections, thereby leading to illness. A good diet with less sugary food will also ensure that the bacteria doesn't have a good enough ground to thrive.
2. Maintain Good Oral And Dental Hygiene: Maintaining good oral and dental hygiene is necessary to prevent the spread of tonsillitis. By brushing at least twice daily and using other hygienic methods, one denies the bacteria a place to nest in.
3. Avoid Exposure and Prevent Sharing Personal Items: Limit your exposure to individuals who are sick with contagious illnesses as many throat infections and transmitted through close contact. Refrain from sharing utensils, drinking glasses, or personal items with others as well.
Get Same-Day Care at AFC Urgent Care Cortez
Do you suspect that you’re dealing with swollen tonsils? Getting treatment at an urgent care facility for swollen tonsils can be a convenient and effective option. At AFC Urgent Care Cortez, your health is our top priority! We provide exceptional urgent care services to all patients in the Cortez, CO area and surrounding communities. No appointments are required– just walk-in today. If you have any additional questions about our services, please contact us directly at (970) 516-5500.
