Question 1

do symptoms like tonsillitis go away quickly?

Accepted Answer

Not usually: Infected or inflamed tonsils can be quite painful.  A bacterial infection will usually respond in a couple of days to antibiotics - there are medications to minimize the discomfort while the antibiotics are working (throat lozenges, nsaid's, prescription pain medications, etc).  Viral tonsillitis requires time to resolve - the same pain meds noted above can help.

Question 2

what can happen if you don't treat tonsillitis?

Accepted Answer

You will either get: Better or develop one of the complications of tonsillitis ie peritonsillar abscess/ retropharyngeal abscess. Since most cases of tonsillitis are viral, treatment would be for comfort and hydration. Untreated strep infections could lead to scarlet fever and rheumatic fever. Recent studies have shown that strep may cause heart damage  that shows up much later in life.

Question 3

what will happen if you don't treat tonsillitis?

Accepted Answer

See below: It can result in swelling of the tonsils which can close off your throat to swallowing and even breathing. The infection can also spread up to the sinuses and to the brain or down to the lungs.

Question 4

should i still go to work if i have tonsillitis?

Accepted Answer

Depends on cause: Many people will have mild tonsillitis with common cold of flu and it would be okay to go to work, once you are beyond three days from the start of illness.  However, strep throat needs to be treated immediately to avoid complications.  Rarely, tonsillitis may be due to a serious infectious illness such as diphtheria which should be treated asap and you should avoid work till cleared by a doc.

Question 5

i have had tonsillitis for 14 days. when will it go away?

Accepted Answer

Depends on cause: For instance - swelling related to Epstein-Barr virus ( mononucleosis) may be present for a long time.

Question 6

is it a problem if my tonsillitis is not going away after 10 days?

Accepted Answer

See your doctor: If your tonsillitis is getting worse especially if on antibiotics see your doctor. Your infection may be resistant to your antibiotics so you may need a culture. Your infection may be viral so you may need other medications or testing. Stay hydrated!

Question 7

can tonsillitis go away on its own without any further intervention?

Accepted Answer

Yes: If you have a viral infection involving the tonsillar tissue, it is certainly possible that your immune system can eradicate the virus in about 2 weeks.  If the tonsillitis lasts for more than 2 to 3 weeks, culture and sensitivity of the tonsillar surface will tell us if it is a bacterial pathogen present and an appropriate antibiotic to use.

Question 8

what do you suggest if my tonsillitis is not going away after 10 days?

Accepted Answer

Tonsils: You need to get a culture if its bacterial and if so you need to be on an appropriate antibiotic. If the culture is negative, then get a blood test to see if its mono

Question 9

i'm going away tomorrow evening. will the tonsillitis go by tomorrow i've had it now for two days?

Accepted Answer

Doctor can evaluate: Throat pain can be from strep throat infection (antibiotics are needed), mono, a cold or influenza (antibiotics usually not used), or from some other cause such as allergies or irritants. Usually, a person sees a doctor if the sore throat is bothersome, recurrent, or doesn't go away quickly (mainly to see about antibiotics). The doctor can swab the throat for a 5-minute test to check for strep.

Question 10

what works against tonsillitis without going to the doctors?

Accepted Answer

I don't recommend it: Especially at your age it needs looked at as there are some more serious things as well as complications of real tonsillitis that require special care.

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Doctor answers about:

What happens if tonsillitis goes untreated

A member asked:

Do symptoms like tonsillitis go away quickly?

A member asked:

What can happen if you don't treat tonsillitis?

A member asked:

What will happen if you don't treat tonsillitis?

A member asked:

Should i still go to work if i have tonsillitis?

A member asked:

I have had tonsillitis for 14 days. when will it go away?

A member asked:

Is it a problem if my tonsillitis is not going away after 10 days?

A member asked:

Can tonsillitis go away on its own without any further intervention?

A member asked:

What do you suggest if my tonsillitis is not going away after 10 days?

A member asked:

I'm going away tomorrow evening. will the tonsillitis go by tomorrow i've had it now for two days?

A member asked:

What works against tonsillitis without going to the doctors?

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