Is tonsillitis contagious?

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor I Le Van Quang - Department of General Surgery - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital

Tonsillitis is a common respiratory disease in young children. There are many causes of tonsils. Many people are concerned about whether tonsillitis is contagious, especially when children are of school age and often come into contact with many classmates.

The tonsils are two lymph nodes located on either side of the back of the throat. The tonsils work with a defense mechanism, preventing infectious agents from attacking the body. Therefore, if the tonsils are inflamed, it will affect health. This condition is called tonsillitis.
Tonsillitis is one of the common ear, nose and throat diseases, very easy to encounter in young children. If not treated properly, tonsillitis can turn into acute arthritis, glomerulonephritis and sleep breathing disturbances, more dangerous is an abscess around the tonsils...
Tonsillitis can recur Repeatedly, a person can have tonsillitis several times a year. Therefore, do not be subjective with this disease, especially tonsillitis in young children.

There are many causes of tonsillitis in children, including:
Virus, bacteria attack: viruses, bacteria available in the palate due to poor oral hygiene or tooth decay, gingivitis.. . causes bacteria to thrive in the palate, creating conditions for bacteria to attack the tonsils, causing infection. Due to some respiratory diseases: some respiratory diseases can lead to tonsillitis such as: flu, prolonged sore throat, streptococcus... Due to polluted living environment: polluted living environment Infection, uncleanliness increases the risk of bacteria and viruses that cause tonsillitis Due to weak resistance: children with weak muscles are easily attacked by bacteria.

Although ear - nose - throat diseases are often contagious, especially when they are caused by viruses or bacteria, parents can rest assured that tonsillitis is not contagious. None of the above causes of tonsillitis in young children are contagious. Therefore, there is no need to worry too much when someone in the family has the disease or has missed contact with the sick person.
Although tonsillitis is not contagious, it is an inherited disease. According to medical experts around the world, recurrent tonsillitis is caused by the influence of a dominant gene. Up to 60% of cases of tonsillitis are related to this genetic factor and nearly 40% of the remaining cases of tonsillitis are caused by external environmental factors.

Tonsillitis greatly affects children's daily activities, causing them to have an itchy throat, cough, and discomfort. Treatment of tonsillitis should be based on the cause of the disease:
In case of bacterial tonsillitis, antibiotics can be used. Pay attention to taking the right dose and the right dose, do not arbitrarily stop taking the drug when the disease has improved because it may lead to drug resistance later. In case of viral tonsillitis, do not use antibiotics. In case of severe tonsillitis leading to complications, tonsillectomy may be required. Combine the use of drugs with plenty of rest, drink warm water, and clean the mouth and throat with water. Warm salt, limit the intake of sugary drinks... To prevent tonsillitis in young children, it is important to note:
Clean oral hygiene Completely cure respiratory diseases such as: flu, cough... Attention Nutrition to increase children's resistance When going out on the street, children should wear masks, especially in places with polluted, dusty air...