How long does bacterial tonsillitis last?

Ah, tonsillitis. That painful inflammation of the tonsils that makes swallowing feel like promoting torture from within your body. If you’ve ever had it, you know how miserable it can be.

Now, there are two main types of tonsillitis – viral and bacterial. And today we’re going to focus on the latter because let’s face it – bacteria is way more interesting than viruses (sorry, not sorry).

So without further ado or bacteria confession time… how long does bacterial tonsillitis last?

The Basics: What Is Bacterial Tonsillitis?

Before we dive into how long this evil affliction lasts (yes, I said “evil”), let’s quickly define what it actually is.

Bacterial tonsillitis occurs when a bacterium comes in contact with your throat tissues and causes an infection to develop in your tonsils.

Common symptoms include:

  • Sore throat
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Fever
  • Chills

Nasty stuff huh? But wait till you hear about how long this monster likes to stick around for!

So… How Long Does It Last?

The primary cause of bacterial tonsillitis is Streptococcus pyogenes aka strep throat bacteria (fun fact: did you know that pus inside a strep-filled boil smells like buttered popcorn? Now every time you eat popcorn or see someone eating popcorn this will come back to haunt you).

Anywayyyyyy back on track! When tested positive for Strep A Rapid Antigen Test – sans pop corn smell unfortunately– antibiotics treatments such as Amoxicillin usually prescribed by Healthcare professionals should work their magic between 7 days and two weeks max.

Of course few cases might overwhelm the immune system leading up severe complications if left untreated so always report any sudden change worsening fever or swollen glands directly to your doctor ASAP.

But for the most part bacteria tonsillitis is a temporary ailment – which doesn’t mean it’s not unpleasant but at least there’s an end in sight!

Your Treatment Affects Duration

It should come as no surprise that the way you choose to treat your bacterial tonsillitis can affect how long you’ll have to suffer through it.

Antibiotics treatments such as Amoxicillin usually are effective treatment within just two weeks while home remedies like gargling with warm salted water and drinking chicken soup (preferably homemade!) might take slightly longer, depending on the severity of infection. Bottom line? No harm in resorting both ways – double relief and some mucus-sighting chuckles!

Just keep in mind traditional home remedies don’t absolutely always work so be cautious before choosing self-treatment methods (another fun fact: ‘cautious’ comes from Latin cautus “careful,” past participle of cavere “to beware) .

Mornings Are The Worst

If you’ve been struggling with bacterial tonsillitis, I bet you already know this next bit all too well: mornings suck.

That’s right folks, when we wake up our mouth tends to dry out causing harmful germs deposit themselves into our oral cavity – good times indeed…–

This means that symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes redness or painful sensations might feel even worse compared during day-time activities – yeah “fever dreams” belong exclusively for night time- So try to schedule visits to your bed-side table at nights where fluids collected might pass easier taking a few sips before calmly going back…where they say mattresses are less sarcastic…

And don’t forget one important part: cough suppressants (not inhibitors please) so don’t suffocate yourself! After all what’s the point of fully recovering if then restraining yourself from natural urges?

Conclusion

So, there you have it – bacterial tonsillitis is a temporary nuisance that usually takes around one to two weeks to clear up adequately addressed.

But do remember, antibiotics are pretty much the most reliable way of addressing bacteria tonsillitis effectively and prevent any additional complications – Always visit a health care professional if you detect symptoms in order to act according and avoid bigger risks.

Until then, stick to traditional home remedies (they just might work miracles!) swearing frequent out-loud oaths but try not over-exerting yourself TOO MUCH as catching back strep throat from sheer frustration isn’t exactly fun!

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