Can you get strep without tonsils?
Yes, you can still get strep throat even if you don’t have tonsils. Strep throat is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, which can infect the throat and cause inflammation and discomfort. While the tonsils are one of the first lines of defense against such infections, they are not the only tissue in the throat susceptible to strep bacteria. The bacteria can still infect the throat and cause symptoms such as sore throat, fever, and swollen glands, even in individuals with tonsils removed.
What are the symptoms of strep throat?
The most common symptom of strep throat is a sore throat with fever. Other symptoms include:
- Swollen glands under your jawbone
- Soreness in your chest
- A cough
- Pain around the ears
How do I know if my child has strep throat?
If your child has any of these symptoms, call your pediatrician right away:
- Fever over 100°F (38.4°C)
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing up blood
- Red streaks on the inside of the cheeks
- Severe pain in the neck or back
- Difficulty swallowing
- Rash on the skin
What’s the outlook?
Most children recover quickly from strep throat. However, some people have severe cases that may require hospitalization. In rare cases, strep throat can lead to more serious problems, including rheumatic heart disease, brain abscesses, and scarlet fever.
Strep Treatment
Treatment for strep throat depends on the severity of the case. Your doctor will decide whether you need antibiotics, which ones, and when to start them.
Antibiotics work best if they are started before the strep develops into an infection. It would help if you took them until all signs of strep disappear.
Your doctor may prescribe an oral or intravenous form of penicillin. Penicillin is the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating strep throat.
Your doctor may also recommend other treatments to relieve your symptoms.
These include:
- Gargling with saltwater
- Warm compresses
- Ice packs
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Rest
Treating strep throat
You should always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. It’s essential not to stop taking your medicine too early, especially if you have a high fever.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Do not double doses. Ask your healthcare provider any questions about using this medication.
Important safety information:
- Tell your doctor if you have allergies to penicillin, cephalosporin drugs, sulfonamides, tetracyclines, erythromycin, macrolide antibiotics, or other medicines.
- Ask your doctor what side effects could occur.
- Keep track of your temperature at home. Please write down your readings daily to show them to your doctor.
- Call your doctor if you notice any changes in your vision, hearing, speech, or balance while taking this medicine.
- Avoid contact with anyone who has recently been ill.
- Get medical help if you have a seizure, feel dizzy, faint, or experience numbness of the face, tongue, lips, arms, legs, or torso.
- Report any new symptoms to your doctor immediately.
- If you become pregnant during treatment, tell your doctor immediately.
Protect yourself and others
Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, washcloths, brushes, combs, toothbrushes, and cosmetics.
Do not use nasal sprays, eye drops, or ointments unless directed by your doctor.
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Throw out unused medicine after 14 days. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
Can you get strep if your tonsils have been removed?
Yes, you can get strep throat after a tonsillectomy. However, the risk of getting strep after a tonsillectomy is lower than getting the streptococcal infection from another person who has strep. If you do get strep, it usually occurs about two weeks after surgery.
What can mimic strep throat?
Strep throat is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, a bacteria that causes tonsillitis and pharyngitis. Symptoms include a sore throat, fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen glands. There are two types of strep throat: acute and chronic. Acute strep throat usually lasts less than 10 days, while chronic strep throat may last longer than 10 days.
How common is strep without tonsils?
Strep throat is very common among children, especially those who do not have any symptoms of tonsillitis. The bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes usually lives harmlessly in the mouth and throat area. However, when the immune system is compromised, such as in children or adults with suppressed immune systems, the bacteria may cause sore throats, ear infections, pneumonia, and other serious illnesses.
Are there other throat infections besides strep?
Throat infections include tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, and epiglottitis. The best way to treat these conditions is to visit your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Do you always have a fever with strep?
Yes, I do. The strep throat has caused me to have a high temperature for about two weeks. Sometimes, my throat hurts when I wake up in the morning, and then later in the day, it feels like I have a cold.
Can you have strep but test negative?
Yes, you can have strep throat but still be tested negative for strep. The test only detects antibodies against group A Streptococcus bacteria, which is not the same as having strep. If you have strep, antibiotics will kill the bacteria and cure you.
Can you get tonsillitis without tonsils?
Yes, you can get tonsillitis without having tonsils. Tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure where the surgeon removes the tonsils. This surgery is performed for various reasons, such as recurrent infections, chronic pain, sleep apnea, and snoring. The risk of complications after tonsillectomy is small, including bleeding, disease, and scarring.