One of our visitors asked one question, which we are ready to answer today. She asked, “Can someone be born without tonsils? The simple answer to this question is no. Someone cannot be born without tonsils. You can only be born with small tonsils, not without tonsils. Tonsils are like two small lumps at the back of your throat. They help your body fight off germs and infections that can enter through your mouth and nose. Tonsils are very important for respiratory health, and they are useful for developing voice.
How Does Tonsil Work?
- Tonsils are like soldiers in your body, protecting it from harmful bacteria, viruses, and germs.
- They assist in swallowing food and drinks, sending them safely to your stomach.
- They work like bodyguards for your throat, defending it from germs and reducing the number of harmful bacteria.
- Tonsils keep your throat from drying out, ensuring it stays moist.
- They play a part in making saliva and help you swallow your food.
- Tonsils are essential for developing your voice, ensuring you can speak without any trouble while eating.
What Is Tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is when your tonsils, those two lumps in the back of your throat, get infected.
Think of your tonsils like filters. They catch germs that try to sneak into your body through your throat. They’re also like little soldiers, making antibodies to fight off infections. But sometimes, they get overwhelmed by those pesky germs, and that’s when they get all puffy and sore.
Tonsillitis is pretty common, especially among kids. It can happen every once in a while, or it can keep coming back in a short period.
There are three types of tonsillitis:
- Acute Tonsillitis: This one usually sticks around for 3 to 4 days but can last up to 2 weeks.
- Recurrent Tonsillitis: When you keep getting tonsillitis multiple times in a year.
- Chronic Tonsillitis: This is like having a long-term tonsil infection that doesn’t want to go away.
The Symptoms Of Tonsillitis
- Sore Throat: Tonsillitis makes your throat hurt, and your tonsils might puff up.
- Painful Swallowing: Swallowing can be painful, and it might hurt in your throat or jaw.
- Swollen Tonsils: Tonsillitis can make the lymph nodes near your tonsils swell, and they can be tender to the touch.
- Headache: You might get a headache, especially at night or in the morning. It’s worse if you jump up too quickly after a nap.
- Fever: If your temperature goes above 100°F, it could be an infection. But if it stays at 99°F or lower for more than two days, it might be mononucleosis.
- Chills: Chills usually come with infections like tonsillitis, flu, or even pneumonia.
What Are The Causes of Tonsillitis?
Bacterial and viral infections are the common causes of tonsillitis. Strep bacteria, which can also cause strep throat, are a common bacterial cause. Other causes include:
- Adenoviruses
- Enteroviruses
- Parainfluenza viruses
- Influenza virus
- Epstein-Barr virus
- Herpes simplex virus
Now, here are some things that can increase your chances of getting tonsillitis:
Age: Tonsillitis is more common in children than in adults. Kids between 5 and 15 are at a higher risk of developing bacterial tonsillitis, while very young children often get the viral kind. Older adults can also get it.
Germ Exposure: Children often spend time with other kids at school or camp, making it easy to pass around infections that lead to tonsillitis. Adults who are around young children, like teachers, can also be more vulnerable to these infections.
How Can You Treat Tonsillitis?
You can treat tonsillitis by using any of the following methods.
- Medication: Tonsillitis is usually treated with antibiotics.
- Taking Antibiotics: If your doctor prescribes antibiotics for tonsillitis, start taking them promptly; they can help you recover faster.
- Antacids: If your tonsils are swollen, consider using antacids like TUMS or antihistamines like Zantac.
- Avoid Alcohol: Skip alcohol when you have tonsillitis. It can make your throat sore and worsen the swelling.
- Restroom Timing: Try not to rush to the restroom right after eating or drinking a lot, as straining and coughing can worsen throat pain and swelling, especially if the liquid is acidic.
Conclusion
Can someone be born without tonsils? No, someone cannot be born without tonsils. However, tonsils typically develop during childhood and may become more noticeable as a person grows.
