For how long does a single attack of Tonsillitis last? - Dr. Sreenivasa Murthy T M

Tonsillitis is infection of tonsils which are organs in the oral cavity, they are usually protective organs and they tend to get infected through the air we breathe and food that we consume. Tonsillitis can be secondary to a viral infection or to bacterial infection. Most commonly viral infections which are self-limiting usually last for about a week. People who suffer from viral tonsillitis will only require symptomatic and supportive therapy. Sometimes it can be bacterial infection, in this case adequate antibiotic given at the right time; the infection should not last beyond a week. There are occasional viral infections like infectious mononucleosis can affect tonsil wherein the condition can last for even a couple of weeks because of inappropriate treatment or diagnosis. There is a subgroup of bacteria which can affect tonsils called beta-hemolytic streptococcus, when not treated properly can lead to complications.