Overview
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can affect you with or without tonsils. Symptoms of strep throat without tonsils are not that much different from those having strep throat with tonsils except for the inflammation, swelling, and pain in the tonsils. Other signs could be sore throat with fever and rash. Treatment takes 5-7 days, while symptoms improve in 2-3 days with proper medications and treatment. The best and most recommended option for treating strep throat is the antibiotics that kill the bacteria causing the infection. Examples include amoxicillin (Penicillin) and azithromycin antibiotics.
Only your healthcare provider can determine the right antibiotics for you after carefully diagnosing the severity of your strep throat and selecting the best antibiotics for you.
Can you get strep without tonsils?
Yes. It’s possible that strep throat is a contagious medical condition that affects the structures in the throat and tonsils. Still, those who have undergone tonsil surgery often get strep throat.
Strep infection is bacterial in nature. It is caused by the bacterial species Streptococcus bacteria, which affects the throat and causes symptoms like difficulty swallowing, pain in the throat, fever, and chills.
What are the strep symptoms without tonsils?
Strep throat is an infection that can present itself with several symptoms (without tonsils):
- Sore throat (often severe)
- Difficulty swallowing
- Red and swollen throat
- Fever (over 101°F)
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
- White patches or streaks of pus in the throat.
- Rash also called scarlet fever.
- Body aches or joint pain.
Symptoms of strep throat with tonsils are not that different from those without tonsils except:
- Swollen, red, and inflamed tonsils
- White patches or pus on the tonsils
- Tonsils may appear enlarged.
- Bad breath and scratchy voice.
How long does strep throat last with no tonsils?
Without tonsils, Strep throat lasts 3-5 days without any medications and is left untreated. When appropriately treated with antibiotics, symptoms improve within 2-3 days.
Whether you have tonsils or strep throat, prompt antibiotic treatment is required to prevent severe complications like rheumatic fever or kidney damage. – Dr.Richard Honekar
Strep throat, with or without tonsils, is quite contagious and can be transferred from one person to another through close contact. Touching the surface with fluid or droplets from an infected person can cause it.
How to treat strep without tonsils?
The first approach to treating strep throat is usually to use home remedies, such as gargling with lukewarm water, herbal teas, and over-the-counter options, to temporarily relieve the pain.
Some of the best treatment options recommended by healthcare providers are as follows:
- Common antibiotics that can kill the bacteria causing strep throat. Medications include penicillin-like amoxicillin and azithromycin, which are the most recommended options based on the condition and age of the patient. In case of allergy to these medications, your healthcare provider will prescribe cephalexin, clindamycin, or azithromycin antibiotics.
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers temporarily relieves the pain in the throat and headache. Examples include Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen.
- OTC medications are also recommended to treat temperature and pain in the body. Some of the antihistamine medications can only be taken for congestion if it occurs.
- Gargling with lukewarm water and a pinch of salt is also considered and recommended as the best option for strep throat to relieve the itchiness and coarseness in the throat.
- Herbal teas with ginger and mint can also help relieve the pain and discomfort in the throat due to strep throat infection. It can be taken 2-3 times a day for temporary relief.
- Avoid acidic or spicy foods, which can help give your throat some time to heal completely.
- Hydration is the key! Drinking lots of water can help you heal and treat strep throat quickly.
- Getting plenty of rest is also an integral part of treatment to support your immune system.
When to consult a doctor?
You can still get strep throat even without tonsils (after a tonsillectomy). Getting complete, well-tailored treatment is essential, as untreated strep throat can lead to severe complications like rheumatic fever, kidney inflammation, or ear infections.
It’s highly contagious and can quickly spread to others through close contact, coughing, or shared surfaces.
Consulting a healthcare provider will help you get treatment. For your strep throat with the correct antibiotics for your needs.
FAQs about the strep throat without tonsils
If Left untreated, strep throat can lead to kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever, a serious illness that can cause stroke and permanent damage to the heart.
No. Without antibiotics, strep throat might last a week and worsen presenting symptoms. It’s a bacterial infection that needs antibiotics for complete and effective treatment. Remedies like gargling, OTC, and herbal teas can only help in symptomatic treatment.
