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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Tonsillitis
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
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Prevention & Expectations
What can be done to prevent the infection?
The best way to prevent acute tonsillitis is to avoid people who have strep throat or any of the bacterial or viral infections that can lead to acute tonsillitis.
A person can get acute tonsillitis by:
There is no way to prevent subacute or chronic tonsillitis.
What are the long-term effects of the infection?
Usually, no significant long-term effects result from any of the three forms of tonsillitis. However, difficulty swallowing or breathing during sleep can result if the chronic infection causes enlargement of the tonsils. The healthcare provider may recommend a tonsillectomy, or removal of the tonsils, if there are recurrent infections or difficulties with swallowing and breathing.
What are the risks to others?
Strep, diphtheria, and Epstein-Barr infections are all contagious.