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Hello XXXXXXX

By tonsillitis, do you mean strep throat, confirmed with a throat swab?

Here are some thoughts on this situation:

1. If she is exposed to something in her environment that she is sensitive or allergic to such as molds or other allergens, its' possible that this is causing her to be more likely to have upper respiratory illnesses. This can include sinus infections with drainage down the throat causing inflammation of the tonsils.

2. In addition, if this problem just started this past year at college, excessive stress and sleep deprivation may be keeping her immune system somewhat suppressed, making her more likely to get sick and to have prolonged illness or complications.

3. The Mono spot test is not always accurate. The most accurate test for mononucleosis is to check both IgM and IgG for Epstein Barr virus (which causes what we call mono). IgM indicates a current infection. (Ig stands for immunoglobulin which is a type of antibody.) IgG shows a previous infection (and most of us have had EBV without knowing it by the time we are 22 yrs old).

I recommend that she see an allergist if she hasn't already. Try to get regular sleep (if possible); avoid exposure to tobacco smoke; take vitamin C and zinc as soon as she feels she is coming down with an infection (helps some people but not established by research); eat as nutritiously as possible. And very importantly: don't touch eyes or nose with fingers/hands as this is one of the most common ways to pick up respiratory infections. Use a tissue to touch an itchy eye or nose or only touch if she has previously thoroughly washed her hands and I mean thoroughly.

I have an 18 yr old who is going off to college this fall, so I can relate to the concern you must have about her frequent illnesses. That's why I am also suggesting an allergist to make sure that if there is some underlying cause that can be prevented that you can know about it.

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