Tonsillitis is a disease in which inflammation of the tonsils is formed as a result of an infectious lesion. Often there is a defeat of streptococci and staphylococci.
Acute tonsillitis is characterized by sufficiently pronounced symptoms, which cannot be unnoticed. If the correct treatment for tonsillitis is carried out, then the disease flows into the chronic stage with possible relapses.
This disease is quite common in children aged 5-10 years. In the chronic form, exacerbations occur several times a year.
Disease feature
Tonsillitis is an infectious and inflammatory lesion of the tonsils. This is a fairly common respiratory disease. Palatine tonsils - an important organ of the immune system that is involved in the development of immunity and provides protection against the penetration of pathogens into the internal organs. However, in some cases, the glands themselves become the main source of infection.
The surface of the glands consists of many gaps in which particles of food, pathogenic microbes and purulent contents are retained. With tonsillitis, the pathological process mainly affects only the palatine tonsils, and nasopharyngeal, lingual and laryngeal inflammation is much less common. The disease affects adults and children over the age of 5 years. Basically, the disease is characterized by a seasonal increase in incidence.
Main classification
Treatment of tonsillitis largely depends on the form of the course of the disease. According to the degree of course, such forms as acute and chronic tonsillitis are distinguished. The acute form, in turn, is divided into:
- follicular;
- necrotic;
- lacunar;
- filmy.
The main bacterial pathogen is hemolytic streptococcus, and in some cases it can be triggered by chlamydia and mycoplasmas. Treatment of acute tonsillitis must be comprehensive, as the disease can very quickly go into the chronic stage. Angina proceeds with quite pronounced symptoms and acute inflammation in the throat.
Treatment of chronic tonsillitis is longer, since it is an inflammatory process that occurs in the pharyngeal tonsils for several months and develops after a previous sore throat. A similar condition occurs if the disease is not completely cured.
A chronic form of pathology can be simple or toxic-allergic. With a simple stage, local symptoms are observed, and for an allergic form of the pathology, a general deterioration in well-being is characteristic. In addition, chronic tonsillitis can be compensated or decompensated. The latter form is characterized by the fact that complications develop in the form of the course of inflammatory diseases of the nose and ear, as well as abscesses.
Causes of the disease
Acute tonsillitis is mainly provoked by various bacteria, as well as viruses and fungi. The chronic form of the disease can develop with a combination of several factors, in particular, such as:
- improper treatment of tonsillitis;
- disorders in the immune system;
- the presence of foci of chronic infection;
- allergy course;
- frequent viral diseases.
Bacteria and viruses often enter the body from the external environment. Weak immunity is not able to provide full protection of the body. A decrease in the immune system can provoke not only inflammation, but also stress, malnutrition and a violation of living conditions. When a chronic form of the disease occurs, a person is not at all dangerous to others.
What may be the symptoms
Symptoms and treatment of tonsillitis can be very different, it all depends on the characteristics of the course of the disease and its form. In the course of the acute form of the disease, the symptoms largely depend on the pathogen, the features of the tonsil lesion, as well as the general condition of the patient. Among the general symptoms, one can distinguish:
- high temperature
- a sore throat;
- enlarged and painful lymph nodes;
- vomiting, diarrhea;
- signs of severe intoxication.
The appearance of tonsils largely depends on the stage of the course of the disease, however, in any case, they are swollen, reddened and covered with plaque. Symptoms and treatment of catarrhal tonsillitis are less complex, so there may be no plaque, and soreness is not too pronounced. With viral tonsillitis, the glands become covered with blisters, which open up over time, and ulcers form. In addition, there are pronounced signs of damage to the respiratory system, namely:
- cough;
- runny nose;
- hoarseness of voice.
With a severe course of the disease, signs of intoxication, severe lethargy and impaired immunity are observed. Symptoms and treatment of chronic tonsillitis are somewhat different from the acute form, and among the main signs can be distinguished:
- sore and dry throat;
- a slight increase in temperature;
- discomfort when swallowing;
- enlarged lymph nodes;
- in addition, pus can be separated.
The chronic form is characterized by periodically occurring exacerbations after significant hypothermia, severe stress, and many other negative factors. When symptoms of chronic tonsillitis in adults appear, treatment should be carried out immediately so as not to provoke the development of complications.
Diagnostics
Depending on the symptoms of tonsillitis in adults, appropriate treatment is prescribed, but only after a comprehensive diagnosis and determination of the causative agent of the disease. In the acute form, the patient consults a doctor with complaints of sore throat and fever. People suffering from chronic tonsillitis complain of frequent sore throat, repeated several times a year.
To make a diagnosis, the doctor examines the oral cavity, with the help of which he reveals the signs characteristic of this disease. To detect purulent contents, he lowers one spatula to the root of the tongue, while the other slightly pushes the glands to the side. In this case, the contents come out.
To identify concomitant diseases, an examination of the nasal cavity and auditory passages is performed. If a malignant tumor is suspected, a biopsy is performed.
In order to identify the microorganisms that provoked inflammation and determine their sensitivity to antibacterial agents, a smear test is required. This will reveal the microorganisms that provoked the development of the disease. With frequent tonsillitis, a test for sensitivity to prescribed drugs is performed, which will allow you to choose the most effective treatment.
A blood test is also prescribed, since the change in indicators can determine the course of an infectious disease accompanied by an inflammatory process. It is worth noting that in a chronic form, indicators can remain within the normal range.
Treatment features
If symptoms of tonsillitis occur in adults, treatment should be prescribed only by a qualified doctor, since self-medication threatens to develop complications. The patient must be isolated, because angina is a contagious disease, and also provide bed rest.
Mainly prescribed conservative treatment of tonsillitis, which implies the conduct of antibiotic therapy, the use of local drugs, physiotherapy. In addition, folk methods in combination with drugs give a good result. In especially severe cases, surgery may be prescribed.
In the case of acute tonsillitis, treatment should be carried out in a timely manner, it should be comprehensive, since it can very quickly become chronic.
Conservative therapy
With the occurrence of an acute form of tonsillitis in adults, treatment can be carried out in the infectious ward in strict bed rest. Patients are shown compliance with a sparing diet and drinking regimen. The disease is treated conservatively with the use of medications and physiotherapy.
Treatment of tonsillitis with antibiotics is carried out only with a bacterial form of the disease. If the sore throat was triggered by viruses, then they will not bring any result. Patients are prescribed broad-spectrum antibiotics, in particular, such as:
- penicillins (Panklav, Augmentin);
- cephalosporins ("Cefixime", "Cefaclor");
- macrolides (Sumamox, Clarithromycin).
In uncomplicated forms of tonsillitis, treatment in adults can be carried out using topical antimicrobials, in particular, such as Bioparox. Symptomatic therapy is aimed at reducing the symptoms of the disease and alleviating the condition of the patient, which is why the following are used:
- antipyretic drugs (Nurofen, Ibufen);
- antihistamines (Cetrin, Loratadine);
- throat sprays and lozenges;
- rinse with antiseptic solutions;
- immunostimulating drugs (“Imunorix”, “Imisgen”);
- vitamin complexes.
After reducing the signs of inflammation, physiotherapy is carried out. The palatine tonsils are exposed to ultraviolet radiation, an electromagnetic field. Physiotherapy helps to strengthen blood circulation in the tonsils, has a stimulating effect, activates the production of antibodies. In addition, mud applications are applied to the area of enlarged lymph nodes. Aromatherapy is widely used, which implies the use of essential oils for inhalation and rinsing.
Treatment of chronic tonsillitis in adults is carried out almost in the same way as acute therapy. The decompensated type of the disease is not amenable to conservative therapy. In this case, only surgical intervention is indicated.
Surgery
Treatment of chronic tonsillitis in adults and children is often done surgically. It is worth noting that such a disease can provoke various complications that extend to the joints and heart, which is why pyelonephritis or endocarditis can develop.
Surgical treatment of chronic tonsillitis is carried out in the presence of such problems as:
- exacerbation of the disease occurs more than 2 times a year;
- painful symptoms are observed;
- there was a complication in the heart and joints.
The resultant means is the laser removal of the tonsils or the cryosurgical method when the glands are frozen. There are certain contraindications to the surgical treatment of chronic tonsillitis in a child or adult. In particular, the main contraindications include the presence of cardiovascular and renal failure, infectious diseases, diabetes, pregnancy, hemophilia, menstruation. Treatment is carried out 3 weeks after exacerbation.
Folk techniques
Treatment of tonsillitis with folk remedies consists in the use of various decoctions and tinctures designed to gargle. To eliminate viruses and bacteria, rinsing the nasopharynx with warm salted water is required. It must be pulled through the nose, and then spit. In addition, you can gargle with soda-salt solution.
For rinsing, you can use fresh horseradish juice, which is diluted with warm water. This tool will help to cope with the infection. Treatment of tonsillitis with folk remedies implies the use of a decoction:
- oak bark;
- burdock;
- raspberries;
- St. John's wort
- St. John's wort
- sage;
- poplar buds.
In addition, you can use tincture of propolis, water with apple cider vinegar, warm champagne, cranberry juice with the addition of honey. Basil oil can be used to treat tonsils. Enhancing immunity will help decoctions of chamomile, marshmallow or horsetail.
Treatment of tonsillitis at home involves the use of salt dressings, as well as cabbage compresses, which are applied to the throat. Onion inhalations help eliminate soreness.
Treatment of chronic tonsillitis with folk remedies is carried out for about 2 months, and then you need to take a break for 2 weeks and repeat the course of therapy. Folk remedies and methods should be used only after consulting a doctor. If there is no result of therapy or side effects occur, then alternative treatment should be discontinued.
Nutrition and lifestyle
Treatment of tonsillitis at home implies a diet, as well as a daily regimen. With angina, exercise is contraindicated. Excessive activity significantly increases the load on the heart, and also provokes the risk of complications. That is why it is advisable to adhere to bed rest for the entire period.
With the occurrence of chronic tonsillitis, treatment in adults at home implies a long stay in the fresh air, as well as sufficient movement. It is proved that with insufficient physical activity, local protective properties significantly deteriorate. To increase the protective properties of immunity for patients with chronic tonsillitis, it is recommended:
- avoid smoky and dusty air;
- humidify indoor air;
- give up smoking;
- temper;
- observe the daily routine;
- take time to relax;
- Do not overwork and avoid stress.
Patients with exacerbation of the chronic stage of the disease are recommended to follow a diet. It is aimed at strengthening the body's defenses and the speedy elimination of toxins. Cooking involves boiling or steaming. All food consumed should be as sparing as possible. Spicy, spicy and sour foods should be excluded.
During an exacerbation, frequent meals in small portions are required. It is advisable to consume food at a time when the temperature decreases and appetite appears.
Tonsillitis in pregnant women
To give birth to a healthy baby, pregnant women must take care of their health. In the absence of adequate treatment, serious complications can occur. The spread of infection can lead to circulatory disorders in the uterus, fetal hypoxia, placental abruption, toxicosis, miscarriage, and premature birth.
Women planning a birth of a child must undergo examination and cure existing pathologies. If tonsillitis developed during pregnancy, you need to choose the right treatment. During pregnancy, it is forbidden to take antibacterial drugs. It is best to use folk remedies and physiotherapy.
The course of angina in children
Symptoms and treatment of tonsillitis in children can be very different, it all depends on the characteristics of the course of the disease. The main cause of sore throats are pathogens. They are transmitted by airborne or contact-household route from a sick person. Since the immune system is not fully formed, therefore, after the penetration of the pathogen of the virus into the body, the inflammatory process immediately begins.
If the first symptoms of tonsillitis occur in children, treatment should be started immediately, since the disease can go into the chronic stage. Among the main features you need to highlight:
- sharp sore throat;
- temperature rise;
- fever and chills;
- headache;
- loss of appetite.
Treatment of tonsillitis in children can be divided into local and general. It is important to quickly eliminate the causative agent of the infection and alleviate the existing symptoms. If the disease has a bacterial nature, then antibacterial therapy must be carried out. Often, the doctor prescribes drugs such as Sumamed, Augmentin, Clarithromycin, Azithromycin.
The peculiarity of the treatment of tonsillitis in children largely depends on the severity of the disease, the characteristics of the child and the type of pathological microflora. With viral sore throat, the doctor prescribes antiviral and immunostimulating drugs, in particular, such as Viferon. In addition, antipyretic, antihistamines, as well as local antiseptics used for irrigation of the throat are required. Reviews about the treatment of tonsillitis in children with drugs and folk remedies are quite good, the most important thing is to conduct therapy in a timely manner.
Possible complications
Local complications of chronic tonsillitis include the following:
- abscess and paratonsillitis;
- pharyngitis;
- lymphadenitis;
- replacement of the parenchyma with connective tissue.
Common complications are caused by the spread of infection in the body. Complications can affect the heart, kidneys, and joints. In addition, there may be blood pathology.
Prophylaxis
Preventive measures include the implementation of recommendations such as:
- personal hygiene;
- proper nutrition;
- carrying out wet cleaning in the house;
- hardening;
- strengthening immunity;
- sanitation of foci of infection;
- conducting regular examinations.
All these preventative measures will help provide protection against the course of chronic tonsillitis. They will help strengthen immunity and cope with various infections.
Tonsillitis is a complex disease that requires comprehensive quality treatment, as it can provoke various complications.