Judging by some reviews, the treatment of tonsillitis requires a considerable number of people to whom this disease brought only torment. And all due to wide distribution, and not only among adults, but also children. The peak falls on the autumn-winter period, when you can meet not only the acute, but also the chronic stage of the development of the disease.
What kind of misfortune is this, are there any treatment methods and how does tonsillitis manifest itself? In the framework of this article, we will try to answer these and, possibly, some other questions. And to start, perhaps, it is worth explaining the disease and determining the causes of its occurrence.
What is it and what are the reasons?
Tonsillitis is a disease that (as we have already found out) can occur in acute or chronic form. At the same time, the tissues of the tonsils are affected. Often the causative agent is the bacterium Ξ²-hemolytic streptococcus, however, chronic tonsillitis can be caused by other pathogenic microorganisms:
- green and hemolytic streptococci;
- staphylococcus;
- enterococcus;
- adenoviruses.
The symptoms and treatment of tonsillitis in adults will be discussed below, but for now we will get to know him a little closer. And let's start with the acute form of this disease. It, as a rule, is provoked by hypothermia (general or local in the neck). The occurrence of infection also contributes to a decrease in immunity due to overwork, especially with a combination of these factors.
It may also be due to other reasons:
- frequent sore throat;
- allergy;
- curvature of the nasal septum;
- the presence of caries and gum disease;
- inflammation in the sinuses;
- the wrong diet;
- severe stress;
- nervous strain that lasts constantly;
- sudden changes in temperature;
- the presence of bad habits, especially smoking.
But, as a rule, the disease begins to develop against the background of untreated acute tonsillitis, which is popularly called just angina. It takes on a chronic stage, and the infection affects the lymphatic tissues of the tonsils. Under ordinary conditions, microorganisms are in hibernation and do not cause significant discomfort.
But in certain circumstances, timely treatment may be needed. Exacerbation of tonsillitis can occur precisely due to the above factors. As a result, the protective functions of the immune system are reduced, which leads to the formation of a favorable fauna for pathogenic microorganisms.
Pathology classification
Tonsillitis can be not only acute or chronic, there are different types of it. In this case, the chronic form may also be different:
- Compensated - the body does not react in any way, since the focus is in a dormant state.
- Subcompensated - it is characterized by frequent, but mild exacerbations.
- Decompensated is already a more serious condition in which rather severe exacerbations of a local or general nature develop (paratonsillitis, tonsillar sepsis, cardiotonsillar syndrome), including infectious-allergic diseases like rheumatic heart, joints, and kidneys.
As for acute tonsillitis, it can be:
- catarrhal;
- follicular;
- lacunar;
- ulcerative membranous;
- necrotic.
In addition, chronic tonsillitis is also divided into a simple and toxic-allergic form. Moreover, in a simple chronic disease, only local symptoms, while with allergic tonsillitis, the general condition of the body noticeably worsens.
Symptoms and treatment of tonsillitis in adults
At each stage, there are symptoms. With the development of the acute form of the disease, the patient has a pronounced intoxication of the body: body temperature rises to 39β40 ΒΊ against the background of general weakness, chills, sweating, pain in muscles, joints. Appetite decreases or disappears altogether.
The first signs of the onset of tonsillitis appear, or at the same time a sore throat appears, which gradually increases. At the highest point of the disease, they become more pronounced and disturb not only in the daytime, but also at night. Because of this, the patient cannot sleep well, insomnia appears. In addition, eating is difficult, because pain prevents swallowing.
The manifestation of a chronic form of the disease
The surest sign of the presence of chronic tonsillitis is the case when a person has tonsillitis more than once a year. This stage of the disease is characterized by alternating stages of remission and exacerbation. Moreover, during the period of remission of compensated and subcompensated tonsillitis, the patient does not complain about anything and his condition is satisfactory. But often there is a slight increase in temperature, as a rule, no more than 37.1β37.3 ΒΊ, and constantly.
An effective treatment for tonsillitis cannot be dispensed with, or there may be serious complications. But we will touch on them a little lower, but for now we will continue to analyze its symptoms. In addition to the above, there may be a cough, and when swallowing you can feel discomfort. At this stage of the disease, the diagnosis can be confirmed by visual inspection of the tonsils. With a decompensated form of the disease, a serious condition is observed even between periods of exacerbation.
In children, tonsillitis manifests itself in a more severe form than in adults. Severe sore throat does not allow swallowing, and then the child refuses food and drink. Often among children, fever may be accompanied by diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
However, regardless of the forms of manifestation of tonsillitis, its characteristic sign is an enlargement of the tonsils, which is visible to the naked eye. In the acute stage of the disease, they are bright red in color, while in the case of chronic tonsillitis, they have a stagnant red color.
Effective treatment of tonsillitis or possible complications
Streptococcal infection, which is actually tonsillitis, is dangerous due to complications. Often this is post-streptococcal endocarditis, glomerulonephritis or rheumatic fever in acute form.
Unfortunately, no one is safe from the human factor: an incorrect diagnosis may be made or treatment of the disease will be carried out inappropriately. And people themselves do not always seek medical help on time. In this case, usually everything can end with other, no less serious complications:
- Rheumatism, myocarditis or endocarditis.
- Diseases of the urinary system.
- Otitis, due to which hearing is reduced.
- Pneumonia.
- Polyarthritis.
- Exacerbation of allergic diseases.
- Psoriasis.
Chronic tonsillitis in itself is already a complication due to ignoring the treatment of angina (or not bringing it to the end), flu, a cold. Often, due to the chronic form of tonsillitis, thyrotoxicosis begins to develop, which puts the thyroid gland under attack.
No wonder there is a standard for the treatment of tonsillitis and, if necessary measures are not taken, it can threaten autoimmune diseases. In this case, antibodies are produced that begin to perceive the body's own cells as foreign.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis by doctors is usually straightforward. Suspicion may arise on the basis of patient complaints and medical history. To accurately confirm the disease, there are a number of examinations, including:
- Pharyngoscopy - it is possible to detect an increase in the tonsils (one or both) along with their edema, hyperemia, suppurative follicles.
- PCR analysis (throat swab) - this study allows you to accurately determine the type of pathogenic microorganisms that caused the infection.
- General blood test - allows you to detect signs of a bacterial infection, in particular an increase in white blood cells (leukocytosis) with a shift to the left. An increase in ESR will also be detected.
Before using a particular course of treatment for tonsillitis, it is necessary to make an accurate diagnosis. The pharyngoscopic picture in the acute form of the disease is the same as in chronic tonsillitis, therefore, in the latter case, it is more advisable to diagnose at the stage of remission.
The following symptoms may indicate this:
- Hyperemia and thickening of the edges of the palatine arches.
- The presence of adhesions between the palatine tonsils and arches.
- The palatine tonsils themselves are also oversized, densified and friable with scars.
- In the gaps of the tonsils, accumulation of liquid pus or caseous-purulent masses.
- Enlarged anterior cervical and (or) submandibular lymph nodes.
Based on all the results obtained, the necessary course of treatment is prescribed.
Features of the treatment of the acute form of the disease
So we went on to analyze methods of treating tonsillitis. In relation to the acute form of tonsillitis, the exclusively therapeutic method is used. In this case, the selection of drugs is carried out only by a doctor and individually in each case. For this, the specialist is guided by the results of the diagnosis, the type of pathogen and the severity of the disease. With the appointment of an improper remedy or non-compliance with the dosage, treatment is unlikely to be effective. And since tonsillitis refers to diseases of an infectious nature, self-medication is unacceptable, only trained specialists should do this.
Patients need to observe bed rest. Walking is strongly discouraged. Also prohibited is food that irritates the throat. These products include:
- sauces;
- seasonings;
- smoked meats;
- hot, cold dishes.
You should drink more liquid, the food you eat should be high-calorie, but in moderation. It is worth giving preference to mashed cereals, soups, steamed meat, vegetable or fruit puree.
As for the drugs for the treatment of tonsillitis, local antiseptics are usually prescribed, as well as drugs with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Their use is due to irrigation of the inflamed oral mucosa, which leads to a decrease in the number of pathogenic microorganisms that have settled on the tonsils and nearby tissues. Special pills and lozenges for resorption will help soften the throat.
Bacterial infection is most easily treated with antibiotics. Tonsillitis is dangerous, which is accompanied by severe swelling and difficulty breathing. In addition, infection can be controlled with antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial agents.
How is chronic tonsillitis treated?
Currently, treatment of a chronic disease is possible using several methods:
- The use of medicines.
- Surgical intervention.
- Physiotherapy.
The listed treatment regimens for tonsillitis can be combined in various variations or follow one another. Basically, the treatment is local, which implies the following:
- Washing the lacunae of the tonsils, which allows you to remove purulent masses. Rinsing the mouth and throat with copper-silver or physiological saline with the inclusion of a number of antiseptics like Miramistin, Chlorhexidine, Furacilin. The course is designed for 10-15 sessions.
- The use of antibiotics.
- The use of probiotics like "Hilak forte", "Linex", "Bifidumbacterin." This will prevent the appearance of dysbiosis, which usually occurs during the administration of antibiotics.
- It also shows the use of drugs with a softening effect to eliminate dryness, perspiration and sore throat. A 3% hydrogen peroxide solution has the highest efficiency. They should gargle at least 1-2 times a day. The drug "Proposol" can also be useful due to its plant origin.
- In addition, the immunologist can prescribe such drugs as Irs-19, Bronchomunal, Ribomunil. This will stabilize and strengthen the immune system.
- Sanitation of the oral cavity, including the nose and paranasal sinuses.
The insidiousness of a chronic disease is that sometimes the operation to remove the tonsils simply cannot be avoided. And as many reviews say, the treatment of tonsillitis in a similar way has its pros and cons. More on this in the section below.
In order to increase the protective functions of the body, it must be saturated with vitamins, aloe. Also effective is the injection of the Vitreous Body (gel-like substance) and the biogenic stimulator Fibs. In order to get rid of tonsillitis once and for all, it is necessary to approach the treatment comprehensively and strictly to follow all the recommendations of the attending physician.
Cryotherapy
What do we do when we catch a cold? We are treated with the help of heat: we wrap our neck in a scarf, take a hot drink - all this helps to effectively fight the common cold. However, there is a modern technique that treats ENT diseases with the exact opposite - cold. In particular, we are talking about the short-term effects of a fairly low temperature on the affected area.
The cooling procedure itself is carried out in a sitting position. It uses liquid nitrogen and special tools. The method is bloodless and therefore may be a better alternative to surgery. The specialist gently, as they say, freezes the affected tissue of the tonsils. The exposure depth is not more than 3-4 mm, and in time it lasts from a few seconds to minutes.
During the treatment of tonsillitis with cryotherapy for 7-10 days, that portion of the tissue that was exposed to the cold begins to be rejected. Dead pieces are exfoliated, it is just impossible to get them out by rinsing or in any other way, since such actions disrupt the course of the natural regeneration of new tissues. Under the dead layer, a new and completely lively mucous membrane is born without any scars and scars. If necessary, the procedure is performed several times with an interval of 7 to 10 days.
The exposure temperature is from -180 to -210 Β° C. In this case, the blood circulation of the tissues improves, the same applies to the production of immunoglobulin. The procedure is equally applicable not only to adults, but also to children. And you can act with cold both on the tonsils, and on the back of the throat or sinuses.
No less modern, no less effective
Ultrasound therapy used to treat chronic tonsillitis is widespread among most ENT specialists. This effect is unique: protection against pathogenic microorganisms is activated, the inflammatory process is accelerated. All this contributes to the rapid disappearance of edema, the elimination of pain and the restoration of damaged tissues.
To increase the effectiveness of the treatment of tonsillitis with ultrasound, it is supplemented with drugs. As a result, the risk of developing autoimmune and other diseases is reduced. The results will not be long in coming and many patients already in the process of taking a health course note a lack of discomfort in the throat. Tonsils and nearby lymph nodes are reduced in size, body temperature is normalizing, and the general condition of the body is improving.
Immediately before the procedure, the pharyngeal mucosa is irrigated with an anesthetic solution, which avoids discomfort from manipulation. Then, the applicator is applied to the tonsils. With its help, a solution of hydrogen peroxide, which is activated by ultrasound, will be supplied. This is done in order to remove accumulated pus, mucus, bacteria. In addition, the tissues of the tonsils are saturated with oxygen formed during the decomposition of peroxide under the influence of vibrations of ultrasonic waves.
Next, a combination of the drug and low-frequency ultrasonic waves is fed to the tonsils, due to which the susceptibility of tissues increases, which ensures a bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effect. The medicine accumulates in the tissues, which is why the beneficial effect lasts quite a long time. Ultimately, this technique can also be attributed to the modern treatment of tonsillitis.
One treatment course includes from 8 to 10 procedures. A second course is prescribed after a few months. 30 days after completing the second course, it is necessary to undergo a control examination. And if this becomes necessary, preventive procedures with ultrasound are carried out 1-2 times a year.
Difficult decision
For a procedure such as tonsillectomy, there are certain indications that doctors are guided by before prescribing such an operation. What is chronic tonsillitis? This is a constant localization of infection in the body, which does not benefit him. And therefore, before removal of the tonsils was recommended to many people who often had a similar disease. At the same time, after the operation, the risk of catching a cold did not decrease at all, but on the contrary increased.
Yes, surgical intervention allows you to completely get rid of chronic tonsillitis. But despite this, in our time, doctors try to prescribe surgery only in the most extreme case, when drugs for the treatment of tonsillitis and all other drugs have already lost their effectiveness.
Such a decision has a reasonable justification. The role of tonsils for the human body is very important and they have many functions. In fact, this is a kind of gate that protects the entrance from infections and allergic pathogens. With their help, macrophages and lymphocytes are produced. After removal of the tonsils, the body loses decent protection, and immunity is significantly reduced.
In this regard, you should not rush, it is better to use the available methods of treatment. Only in this case, the main thing is to seek medical help in a timely manner.
Folk technique
Even such a serious disease as tonsillitis can be treated with folk remedies. Only use them is in combination with drug therapy. And first of all, it is worth mentioning warming applications. Sea or table salt is taken, heated on a baking sheet and poured into a tissue bag. The resulting compress is applied to the inflamed lymph nodes and tied with a woolen scarf or any other warming fabric until it cools.
Alternative treatment for tonsillitis also involves the use of a widespread solution. In a glass, soda and salt are mixed (one teaspoon each) and three drops of iodine, after which the obtained product is used to gargle the throat and nasopharynx. Thus, it is possible to clear the gaps from purulent masses and waste products of pathogenic microorganisms.
Do not forget about the hell. Combine fresh aloe juice and horseradish with water and gargle. In this case, not only the inflammation is removed, but also an antimicrobial effect is obtained.
Our grandmothers are always advised to use herbal treatments. Coping with angina can help:
- sage;
- Oak bark;
- calendula;
- burdock root;
- Linden;
- chamomile.
To do this, take one tablespoon of the collection, pour 200 ml of boiling water, then allow the broth to cool and strain it. Rinse the nasopharynx 3 times a day, no less.
We all know how healthy garlic is. With its help, epidemics and colds were treated. He is good in the fight against tonsillitis. Squeeze a clove and mix it with 1 tsp. propolis and 1 tbsp. l water. The resulting mass is carefully applied to the cleaned gaps with a cotton swab.
A selection of reviews
Nowadays, the Internet can also perform a useful function. What are there are numerous reviews about the treatment of tonsillitis from patients of different ages who have had tonsils removed. People say that they do not regret the decision: constant fever, lumps in the throat and other surprises no longer prevail. Judging by the reviews, many are happy with the result.
Judging by a number of reviews about the treatment of tonsillitis, most people are worried that after the operation their immunity will greatly weaken.
On the one hand, these concerns are well-founded for obvious reasons. But on the other hand, chronic inflammation of the tonsils does not allow them to fully fulfill their function. This is already becoming a hotbed for the development of infections.