One of the main barriers that protect the human body from various foreign bacteria and viruses is the palatine tonsils, which are part of the lymphatic pharyngeal ring. However, tonsils, like the whole body, are not immune from the occurrence of various infectious and inflammatory processes.
In the presence of adverse conditions, a fairly common disease occurs, tonsillitis, in which the protective organs become a source of infection and are able to provoke the appearance of many different health problems.
More about the disease
Tonsillitis is an infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract caused by an infection of a viral or bacterial origin, in which one or both tonsils are affected. With untimely treatment, tonsils can become a source of problems associated with the spread of infection to other organs and systems of human organs.
Types of tonsillitis
There are several classifications of the disease.
There is primary, secondary and specific tonsillitis.
- Primary tonsillitis is called an acute lesion of the tonsils as a result of general hypothermia of the body, a decrease in immunity, or as a result of thermal effects on the tissues of the throat.
- Secondary is called tonsillitis, which develops against the background of other diseases or as a consequence of them. These include diphtheria, leukemia, scarlet fever. Secondary tonsillitis can act as a complication or concomitant symptom of a disease of an infectious origin.
- Specific tonsillitis is caused only by infectious agents.
In addition, tonsillitis is divided into several groups depending on the degree of damage to the protective organs, throat and the complexity of the course of the disease. There are tonsillitis:
- catarrhal;
- ulcerative membranous;
- herpetic;
- phlegmonous;
- lacunar;
- fibrinous;
- follicular.
The most common form of the above is catarrhal tonsillitis. This disease is detected most often in childhood. With an untimely appeal to a specialist and due to neglect, the disease can turn into another form - follicular, the symptoms of which are more pronounced and intense. The patient's condition worsens sharply.
In addition, tonsillitis can take two forms: acute and chronic. The disease in acute form is most often called tonsillitis. The chronic form of tonsillitis can act as a complication of other infectious diseases. In addition, symptoms may appear immediately or after some time has elapsed after being cured of them. Symptoms of chronic tonsillitis can also occur suddenly without previous and concomitant diseases.
Chronic tonsillitis is a very insidious disease, because it can occur for a long time without symptoms. At the same time, the protective functions of the body ensure the normal functioning of the tonsils. But a small “push” in the form of hypothermia or a cold illness is enough for the disease to make itself felt. And with untimely treatment, the disease can develop into an acute form.
Reasons for appearance and development
The causes of the disease are pathogenic microorganisms, which include:
- candida;
- chlamydia
- streptococci;
- staphylococci;
- pneumococci;
- moraxella;
- Epstein virus - Barr.
Herpes viruses and adenoviruses can act as pathogens.
Factors contributing to the onset of the disease
There are several factors that contribute to the appearance and development of tonsillitis. These include a decrease in the protective functions of the body, hypothermia. Tonsillitis can develop as a result of any respiratory tract injury or as a result of prolonged inflammation of the nose or mouth. The appearance of the disease can contribute to oral breathing, as a result of which there is hypothermia of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity.
Symptoms of the disease
Acute tonsillitis has a pronounced symptomatology, while a chronic disease for a long time can be asymptomatic.
Symptoms of an acute form of the disease include:
- an increase in body temperature to 39 degrees and above;
- sore throat, the intensity of which increases when swallowing;
- headache;
- weakness resulting from general intoxication of the body;
- muscle and joint pain of varying intensity.
In young children, acute tonsillitis may be accompanied by the appearance of nausea and vomiting.
The chronic form of the disease has its own symptoms:
- the presence of ulcers, films, scars on the surface of the tonsils;
- bad breath from the oral cavity;
- swollen lymph nodes;
- a feeling of dry mouth;
- muscle and joint pains.
Neuralgic pains may appear.
How contagious is tonsillitis for others?
Tonsillitis is a contagious disease. The danger of infection for people around them exists within 10-12 days after the onset of the first symptoms. However, many are interested in the question, is chronic tonsillitis contagious? For surrounding people, the chronic form of the disease is not dangerous.
Treatment
The treatment of acute tonsillitis is accompanied by the prescription of drugs, namely:
- antibiotics: "Cefaclor", "Erythromycin" and others;
- topical preparations: Lugol, Faringosept, Tantum Verde, Bioparoksa.
In addition, the specialist prescribes rinsing the oral cavity with a solution of furatsilin or chamomile, which will not only help ease pain in the throat, but also help in the fight against pathogens.
In addition, in the treatment of the disease, it is worthwhile to adhere to general rules that will help to cope with tonsillitis and accelerate the healing process. These include bed rest, heavy drinking during the day, hardening procedures and the use of soft foods. The last condition is necessary in order not to irritate the surface of the tonsils once again. During treatment, it is recommended to eat mashed potatoes, food chopped in a blender.
Possible complications
The most dangerous complication after an illness of the respiratory tract is rheumatism, affecting the joints, valvular apparatus of the heart. In addition, rheumatism can cause the formation of heart disease and lead to the appearance and development of cardiovascular failure.
In addition, various kidney diseases, such as pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, as well as paratonsillitis and paratonsillar abscess, may be possible complications of acute tonsillitis.
The consequences of the disease can also be:
- pharyngeal abscess;
- otitis;
- lymphadenitis;
- sepsis;
- phlegmon neck;
- meningitis;
- lymphadenitis.
That is why it is very important at the first occurrence of tonsillitis symptoms to contact a medical institution in order to receive qualified help.
Prevention
The main objective of prevention of tonsillitis is the prevention of the possibility of reducing the protective functions of the body. Avoid injury to the tonsils, which can be caused by exposure to overdried or cold air, hard, too coarse and dry food.
It is necessary to restore nasal breathing in a timely manner if there is a violation. It is very important to monitor the condition of the oral cavity, including the condition of the teeth. If carious formations appear, you should immediately consult a dentist to prevent further growth of bacteria in the oral cavity.
If a person has chronic tonsillitis, the doctor may recommend regular washing with a solution of furacilin or infusion of herbs. For washing, chamomile, sage, calendula are suitable. The best option is to rinse in the morning and evening. This measure is necessary to clean the oral cavity and to destroy pathogenic bacteria that can trigger the development of infectious processes.
It is especially important to observe preventive measures during the period of frost, in the cold season, when there is a general weakening of immunity and the growth of various viral and infectious diseases.
Conclusion
Tonsillitis is one of the most common diseases of the upper respiratory tract. It is very important to contact a medical institution in a timely manner for qualified specialist assistance, since tonsils affected by the virus that perform a barrier function in the human body can cause various health problems related to the spread of infection to organs and organ systems.
In addition, if the acute form of tonsillitis is not cured in time, the disease can become chronic, its symptoms will manifest itself with the slightest weakening of the body's immune systems.