Enlarged, inflamed, and friable tonsils (what this means will be described below) are quite common, especially in young children. You can detect this at a doctor’s appointment, as well as with an independent home examination.
What it is?
We are talking about specific nasopharyngeal and palatine tonsils located in the nasopharynx. They are small accumulations of lymphoid tissue. Their functionality in the human body is not fully understood. But one thing is known: tonsils are designed to protect against viruses and bacteria. They are a kind of barrier to pathogenic microbes that try to enter the body by airborne droplets. The second name of the tonsils is tonsils. Thanks to them, the infection can not go further and seriously damage the respiratory tract.
A disease in which tonsils become inflamed is tonsillitis. How to treat loose tonsils, we will understand in this article.
Description of the symptoms of the disease
Chronic tonsillitis is popularly called loose tonsils, or loose throat.
This is not a medical term, it is an indicator of the inflammatory process in this organ. With the growth of lymphoid tissue, the appearance of a loose throat is created. Also, this tissue is often covered with follicles, as a result of which the throat begins to resemble a sponge. So look enlarged loose tonsils.
Tonsil function
The main function of lymphoid tissue is protective, therefore, when an infection enters, its increased growth occurs, which creates the so-called loose throat.
In the body, the mechanism of protection and the fight against pathogenic microorganisms is launched. Loose tonsils report infection. The tonsils themselves become inflamed and can no longer perform a protective function. They themselves are a source of inflammation. At this time, the body is most susceptible to various serious diseases.
Removal of tonsils is most often impractical, they do it now in rare cases, since it is undesirable to deprive a person of the first barrier to infection. Doctors decide on tonsil removal surgery only when the damage to the body from their inflammation is very large, that is, more than the possible benefits of their functioning. Therefore, if loose tonsils are formed in a child, treatment should be timely.
Key features
As already mentioned, tonsils become loose with inflammation. But this is not a disease. Therefore, there are no specific symptoms, there can only be concomitant symptoms. So, the inflammatory process in the tonsils is characterized by:
- Bad breath. Why does he appear? The fact is that on small and enlarged tonsils food is retained in small quantities. Then it decomposes, hence the unpleasant smell. Constant rinsing of the throat is recommended for disinfection and leaching of decomposed food particles. Otherwise, the inflammatory process will go to the larynx and the person will get laryngitis.
- Sore throat. These unpleasant sensations are most often manifested when swallowing, they are provoked by the inflammatory process.
- An increase in body temperature. But not necessarily it rises to too high rates. Sometimes it is within normal limits, sometimes it is subfebrile. A sharp increase in temperature indicates the development of angina.
- Headache. Headache causes swelling of the mucosa, shortness of breath, general weakness of the body.
- Weakness, lethargy. Due to infection, the body becomes weakened. With severe nasal congestion, breathing may be difficult, then a person eats poorly and sleeps little. This leads to lethargy, fatigue, weakness. Children are often naughty.
- Swollen lymph nodes. With the growth of lymphoid tissue, there is an increase and inflammation in the nearest lymph nodes. If you palpate, then they are better palpated, become much larger in size and painful.
- Special appearance. If you look into a person’s healthy throat , you can see tonsils with a smooth, even and pinkish surface. And if you look at the sore throat with loose tonsils, it can be noted that the throat turned red, and the surface of the larynx - uneven. Tonsils are covered with tubercles of red or yellowish color, these are places of suppuration. They are covered with white and yellow coating.
All of these symptoms, which relate to loose tonsils, need not be manifested simultaneously. As a rule, one or two is enough to understand that inflammation has begun.
If there is a suspicion of tonsil disease, body temperature has risen, a sore throat has appeared when swallowing, and a plaque has been noticed, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible. He will prescribe an immediate treatment.
What causes loose tonsils?
This condition, in which the tonsils become loose, is not life threatening. Therefore, the panic should be stopped. But this at the same time indicates the occurrence of an inflammatory process in the body. If, in addition to looseness of the throat, there are no other signs of the disease, then it is necessary to take medications prescribed by the doctor and gargle. This is done if loose tonsils constantly torment a person.
A special mechanism for the response of tonsils to infection will be the main factor in their friability. When pathogenic microorganisms get into the throat by an airborne droplet method, increased lymphocyte production occurs. From their active production, reddening of the throat, loose tonsils, inflammation of the palate and larynx appear.
This happens with certain diseases, decreased immune defense, hypothermia. After a while, when treatment has already begun, the sore throat subsides, but the tonsils are still loose. In the absence of temperature, purulent plaque, no additional therapy is required.
Colds
This often happens with colds. If the following diseases arose and friable tonsils appeared (photo can be seen below), then a more serious approach to treatment is needed:
- With angina. The first sign of this particular throat disease is high body temperature. Manifested by heat, chills. Around the second day, a sore throat. If there are purulent rashes on the tonsils, then this is a purulent tonsillitis. Often the patient cannot eat due to pain when swallowing. The manifestation of streptococcal tonsillitis or tonsillitis is possible, then a strong cough appears.
- With pharyngitis. Strong inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa, as well as lymphoid tissue, begins. This is an independent disease most often, but also due to another disease. There is constant sore throat, perspiration, painful dry cough. If you carefully examine the sore throat, then you can easily see the redness, the presence of ulcers and pus on the mucous membrane.
- With SARS. This is the most common type of infection, exacerbation begins in autumn and winter. In this case, severe sore throat may not be. But if treatment is not carried out, then there will be a complication in the form of pharyngitis or tonsillitis. Therefore, it is not recommended to start this inflammatory process. So, how to treat loose tonsils? About it further.
Treatment methods
As already mentioned, the choice of treatment method depends entirely on what caused this pathology. Also, the general condition of the patient plays an important role, his age, the presence of other diseases. Self-medication is not necessary. Be sure to visit a doctor.
The specialist will prescribe special tests - you need to take a scraping from the tonsils for a laboratory study. This will help determine the sensitivity of pathogenic microorganisms to antibacterial drugs. Then you can choose a therapy.
If there is no pain?
In the absence of pain during swallowing, perspiration, coughing, fever, general weakness and malaise, while the tonsils are loose, regular prophylaxis is needed. The room should be well and regularly ventilated, to maintain a certain humidity in the room.
The mucous membranes of the mouth and nose must be moistened to kill bacteria. Also, overdried membranes are more likely to become infected. Better to visit crowded places, especially with a small child, this will help reduce the risk of the virus entering the body.
With infection
If a bacterial infection that provokes inflammation of the tonsils is detected, you will need to undergo antibiotic treatment. Here are some more tips on how to cure loose tonsils.
It relieves the inflammatory process of washing. Unfortunately, you can’t do it on your own, a nurse does this manipulation. Purulent plaque is washed off from tonsils so well, recovery comes faster.
What will relieve inflammation?
Consider the following procedures that have a beneficial effect on loose tonsils, help relieve inflammation faster:
- Tonsils are treated with ultrasound, laser, magnetotherapy, herbal medicine, inhalation, as well as other physiotherapy. Pass their course, which lasts for two weeks. The infection is destroyed, suppuration is removed, a person recovers much faster.
- For loose tonsils, a new method is used - evacuation. Now it is very popular and effective. Lymphoid tissue recovers faster after pus is pulled away from the inflamed surface using a vacuum. This helps to reduce the size of the tonsils and smooth them.
- Apply antibacterial sprays to relieve inflammation. Use only as directed by your doctor. You need to be careful for allergies, especially with sensitivity to honey, because almost all sprays with propolis. The dosage should not be exceeded, if the slightest allergic reaction occurs, urgently need to stop using the drug and consult a doctor.
In cases where swelling on the tonsils does not fall for a long time, the throat is constantly sore, sleep is difficult due to heavy breathing and oxygen starvation, surgical removal of the tonsils is prescribed. We examined in which cases there are loose tonsils, what to do for their treatment.
Preventative measures
Those who have weakened immunity have frequent colds, and there is a tendency to inflammatory processes in the tonsils, they need special prevention. Vitamin complexes and hardening procedures can help improve health.
In addition, it makes sense to regularly gargle. This should be done in courses, systematically. For these purposes, furatsilin or decoctions of chamomile, St. John's wort, sage are suitable. A whole month every day the throat is rinsed with solutions, then a break is made. After which the course must be repeated.
The doctor should regularly examine the tonsils. It also makes sense to rinse them in a medical office. But, unfortunately, it is not always possible to see a doctor. You need to be careful not to get an infection in the body, because it is it that causes the tonsils to enlarge. If there is an epidemic, you need to take care of yourself and try not to visit crowds. If a person falls ill in the house, they need to be protected from other family members. Oxolinic ointment in the nose helps well during colds.
Hardening
Hardening should begin gradually, preferably in the summer. Sports and physical activity play an important role in strengthening immunity. You need to walk in the fresh air, do exercises, run, play outdoor games.
To harden the throat, it is good to rinse it with cold water, but it is better to start with cool. Contrast rinses are perfect. You can dissolve an ice cube over time.
The teeth need to be cleaned thoroughly twice a day, this will help destroy the bacteria in the oral cavity. Then loose tonsils will not appear, treatment is not required.