Acute tonsillopharyngitis: causes, symptoms and treatment

Acute tonsillopharyngitis is an infectious disease characterized by inflammation of the pharynx and tonsils. Pathogenic microorganisms, mainly viruses, take part in the development of the pathological process, however, sometimes it can be bacteria or fungi.

Acute tonsillopharyngitis according to ICD-10, depending on the localization of the pathological process, is divided into tonsillitis and pharyngitis. With the course of the disease, the impact of pathogens leads to severe systemic complications, rheumatism, kidney and heart defects. Treatment is prescribed only after diagnosis and determination of the causative agent of the disease.

Disease feature

What is the ICD-10 acute tonsillopharyngitis code? It combines the symptoms of two diseases. Tonsillitis according to ICD-10 has the code J03, and pharyngitis - J02. This diagnosis implies the presence of a whole complex of signs, which are characterized by lesions of lymphoid formations and tonsils. In addition, the sky and the mucous membrane of the pharynx are involved in the pathological process.

Disease feature

Basically, these two pathologies occur simultaneously in children. The directory of the International Classification of Disease does not indicate acute tonsillopharyngitis. For classification, the code of its components is used.

Causes of occurrence

Acute tonsillopharyngitis in children and adults develops when pathogens enter the body. In particular, bacteria, fungi, viruses can act as pathogens. The disease also develops against a background of allergies and various injuries. One of the main causes of the disease can be called:

  • adenovirus;
  • flu;
  • coronovirus;
  • rhinovirus;
  • respiratory syncytial virus.

With a decrease in immunity, the disease can develop against the background of the course of cytomegalovirus, herpes, Epstein-Barr virus, HIV. With a low immune system, other causes of pathology include:

  • syphilis;
  • diphtheria;
  • chlamydia
  • streptococci;
  • whooping cough;
  • gonorrhea.

Often, acute tonsillopharyngitis develops in children 5-15 years old. In a child under 3 years of age, a similar disease begins to develop against the background of a viral infection, and after 5 - a bacterial infection.

What could be the signs

Symptoms of acute tonsillopharyngitis are quite pronounced, which is why it is easy to recognize the course of the disease. One of the main signs is the presence of pain when swallowing. In addition, pain when swallowing can give off to the ears. This occurs in case of severe inflammation. Among the main symptoms of acute tonsillopharyngitis, it is necessary to highlight such manifestations as:

  • headache;
  • nasal voice;
  • temperature rise;
  • severe weakness;
  • bad breath from the oral cavity;
  • redness of the throat;
  • white plaque and swelling of the tonsils.
Main symptoms

Sometimes, many other signs of the disease can also occur, which include:

  • rashes in the mouth;
  • digestion disorder;
  • fever;
  • swollen or tender lymph nodes.

Often, the disease can have a direct effect on the blood vessels and heart muscle. Acute tonsillopharyngitis is especially dangerous for pregnant women. The consequence of the course of the disease can be complications associated with blood vessels, heart, kidneys, as well as severe intoxication of the body. If the treatment was carried out incorrectly, then even minimal manifestations of inflammation can provoke the development of various kinds of health problems.

The acute form of the disease is very dangerous, since it can provoke the onset of defects in the fetus, therefore, when the first signs of the disease appear, immediate treatment should be started to maintain the health of the unborn child.

It is strictly forbidden to self-medicate and use traditional medicine, since they have many side effects and have a negative effect on the fetus. The main danger of the disease during pregnancy is that it can provoke a miscarriage.

Acute tonsillopharyngitis in adults and children begins very sharply and has pronounced signs. It develops against the background of overheating, hypothermia or stress. During a visual examination, the doctor notes swelling and redness of the tonsils. In some cases, point hemorrhages are noted.

With the course of the viral form of the disease, a whitish coating is observed on the affected area of โ€‹โ€‹the mucosa, which is easily removed with a spatula. There are no bleeding wounds left.

With a bacterial lesion, the pathology does not have an acute onset. Symptoms are increasing gradually. Immediately there is an itching in the throat, a slight tickle, which gradually turns into a pronounced soreness. Body temperature rises slightly, but over time, it turns into a fever. Tonsils and surrounding tissues change gradually.

If therapy was not performed at the initial stage, then acute catarrhal tonsillopharyngitis gradually turns into purulent. With this form, the patient's condition is quite serious. The pain is very severe, and signs of intoxication are also pronounced. During the examination, it is noted that the tonsils are hyperemic and hypertrophied. On the glands throughout the mucosa, purulent inclusions are noted.

Lymph nodes are quite large and painful on palpation. If treatment is not done in a timely manner, dangerous complications can occur. In addition, there is a danger of a transition to the chronic stage.

Disease in a child

Acute tonsillopharyngitis in children (photos of tonsils with the course of the disease, see above) is manifested in the form of severe symptoms. Among the main features you need to highlight such as:

  • decreased physical activity;
  • increased tearfulness;
  • loss of appetite;
  • rashes on the body, conjunctivitis;
  • fainting
  • violation of the stool;
  • impaired coordination of movements.

When the first signs of the disease appear, you need to visit a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnostics

Acute tonsillopharyngitis according to ICD-10, we repeat, is divided into tonsillitis and pharyngitis. When conducting diagnostics, factors such as:

  • patient complaints;
  • survey results;
  • medical history data;
  • laboratory diagnostics.

Bacterial and viral forms of the disease are distinguished by conducting a blood test. Lymphocytosis indicates the presence of a virus in the body, and an elevated ESR level indicates the microbial origin of the pathology. However, it is worth noting that it is rather difficult to determine the cause of the disease. Symptoms of tonsillopharyngitis are not specific, and they can be attributed to absolutely any respiratory disease.

Diagnostics

To prescribe drugs, a bacteriological examination is required. In this case, the doctor takes a sample of biological material from the surface of the tonsils and pharynx to determine the sensitivity of bacteria to antibacterial or antiviral drugs. With advanced stages of the disease, an additional x-ray and cardiogram may be required. Pregnant women are prescribed ultrasound and additional diagnostic methods at the discretion of the doctor.

Treatment features

Treatment of acute tonsillopharyngitis is often carried out in clinics using special equipment. Usually, specialists cleanse tonsils from bacteria and infections, which helps to significantly reduce puffiness. For such therapy are used:

  • deep ultrasonic sanitation;
  • irrigation of the throat and oral cavity;
  • physiotherapeutic effect.

Ultrasonic sanitation of tonsil lacunae is carried out with the subsequent removal of pus and plugs. A special apparatus is used for this. Carrying out such a procedure helps to reduce inflammatory processes in the throat, which leads to a decrease in swelling of the tonsils.

Physiotherapeutic treatment or laser therapy has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. For irrigation of the throat, complex salt compositions of minerals are used. They help increase local immunity and have an anti-allergic effect.

All these techniques help to quickly and efficiently get rid of the disease, but provided that there is no high fever and weakness. To consolidate the result, immunostimulating drugs are prescribed.

In addition to this set of procedures, the doctor prescribes a diet, which implies the consumption of soft foods containing a large amount of vitamins. A prerequisite for the treatment of acute tonsillopharyngitis in children is the removal of purulent plugs and washing of the tonsils. To do this, gargle with various solutions. Often, doctors prescribe "Rivanol", "Furatsilin", "Hexoral."

It is also recommended to use tablets for resorption. To get rid of severe pain and fever, the doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs. In the absence of positive dynamics in the case of a running course of acute tonsillopharyngitis in a child, glands removal can be prescribed.

Drug therapy

For the medical treatment of acute tonsillopharyngitis, drugs such as:

  • antibacterial;
  • antiviral;
  • immunostimulatory;
  • antipyretic;
  • anti-inflammatory.

The drug "Bioparox" has proven itself well. This aerosol has an anti-inflammatory effect, effectively fights bacteria and fungi. It can be used by children from 2.5 years of age and adults, but it is strictly forbidden to use it during pregnancy and during breastfeeding.

Drug treatment

The complex drug Stopangin helps eliminate inflammation and bacteria. Additionally, this drug has an analgesic effect. It is available in the form of a rinse or spray. It is not recommended to use it in the first 3 months of pregnancy, as well as for the treatment of children under 8 years of age.

The drug "Imudon" enhances immunity, eliminates and prevents bacterial infections. However, it is worth remembering that this tool has many contraindications, therefore it can only be taken with the permission of a doctor. Available in the form of lozenges.

Miramistin is a local long-acting antiseptic. It is allowed to be used by children from 3 years old, as well as during pregnancy and breastfeeding. All of these drugs are widely used to treat acute tonsillopharyngitis in adults. Medication and dosage are prescribed only by the doctor after examination and diagnosis. It is worth remembering that self-medication can be very dangerous and will do much more harm than good.

Folk remedies

In addition to drug therapy, folk remedies can be used that help eliminate inflammation in the throat and normalize well-being. Soda-salt rinses have proven themselves well. To do this, dissolve 1 tsp in 1 cup of warm boiled water. salt and soda, adding a few drops of iodine to the solution. Gargle 3 times a day.

Steam inhalations with decoctions of herbs, as well as essential oils, are also effective. For therapy, you can consume a mixture of vegetable juices. Mix 100 ml of beetroot and cucumber juice and add 300 ml of carrot. Drink 2 times a day.

Fry dry violet flowers in vegetable oil, shift to gauze and make a compress. However, it should be borne in mind that such a procedure is prohibited during pregnancy.

Folk remedies

To kill the infection and strengthen the immune system, you can consume ginger tea. Cut the ginger into pieces, add 2 cloves of garlic, lemon. Put all prepared ingredients in a pan and pour 0.5 l of water. Then cool the prepared product and add a little honey. The drink can be taken after each meal. This tool is completely safe and has no contraindications.

To rinse 2 tbsp. l Fenugreek seeds pour 0.5 liters of water and cook for 30 minutes. Strain the broth and gargle 2 times a day. It is worth remembering that it is absolutely impossible to replace medications with traditional medicine, as this can only aggravate the patient's condition. Unconventional techniques are used as adjunctive therapy.

Operation

A radical treatment is tonsillectomy. This operation involves the removal of affected tonsils. The glands perform a kind of barrier function in the body, and also help maintain immunity. That is why an otolaryngologist prescribes such a radical method of treatment as surgery in the most extreme cases, if conservative methods have not brought the desired result.

After removal of the lymphoid formations, easier access is opened for the penetration of pathogens into the oropharynx. This leads to the development of frequent respiratory diseases, which exacerbates the course of tonsillopharyngitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis.

Surgical methods of therapy also include lacunotomy, which is carried out using radio wave methods. In some cases, laser vaporization of the tonsil parenchyma is prescribed. The main objective of such interventions is to normalize the drainage function of the glands by expanding the gaps.

However, using such treatment methods, specialists should be aware of the possibility of developing complications. The result of such an intervention may be the activation of the cicatricial process, and the effect will be exactly the opposite.

Possible complications

In acute tonsillopharyngitis, clinical recommendations imply the strict implementation of all doctor's appointments, compliance with bed rest, as well as proper, balanced nutrition. In case of non-compliance with all these conditions, various kinds of complications may develop, in particular, such as:

  • endocarditis;
  • laryngitis;
  • tracheitis;
  • phlegmon neck;
  • meningitis;
  • fasciitis.

All these complications do not appear too often. Basically, they are accompanied by multi-organ failure, which can lead to the death of the patient. Complications of a purulent nature, in particular such as acute glomuronephritis or rheumatic fever, are considered less dangerous.

To avoid complications, you need to see a doctor for the diagnosis and treatment when the first signs of the disease appear.

Disease prognosis

The prognosis of the course of the disease largely depends on a timely visit to the doctor, diagnosis, treatment, as well as the implementation of all recommendations and prescriptions. If all these conditions are met, the forecast is favorable.

If the infection is not timely eliminated, then the disease goes into a chronic stage. Against this background, irreversible processes in the body are launched, which are almost impossible to get rid of.

Prophylaxis

To prevent the occurrence of the disease, it is very important to follow certain preventive measures. Doctors recommend that every possible way avoid certain negative factors, in particular such as:

  • tobacco smoke;
  • dry air
  • traffic fumes;
  • dust;
  • hard liquor.
Prophylaxis

It is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner and treat diseases of the nose, teeth, gums, especially if they are infectious. It is necessary to monitor the normal functioning of the digestive system. To do this, it is recommended:

  • adherence to a sparing diet;
  • fractional nutrition;
  • high fiber foods;
  • minimize the amount of spicy, fried and salty foods.

Doctors also recommend leading a healthy lifestyle, taking walks in the fresh air, and playing sports. At home, you need to maintain cleanliness and monitor humidity. It is very important to monitor your health and take time to relax and have a good sleep.

Tonsillopharyngitis is a dangerous disease, which is why it is important to timely diagnose and treat, in order to prevent the development of complications.


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