An exacerbation of tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils) in a patient occurs only under the influence of certain provoking factors. It is necessary to accurately determine the main cause of the disease, correctly recognize its symptoms and prescribe competent therapy. If the first signs of exacerbation of tonsillitis occur, you need to urgently visit a doctor for diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Timely therapy will prevent the development of serious complications.
Features of the disease
Probably every person heard about sore throat, but not everyone understands exactly what exactly this disease leads to, and what complications there may be when it becomes chronic. This disease is an infectious inflammation of the tonsils. Exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis (ICD 10 J35.0) can be triggered by a variety of reasons.
Often the causative agents of angina are pathogens, in particular, streptococci and staphylococci. In addition, exacerbation can provoke a sharp hypothermia, consumption of cold drinks, weak immunity. This usually occurs in spring and autumn. You can get sore throat if you do not follow the rules of hygiene. Use of common dishes with the patient or staying with him in the same room increase the risk of infection.
Tonsillitis differs in its clinical course, pathogenesis and etiology. There are primary and secondary tonsillitis. The first is a classic sore throat, the second can be triggered by other diseases - diphtheria or scarlet fever. Specific tonsillitis occurs as a result of a fungal or bacterial exacerbation of the body.
Causes of exacerbation
Aggravation tonsillitis has various causes. The disease is a constant mild inflammation of the tonsils with a change in their tissue. In remission, tonsillitis practically does not manifest itself. Bacteria or viruses remain in the tonsils, but immunity prevents their rapid reproduction.
Exacerbation of tonsillitis can occur due to direct contact with carriers of the disease with reduced immunity. The following factors lead to a decrease in immunity:
- bad habits;
- lack of physical activity;
- malnutrition;
- sleep disturbance;
- untimely treatment of inflammatory processes;
- constant stress and hypothermia;
- poor environmental conditions;
- hereditary diseases.
With a greater likelihood of angina, a weakened body gives in. Basically, exacerbation of tonsillitis occurs due to a decrease in immunity.
Main symptoms
In the early days, tonsillitis in the acute stage can occur unnoticed by a sick person. But gradually the symptoms will only increase. Among the common symptoms of exacerbation of tonsillitis, the following should be highlighted:
- severe weakness and fatigue;
- painful manifestations.
The cough is mostly dry, provoked by a sore throat. It is characterized by prolonged attacks, which are significantly more frequent at night. There may also be a sensation of a foreign object in the throat.
It is very difficult for a person to swallow; pain in the nasopharynx is constantly felt. With the occurrence of any disease, weakness and severe fatigue are observed, since the body must spend a lot of energy to fight it.
Symptoms of exacerbation of tonsillitis of the viral type can be as follows:
- accumulation of mucus in the nose;
- lacrimation of the eyes;
- temperature rise;
- swelling;
- enlarged tonsils;
- general signs of intoxication.
Odorless clear mucus begins to stand out from the nose. It flows down the back wall of the nasopharynx and accumulates in the nasal cavity. With frequent exacerbation of tonsillitis, tearing of the eyes can be, as the general sensitivity of the body to the drugs used increases, and an allergy occurs.
The entire nasopharynx swells completely, as a result of which it becomes difficult for a person to breathe. Tonsils enlarge and redden, but there are no purulent plugs in them. The temperature rises very sharply and can reach critical values. If it reaches forty degrees, then you must definitely call an ambulance.
Among the common signs of intoxication:
- weakness;
- headache;
- aches in the muscles and joints.
A person may have dizziness, darkening in the eyes. Moreover, such symptoms are intensified if he tries to get out of bed. Exacerbation of viral tonsillitis is very dangerous and requires constant medical supervision.
In the case of bacterial tonsillitis, the symptoms may be different and among the main signs it is necessary to distinguish:
- bad breath;
- temperature rise;
- the formation of traffic jams and plaque on the tonsils.
With bacterial tonsillitis, not only the tonsils, but the entire nasopharynx blush. Due to the accumulation of pathogens from the patient's mouth, an unpleasant putrefactive odor appears.
The temperature rises sharply to critical values and lasts a long time. In the tonsils, necrotic processes begin and corks form from dead cells and pus. Plaque is grayish, specific and accurately indicating an exacerbation of the disease.
If treatment is not carried out for a long time, then there is an increase in lymph nodes under the jaw and on the neck. Gradually, the disease can lead to the formation of abscesses, bronchitis and pneumonia. Sometimes there is the development of endocarditis, which leads to irreversible changes in the work of the heart. That is why, when the first symptoms of exacerbation of tonsillitis appear, treatment should be started immediately to prevent complications.
Diagnostics
Here is the exacerbation of tonsillitis in the photo.
In addition, characteristic symptoms appear, according to which it is easy to recognize the course of the disease.
Initially, the doctor collects an anamnesis, conducts a survey and prescribes laboratory tests. These include blood tests, cytological and bacteriological studies. The disease can be suspected by the presence of purulent contents in crypts and frequent tonsillitis.
In addition, special crops may be required to determine which substances bacteria and viruses have retained their sensitivity to. This analysis is important, because in the chronic course of the disease, which is constantly treated with certain medications, bacteria develop immunity to them.
Treatment features
How to treat exacerbation of tonsillitis, only a qualified doctor can determine after the examination. To do this, prescribe drugs:
- destroying the causative agent of the disease;
- anti-inflammatory;
- emollients.
As well as physiotherapy and gargling.
In addition, you can apply folk remedies and techniques. In especially severe cases, an operation is performed. All medications must be prescribed by a doctor, as they have certain side effects.
To prevent the re-development of tonsillitis, you need to monitor immunity, and at the time of exacerbation, always be observed by the doctor, since self-medication is completely unacceptable.
Drug therapy
How to treat exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis? For this, medications are used. They are selected only after diagnosis, taking into account the sensitivity of pathogens that provoked angina, to certain substances.
With the bacterial course of the disease, treatment of exacerbation of tonsillitis with antibiotics is required. Such antibiotics are often prescribed - Amoxicillin, Cefadroxil.
The first drug relates to penicillin drugs. It is very quickly and completely absorbed in the intestines. Only a doctor should choose the dosage, taking into account the severity of the course of the disease and damage to the tonsils.
The drug "Cefadroxil" refers to the group of cephalosporins. When taken correctly, the maximum concentration of the active substance is achieved 1.5 hours after application. But excretion from the body is slow, so you need to drink it once a day.
At the same time, additionally take probiotics to protect the digestive tract. Especially for people suffering from:
- duodenitis;
- gastritis;
- an ulcer;
- reflux disease.
In this case, prescribe drugs - “Gastrofarm”, “Acipol”, “Normoflorin”, “Linex”, “Narine”. To eliminate sore throat, painkillers and antiseptic sprays are treated. With severe pain, the optimal remedies are Nurofen or Ibuprofen. They are used as symptomatic therapy. You can also gargle with disinfectant solutions. For carrying out antiseptic procedures, it is recommended to use "Chlorhexidine".
To eliminate swelling of the tonsils, it is recommended to take antihistamines. The best are considered Telfast, Zodak, Zirtek, Tsetrin. As an adjuvant, it is recommended to take immunostimulating drugs. To stimulate local immunity, Imudon should be used. The course of therapy is 10 days.
Operation
Operation is an extreme measure, as it can cause severe damage to the immune system and the protective functions of the body. It is prescribed only in the case of a prolonged course of inflammation, when the lymphoid tissue is replaced by connective tissue. With a paratonsillar abscess, an autopsy is indicated. The main indications for opening the tonsils are:
- deterioration of nasal breathing and swallowing;
- peritonsillar abscess;
- lack of effectiveness in conservative therapy;
- the course of chronic rheumatic disease.
Tonsils play an important role in creating an infectious barrier. That is why otolaryngologists try to save them and resort to surgery only in the most extreme cases. The operation is carried out by several different methods, namely:
- complete removal of tonsils;
- partial resection of overgrown tissues;
- diathermocoagulation;
- laser removal;
- ultrasound tonsillectomy;
- cryodestruction.
It is worth noting that the operation has certain contraindications, which must be taken into account.
Folk remedies
Many are interested in how to treat exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis with the help of folk remedies, since they believe that they are effective, but safe. At the same time, doctors do not recommend being treated only by them. At home, cleansing the mouth, throat and the whole body is indicated. Apply:
It is worth noting that all these tools are used to increase the effectiveness of conservative therapy, which is prescribed by the doctor. General strengthening of the body's defenses helps to reduce the number of exacerbations of the disease.
Rinsing with exacerbation of tonsillitis helps:
- wash off purulent deposits, as well as remove pathogens;
- remove purulent plugs;
- create an unacceptable environment for bacteria;
- soften and moisturize the pharyngeal mucosa, reducing pain and discomfort;
- accelerate the healing process of the mucosa.
Most ready-made solutions can destroy the infection on the mucosa. These include Chlorphilipt, Furacilin. You can also use alcohol or oil solutions - Miramistin, Iodinol, Chlorhexidine, Lugol, Rivanol.
In addition, you can use folk methods. A solution of baking soda helps, as it creates an alkaline environment. Take 1 tsp. soda, add in 1 tbsp. warm water, stir and gargle. This is a very effective remedy that has virtually no side effects and does not provoke allergies. A solution of sodium chloride washes the contents of the tonsils. You can use it in combination with a soda solution.
Chamomile decoction helps to restore the mucous membrane and eliminate inflammation. To do this, pour the flowers of the plant with water, boil in a water bath, leave to brew for 40 minutes. Then filter and gargle daily.
At home you can carry out inhalation. However, it is worth noting that they are contraindicated at high temperature and intoxication of the body. It is best to use an inhaler. For inhalation, you can use decoctions of eucalyptus, pine buds, mint, sage, coltsfoot.
Exacerbation of tonsillitis in children
Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms. Local therapy includes:
- washing tonsils with antiseptics;
- frequent gargling;
- processing of the pharynx and tonsils with “Lugol” or “Fukortsin”;
- the use of antiseptic aerosols;
- inhalation;
- resorption of antimicrobial tablets.
With exacerbation of tonsillitis in children, antibiotics are used only in case of a severe course of the disease, when the immune system is greatly weakened. In this case, a course of antibiotic therapy is prescribed for 10 days.
Exacerbation of sore throat in pregnant women
This disease quite often causes severe toxicosis in the later stages. There is also a risk of intrauterine infection of the fetus, since microbes from the tonsils penetrate the blood. In some cases, the disease can even provoke a miscarriage.
Exacerbation of tonsillitis during pregnancy is usually accompanied by a weakening of the immune system. The body of the expectant mother cannot normally resist various kinds of infections. That is, there is a risk of premature birth or weak labor activity.
To prevent the negative impact of the disease on the course of pregnancy, you need to avoid hypothermia and eat normally. In addition, it is important to visit the dentist in a timely manner in order to timely identify foci of infection in the body. With exacerbation of tonsillitis during pregnancy, the following measures can be prescribed:
- gargling with infusions and decoctions of herbs;
- washing tonsils with an antiseptic solution;
- gland lubrication;
- local treatment with sprays.
Treatment of angina is somewhat complicated by the fact that some funds are strictly contraindicated during the period of gestation. That is why drugs must be prescribed only by a doctor.
Possible complications
A complication can be considered frequent exacerbations of angina. In addition, tonsillitis can lead to paratonsillar abscess, which is characterized by the accumulation of pus behind the tonsils and in the tissues of the soft palate.
In addition, there are a number of chronic diseases that are not directly related to the tonsils, but their inflammation is extremely undesirable with such diagnoses. These include rheumatic diseases, damage to the heart, kidneys.
Prophylaxis
Of great importance is the prevention of the disease. To do this, you need to avoid bad habits, lead a healthy lifestyle, strengthen immunity. Preventive measures are aimed at preventing the development of colds.
It is imperative to observe the daily regimen, rest as much as possible, protect yourself from contact with an infected person, and avoid hypothermia.
Reviews
According to reviews, it helps to eliminate the exacerbation of tonsillitis rinsing with decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs. They help eliminate soreness and eliminate accumulated pus on the tonsils. In addition, inhalation deserved good reviews.
Some say that it effectively helps get rid of germs and sore throat Bioparox. In addition, this tool has a minimum of contraindications.