To recognize the symptoms of tonsillitis (viral, bacterial) in time, you need to have an idea of what this disease is. The term is used to denote such an infectious pathology that negatively affects the state of the lymphatic system. In the predominant percentage of cases, the tonsils are the first to suffer.
Pathological bacteria, viruses can provoke the disease. The inflammatory process proceeds acutely or chronically. You need to treat any of the forms: each is dangerous in its own way, can lead to negative consequences. The choice of treatment is best left to the doctor. This will minimize the risk of complications.
General information
Adequate condition and work of the tonsils is an important part of human immunity. Prolonged depression of the body, due to pathological microflora, leads to negative consequences for the body as a whole. You can avoid this if you start timely treatment. Komarovsky (a fairly well-known modern doctor) spoke more than once about the symptoms of tonsillitis in children: the first signsdiseases are a reason to start treatment as soon as possible, because the negative consequences can affect life indefinitely, especially when it comes to a tender age. Immune suppression in children can lead to poor he alth throughout life.
Provoke the problem can:
- strepto-, staphylococci;
- herpetic viruses;
- hemophilic bacillus;
- adenovirus;
- spirochete.
Other microscopic pathological organisms are less common.
Symptoms of tonsillitis may appear in adults, children on the background of contact with a sick person: the pathology is transmitted by airborne droplets. Often, the infection process is due to a weakening of the immune system: there may be internal inflammatory foci in the body, from where harmful microorganisms spread to the tonsils. More often, the disease worries people living in a dusty room, as well as smokers and those who are forced to endure sudden temperature changes in everyday life. It is highly likely that treatment will be required due to hypothermia.
From medical statistics it is known that the symptoms of tonsillitis in children, adults are very common: the disease is widespread and does not distinguish between people. It affects all ages, races and nationalities, any gender.
What happens?
Possible symptoms of acute tonsillitis in a child, an adult, there is a risk of getting a chronic form.
Chronicle often develops as a complication against the background of other inflammatoryprocesses localized on the mucous membrane of the throat. There are cases when chronic tonsillitis appeared immediately after the elimination of the previous infectious focus, but it is possible to develop without such prerequisites. Sometimes illness comes suddenly, on its own.
Acute tonsillitis in most cases is called a sore throat. Indicate the need for treatment symptoms of acute tonsillitis:
- sudden high fever;
- severe sharp pain in the throat;
- Swelling of the lymph nodes.
The patient is suffering from discomfort.
Nuances and features
Tonsillitis in chronic form can be hidden for a long time, without obvious manifestations. The tonsils are still involved in the immune system, but at any time there is a risk of exacerbation of tonsillitis. Symptoms may appear against the background of hypothermia, shortly after which comes the fever and other troubles inherent in the acute stage. Often the starting push for an aggravation is an insignificant fact that people do not even pay attention to.
Acute tonsillitis is usually divided into forms:
- catarrhal;
- ulcer with film;
- phlegmon;
- lacunary;
- follicular;
- herpetic;
- accompanied by tissue necrosis.
To attribute the case to one of the categories, the doctor will carefully examine the symptoms of tonsillitis in an adult, a child, assess how large the lesions are, how far the process has gone. Each type has its own approach to treatment. In severe cases, inflammatory processes not only affecttonsils, but also cover the surrounding area. This requires a particularly responsible approach to the choice of a therapeutic course - complex treatment will be required.
Where did the trouble come from?
You need to imagine in order not to recognize the symptoms of tonsillitis, the causes of this disease. Doctors have identified some features characteristic of the chronicle, as well as a list of prerequisites against which an acute inflammatory process develops. In the predominant percentage of cases, problems are due to:
- prolonged sore throats;
- sinusitis, accompanied by purulent compartments;
- respiratory viral infections;
- periodontal pathologies;
- disturbances in breathing through the nose (tissue changes, polyps);
- advanced caries;
- poor immunity.
The latter is more common for people suffering from foci of inflammation near the tonsils.
If the chronic form has begun, but the condition is left unattended, the risk of the form becoming acute is high.
Possible symptoms of exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis, primary acute due to bacterial, viral, fungal invasion. In the ulcerative form, which is accompanied by the formation of a film, the disease is probably due to infection with spirochetes. Of the fungal, the most dangerous are those belonging to the genus Candida.
The lower the immune status, the higher the likelihood of an inflammatory process. It can be stimulated by the difficulties of nasal breathing, the need for a long time to breathe air polluted with dust, harmful gases. More oftenworried about the symptoms of tonsillitis in adults, children on the background of beriberi, previously transferred diseases of the throat, if they were accompanied by inflammatory processes.
An acute form is possible as an accompanying underlying disease. It can indicate blood pathologies, diphtheria, scarlet fever and other serious he alth problems.
Chronicle: Classic Manifestations
Symptoms of chronic tonsillitis in a child, adult:
- throat dry and itchy;
- when swallowing food, the feeling of local discomfort increases, at other times it is felt, but rather weakly;
- cough comes in fits from time to time;
- temperature rises to 38 degrees;
- lymph nodes respond with pain;
- bad breath;
- cough dry during bouts;
- activation of sweat glands;
- Feels like a lump in the throat that you can't swallow.
It is noted that predominantly the manifestations of the chronic form are rather weak. Often the disease is launched, because many do not pay attention to its manifestations. Without adequate treatment for symptoms of tonsillitis, pharyngitis (sore throat), the situation may worsen, complications. Inflammatory foci can become more active, there will be foci of suppuration. As the healing progresses, the tonsils will become scarred. Such changes are irreversible and highly undesirable, as they lead to immune suppression.
Attention to detail
The above symptoms of chronic tonsillitis in adults can sometimes worsen, sometimes smooth out. It is problematic to identify the disease between relapses. There are cases when tonsillitis did not turn into an acute form at all. To avoid periodic recurrences of the disease, you need to start its treatment on time.
In addition to the above, symptoms of chronic tonsillitis in adults include more rare occurrences:
- neuralgia;
- spread of pain in the neck, ears;
- discomfort near the heart.
Such symptoms are relatively rare, indicating a deterioration in the patient's condition. If you suspect a chronic form of tonsillitis that causes such complications, you need to make an appointment with the doctor in a timely manner. This will allow you to choose an adequate treatment strategy.
The disease is acute
Symptoms of tonsillitis include:
- heat up to 40 degrees;
- rapid rise in temperature;
- chill;
- headache;
- sore throat (even when trying to swallow saliva);
- lymph nodes swell, hurt;
- purulent plugs form near the tonsils;
- fever.
The patient feels unwell, worries about weakness, during sleep - snoring. Possibly apnea. When examining a patient, the doctor reveals signs of general poisoning of the body. They are especially pronounced if the disease develops according to a lacunar, follicular scenario.
Additional symptoms of tonsillitis:
- Muscles and joints hurt.
- Dizzy.
- Purulent discharge appears.
The disease is most severe if accompanied by necrosis. Symptoms of tonsillitis in this form indicate severe poisoning of the body. The patient is in a fever, the mind is confused, the condition does not get better even after a long time. The patient is nauseated and vomits. Acts do not depend on meals, drinks. Tonsils are covered with a coating of gray or green, yellowish tint. With such manifestations of the disease, it is important to seek qualified medical help as soon as possible.
Trouble never comes alone
The symptoms of tonsillitis are often accompanied by additional deterioration in he alth. Even a relatively mild form can cause severe negative consequences. Doctors warn of the following complications against the background of the inflammatory process:
- dystrophic changes in myocardial tissue;
- rheumatism;
- kidney disorders (most common in adults);
- heart defects;
- failure of the heart;
- abscesses.
Associated Issues
Against the background of tonsillitis symptoms, there is a high probability of poisoning by substances produced by pathological microflora of various internal systems and organs. Often the disease leads to:
- hyperthyroidism and other thyroid disorders;
- violation of the integrity of the ocular mucosa;
- skin diseases;
- kidney failure.
Against the background of tonsillitis, oppression is possiblefunctionality, violation of the integrity of the connective tissue. There is a risk of lupus erythematosus, Wagner's disease or scleroderma. There are cases when tonsillitis led to a violation of the integrity of the arterial vascular walls. Complications are more likely to develop in patients of middle, mature age.
How to detect?
Suspecting tonsillitis in yourself or your child, you need to come for an examination to an ENT doctor. You need to visit a qualified doctor at the first symptoms. If the patient cannot determine for himself how the manifestations are similar to tonsillitis, you should contact your local therapist or pediatrician. The doctor will examine the patient and write a referral to a narrow specialist. Additionally, it is recommended to undergo an analysis to clarify the condition. By accurately identifying the form of the disease, its stage, pathological microflora, it will be possible to choose a treatment.
First of all, they do a blood test. With tonsillitis, there is a specific shift in the ratios of different cells in the fluid. They examine the number of leukocytes - in case of illness, the indicators will be above the norm.
At the appointment, the doctor will assess the condition of the patient's oropharynx. Visually, you can see swelling of tissues, plaque, gaps in which pus is produced. The doctor will take a sample of diseased tissue to determine the pathogen. The analysis is carried out in laboratory conditions, using high-precision equipment. They do tests for antigens and sowing (an example can be seen in the photo). The symptoms of tonsillitis for different pathogens are quite similar, but the drugs that are effective against them are very different, so stepidentifying the characteristics of the microflora is extremely important.
What to treat?
The symptoms of tonsillitis indicate the need to start timely and appropriate treatment. What exactly to do, the doctor will tell: it is impossible to choose a program, to draw up a course for yourself without specialized knowledge. Incorrectly selected drugs can worsen the patient's condition, weaken the already depressed immunity. Course features are determined based on the type and characteristics of inflammation foci. Bacteria are eliminated by certain means, others are effective against viruses. There are categorically different programs for the treatment of tonsillitis as a primary disease and the consequences of another disease.
All types of treatment are divided into two types:
- surgery;
- conservative ways.
The second can be used not only in a hospital, but also at home. Treatment for symptoms of tonsillitis is chosen by the doctor, but the process itself usually takes place at home. The doctor only draws up a program and prescribes drugs, appoints control dates to check progress.
And if in more detail?
In mild to moderate form of illness, conservative treatment is sufficient. The patient is prescribed:
- washing tonsils;
- plaque removal;
- exclusion of purulent plugs;
- anti-inflammatory course;
- antimicrobial program;
- drugs to relieve throat conditions;
- aerosols;
- rinses;
- antiseptics for localuse.
If tonsillitis appears very often, is severe, accompanied by fever, provokes complications, and the tonsils become a location for the accumulation of large volumes of pus, an operation is possible. There are cases when the increase in the tonsils led to the inability to eat.
There is a risk of a mild form becoming more severe if the chosen treatment program is ineffective and an abscess develops. A similar condition of the patient requires surgical intervention to remove the tonsils. In fact, the need for such a radical method arises only in a small percentage of cases. Patients are almost always adults.
Home remedies: how to help yourself?
Of course, folk methods of treating tonsillitis cannot replace official medical practices, but the correct application of such techniques can increase the effectiveness of the main course. The disease will be defeated faster, and the likelihood of complications will be minimized.
Quite often, rinses are made at home, using various useful herbs, on which decoctions and infusions are made. A particularly good result will be if the disease develops in a mild form. Symptoms quickly exhaust themselves if you use for rinsing infusions prepared on:
- oak bark;
- linden buds;
- sage;
- chamomile flowers;
- propolis;
- yarrow;
- leaves of St. John's wort;
- potato leaves.
Quite a popular recipe - a combinationpotassium permanganate, horseradish rhizomes and hydrogen peroxide.
At night, you can put an alcohol compress on your neck. This method is used to treat adults, since in children it can cause local irritation and even burn delicate skin. The compress must be covered with a warm shawl or scarf, scarf. If the procedure is accompanied by a strong burning sensation, it is better to refuse it.
What else to try?
A good result with tonsillitis is shown by the use of Lugol's solution for local treatment of foci of inflammation. You can practice such an event only by prior agreement with the doctor, otherwise you can harm yourself. At the appointment, the doctor will explain how to use the solution correctly. At home, you will have to strictly follow the instructions received. Damage to the tonsils accidentally inflicted on oneself during this procedure cannot be repaired.
To increase immunity and eliminate pathological microflora, it is recommended to do inhalation. This allows you to quickly and effectively bring the active components to the lesions. A good option for inhalation is garlic tincture, sage broth. Up to three tablespoons of a home remedy are taken per liter of boiling water, they bend over a container of water and inhale the vapors. You can use a special device - a nebulizer.
To improve the general condition, the fastest recovery during tonsillitis should adhere to bed rest. It is wise to eat well, avoiding junk food. The diet should be rich in essential vitamins.trace elements.
How to warn?
With proper prevention, you can minimize the risk of learning from your own experience what the symptoms of tonsillitis are. Even more important are preventive measures for people with weakened immune systems, as well as for those who are prone to ENT pathologies.
The first and most important thing is to keep your mouth clean, brush your teeth regularly. Hygiene and good habits are the key to minimizing the risk of inflammatory processes, infection with pathogenic microflora.
Less the risk of getting tonsillitis for people who take measures to improve their immune status. It is necessary not only to protect he alth, to avoid respiratory diseases, but also to do hardening, play sports. Strong immunity is the guarantor of the minimum probability of getting sick. If infection does occur, the disease will be mild and will soon be completely cured.
Doctors say with confidence: tonsillitis is much more likely to develop against the background of beriberi. You can reduce the risk of disease if you eat right and fully. The menu should have a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits. If it is impossible to make a balanced diet, you should consult your doctor about taking special multivitamin complexes.
If you suspect an infection, you should consult a qualified doctor in a timely manner. Despite the abundance of recipes dedicated to the treatment of tonsillitis at home, you should not engage in such a practice. The main therapy for bacterial, viral infection is special medicines. Almost nevertreatment of tonsils without antibiotics. You can supplement such a course with homemade recipes, having coordinated them with the doctor, but replacing pharmaceutical products with simple formulations will definitely not work.
Features of treatment
As part of a conservative approach in the chronic form of the disease, the patient is prescribed a set of measures to improve the immune status. It is necessary to harden, engage in physical education in the fresh air, do gymnastics, wiping with cold water. Physical activity is allowed while the disease is in remission. With exacerbations, a ban is imposed on any sport. If symptoms of tonsillitis are bothering you between flare-ups, you should undergo a course of physical therapy that includes:
- phonophoresis;
- ultraviolet irradiation;
- diathermy;
- laser treatment.
Suitable for topical use:
- lugol solution;
- iodine;
- iodineglycerin.
The purpose of use is to suppress the activity of the focus of inflammation. Substances have astringent qualities, soothe irritated tissues.
Antimicrobials are an indispensable part of the treatment of both acute and chronic forms of the disease. Often, colonies of a large number of strains of pathological microorganisms are localized on the tonsils at once, so aminopenicillins are most actively used.
If such a course does not show results, the disease proceeds with complications, the patient is indicated for surgery. Its need is indicated by rheumatism, nephritis, inflammatory processes in the heartmembrane, cholangiohepatitis. Tonsillectomy leads to an improvement in the patient's condition as a whole, and negative changes in the secondary affected organs become less pronounced.
The operation cannot provide a complete recovery. Often, chronic infection is localized not only in the tonsils, but also in nearby tissues, fiber, which means that the removal of all damaged areas is not possible. There is a risk of spreading inflammation to the lymphatic system.
Take into account that prolonged tonsillitis is highly likely to cause an infectious allergy, in which the patient's condition becomes worse over time.
