Tonsillitis is a disease in which inflammation of the tonsils is formed as a result of an infectious lesion. Streptococcus and staphylococcus lesions are often observed.
Acute tonsillitis is characterized by quite pronounced symptoms, which cannot go unnoticed. If the correct treatment of tonsillitis is carried out, then the disease flows into the chronic stage with possible relapses.
This disease is quite common in children aged 5-10 years. In the chronic form, exacerbations occur several times a year.
Feature of the disease
Tonsillitis is an infectious and inflammatory lesion of the tonsils. This is a fairly common respiratory disease. The palatine tonsils are an important organ of the immune system that is involved in the development of immunity and provides protection against the penetration of pathogens into the internal organs. However, in some cases, the tonsils themselves become the main source of infection.
The surface of the tonsils consists of many lacunae, in which food particles, pathogenic microbes and purulent contents linger. With tonsillitis, the pathological process mainly affects only the palatine tonsils, and the nasopharyngeal, lingual and laryngeal tonsils become inflamed much less frequently. The disease affects adults and children over the age of 5 years. Basically, the disease is characterized by a seasonal rise in incidence.
Main classification
Treatment of tonsillitis largely depends on the form of the disease. According to the degree of flow, such forms as acute and chronic tonsillitis are distinguished. The acute form, in turn, is subdivided into:
- follicular;
- necrotic;
- lacunary;
- filmous.
The main bacterial pathogen is hemolytic streptococcus, and in some cases it can also be triggered by chlamydia and mycoplasmas. Treatment of acute tonsillitis must necessarily be complex, since the disease can very quickly become chronic. Angina occurs with quite severe symptoms and acute inflammation in the throat.
Treatment of chronic tonsillitis is longer, as it is an inflammatory process that occurs in the pharyngeal tonsils for several months and develops after a previous sore throat. A similar condition occurs if the disease is not completely cured.
The chronic form of pathology can be simple or toxic-allergic. With a simple stage, local symptoms are observed, and for an allergic form of leakagepathology is characterized by a general deterioration in well-being. In addition, chronic tonsillitis can be compensated or decompensated. The latter form is characterized by the development of complications in the form of inflammatory diseases of the nose and ear, as well as abscesses.
Causes of disease
Acute tonsillitis is mainly provoked by various bacteria, as well as viruses and fungi. The chronic form of the disease can develop with a combination of several factors, in particular, such as:
- improper treatment of angina;
- disturbances in the immune system;
- presence of foci of chronic infection;
- allergy run;
- frequent viral diseases.
Bacteria and viruses often enter the body from the external environment. Weak immunity is not able to provide full protection of the body. A decrease in the immune system can provoke not only inflammation, but also stress, malnutrition and disruption of living conditions. With the course of the chronic form of the disease, a person is absolutely not dangerous to others.
What are the symptoms
Symptoms and treatment of tonsillitis can be very different, it all depends on the characteristics of the course of the disease and its form. In the course of an acute form of the disease, the symptoms largely depend on the pathogen, the characteristics of the tonsil lesion, as well as the general condition of the patient. Common symptoms include:
- high temperature;
- sore throat;
- enlarged and painful lymph nodes;
- vomiting, diarrhea;
- signs of severe intoxication.
The appearance of the tonsils largely depends on the stage of the course of the disease, but in any case they are swollen, reddened and coated. The symptoms and treatment of catarrhal tonsillitis are less complicated, so plaque may be absent, and soreness is not too pronounced. With viral tonsillitis, the tonsils are covered with blisters, which open up over time, and ulcers form. In addition, there are pronounced signs of damage to the respiratory system, namely:
- cough;
- runny nose;
- hoarse voice.
When the disease is severe, there are signs of intoxication, severe lethargy and deterioration of immunity. Symptoms and treatment of chronic tonsillitis are somewhat different from the acute form, and among the main signs can be distinguished:
- itchy and dry throat;
- slight increase in temperature;
- discomfort when swallowing;
- enlarged lymph nodes;
- in addition, pus may separate.
The chronic form is characterized by recurrent exacerbations after significant hypothermia, severe stress and many other negative factors. If symptoms of chronic tonsillitis appear in adults, treatment should be carried out immediately so as not to provoke the development of complications.
Diagnostics
Depending on the symptoms of tonsillitis in adults, appropriate treatment is prescribed, but only after a comprehensive diagnosis and identification of the pathogenillness. In the acute form, the patient turns to the doctor with complaints of sore throat and fever. People suffering from chronic tonsillitis complain of frequent sore throats that recur several times a year.
To make a diagnosis, the doctor conducts an examination of the oral cavity, with the help of which he reveals the signs characteristic of this disease. To detect purulent contents, he lowers one spatula to the root of the tongue, and pushes the tonsils aside with the other. The contents will come out.
To identify concomitant diseases, an examination of the nasal cavity and auditory canals is performed. If a malignant tumor is suspected, a biopsy is performed.
Smear testing is required to identify the causative organisms and determine their sensitivity to antibacterial agents. This will identify the microorganisms that provoked the development of the disease. With frequent tonsillitis, a sensitivity test to the prescribed drugs is performed, which will allow you to choose the most effective treatment.
A blood test is also prescribed, since changes in indicators can determine the course of an infectious disease accompanied by an inflammatory process. It is worth noting that in the chronic form, the indicators may remain within the normal range.
Features of treatment
When symptoms of tonsillitis occur in adults, treatment should be prescribed only by a qualified doctor, since self-medication threatens to develop complications. sickshould be isolated because sore throat is a contagious disease, as well as provide bed rest.
Basically, conservative treatment of tonsillitis is prescribed, which implies antibiotic therapy, the use of local agents, and physiotherapy. In addition, folk methods in combination with drugs give a good result. In especially severe cases, surgery may be prescribed.
In the case of acute tonsillitis, treatment must be carried out in a timely manner, it must be comprehensive, since it can very quickly become chronic.
Conservative Therapy
When an acute form of tonsillitis occurs in adults, treatment can be carried out in the infectious diseases department with strict bed rest. Patients are shown compliance with a sparing diet and drinking regimen. The disease is treated conservatively with medication and physiotherapy.
Treatment of tonsillitis with antibiotics is carried out only when the bacterial form of the disease occurs. If a sore throat was provoked by viruses, then they will not bring any result. Patients are prescribed broad-spectrum antibiotics, in particular, such as:
- penicillins (Panklav, Augmentin);
- cephalosporins (Cefixime, Cefaclor);
- macrolides (Sumamox, Clarithromycin).
Uncomplicated tonsillitis in adults can be treated with topical antimicrobials such asBioparox. Symptomatic therapy is aimed at reducing the signs of the disease and alleviating the patient's condition, which is why they are used:
- antipyretic drugs ("Nurofen", "Ibufen");
- antihistamines ("Cetrin", "Loratadine");
- throat sprays and lozenges;
- rinsing with antiseptic solutions;
- immunostimulating drugs ("Imunorix", "Imisgen");
- vitamin complexes.
After reducing the signs of inflammation, physiotherapy is carried out. The palatine tonsils are exposed to ultraviolet, electromagnetic field. Physiotherapy helps to increase blood circulation in the tonsils, has a stimulating effect, activates the production of antibodies. In addition, mud applications are applied to the area of enlarged lymph nodes. Aromatherapy is widely used, which implies the use of essential oils for inhalation and rinsing.
Treatment of chronic tonsillitis in adults is carried out in almost the same way as the treatment of the acute form. The decompensated type of the disease is not amenable to conservative therapy. In this case, only surgery is indicated.
Surgical treatment
Treatment of chronic tonsillitis in adults and children is often performed surgically. It is worth noting that such a disease can provoke various complications that extend to the joints and heart, which is why pyelonephritis or endocarditis can develop.
Surgical treatment of chronic tonsillitis is carried outif there are problems such as:
- exacerbation of the disease occurs more than 2 times a year;
- excruciating symptoms;
- there was a complication on the heart and joints.
Laser removal of the tonsils or a cryosurgical method, when the tonsils are frozen, is considered an effective remedy. There are certain contraindications to the surgical treatment of chronic tonsillitis in a child or adult. In particular, among the main contraindications are the presence of cardiovascular and renal failure, infectious diseases, diabetes, pregnancy, hemophilia, menstruation. Treatment is carried out 3 weeks after the exacerbation.
Folk techniques
Treatment of tonsillitis with folk remedies consists in the use of various decoctions and tinctures intended for gargling. To eliminate viruses and bacteria, rinsing the nasopharynx with warm s alted water is required. It must be drawn in through the nose and then spit out. You can also gargle with soda-s alt solution.
For rinsing, you can use fresh horseradish juice, which is diluted with warm water. This remedy will help fight the infection. Treatment of tonsillitis with folk remedies implies the use of a decoction:
- oak bark;
- burdock;
- raspberries;
- St. John's wort;
- St. John's wort;
- sage;
- poplar buds.
Also, you can use propolis tincture, water with apple cider vinegar, warm champagne, cranberry juice withadding honey. Basil oil can be used to treat tonsils. Decoctions of chamomile, marshmallow or horsetail will help increase immunity.
Treatment of tonsillitis at home involves the use of saline dressings, as well as cabbage compresses, which are applied to the throat area. Onion inhalations help to eliminate soreness.
Treatment of chronic tonsillitis with folk remedies is carried out for about 2 months, and then you need to take a break for 2 weeks and repeat the course of therapy. Folk remedies and techniques should be used only after consulting a doctor. If there is no result of therapy or side effects occur, then alternative treatment should be stopped.
Food and lifestyle
Treatment of tonsillitis at home implies adherence to a diet, as well as a daily regimen. With angina, physical activity is contraindicated. Excessive activity significantly increases the load on the heart, and also provokes the risk of complications. That is why it is advisable to adhere to bed rest for the entire period.
In the course of chronic tonsillitis, treatment in adults at home implies a long stay in the fresh air, as well as sufficient movement. It has been proven that with insufficient physical activity, local protective properties deteriorate significantly. To increase the protective properties of immunity for patients with chronic tonsillitis, it is recommended:
- avoid smoky and dusty air;
- moisturize indoor air;
- quit smoking;
- harden;
- observe daily routine;
- take time to rest;
- do not overwork and avoid stress.
Patients with an exacerbation of the chronic stage of the disease are advised to follow a diet. It is aimed at strengthening the body's defenses and the speedy removal of toxins. Cooking involves boiling or steaming. All meals consumed should be as sparing as possible. It is necessary to exclude spicy, spicy and sour foods.
During an exacerbation, frequent meals in small portions are required. It is advisable to consume food at a time when the temperature drops and appetite appears.
Tonsillitis in pregnancy
To give birth to a he althy baby, pregnant women must take care of their he alth. In the absence of adequate treatment, serious complications can occur. The spread of infection can lead to impaired blood circulation in the uterus, fetal hypoxia, placental abruption, toxicosis, miscarriage, and premature birth.
Women planning the birth of a child must be examined and cured of existing pathologies. If tonsillitis developed during pregnancy, you need to choose the right treatment. During pregnancy, it is forbidden to take antibacterial drugs. It is best to use folk remedies and physiotherapy.
Treatment of angina in children
Symptoms and treatment of tonsillitis in children can be very different,it all depends on the characteristics of the course of the disease. The main cause of angina are pathogens. They are transmitted by airborne droplets or household contact from a sick person. Since the immune system is not fully formed, therefore, after the penetration of the causative agent of the virus into the body, the inflammatory process immediately begins.
When the first symptoms of tonsillitis occur in children, treatment should be started immediately, as the disease can go into a chronic stage. Among the main signs to highlight:
- sharp sore throat;
- temperature increase;
- fever and chills;
- headache;
- loss of appetite.
Treatment of tonsillitis in children can be divided into local and general. It is important to quickly eliminate the causative agent of the infection and alleviate the existing symptoms. If the disease is bacterial in nature, then it is necessary to carry out antibiotic therapy. Often, the doctor prescribes drugs such as Sumamed, Augmentin, Clarithromycin, Azithromycin.
The peculiarity of the treatment of tonsillitis in children largely depends on the severity of the disease, the characteristics of the child and the type of pathological microflora. With viral sore throat, the doctor prescribes antiviral and immunostimulating drugs, in particular, such as Viferon. In addition, antipyretics, antihistamines, as well as local antiseptics used to irrigate the throat are required. Reviews about the treatment of tonsillitis in children with the help of drugs and folk remedies are quite good, most importantly -conduct therapy in a timely manner.
Possible Complications
Local complications of chronic tonsillitis include:
- abscess and paratonsillitis;
- pharyngitis;
- lymphadenitis;
- replacement of the parenchyma with connective tissue.
General complications are due to the spread of infection in the body. Complications can affect the heart, kidneys, and joints. In addition, there may be blood pathologies.
Prophylaxis
Preventive measures include the implementation of recommendations such as:
- personal hygiene;
- proper nutrition;
- wet cleaning the house;
- hardening;
- strengthening immunity;
- sanitation of foci of infection;
- doing regular checkups.
All of these preventive measures will help protect against chronic tonsillitis. They will help strengthen the immune system and cope with various kinds of infections.
Tonsillitis is a complex disease that requires comprehensive quality treatment, as it can provoke various complications.
