Any chronic inflammatory diseases should not be ignored. In the absence of treatment, the pathological process is aggravated, the risk of serious complications increases. Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the palatine tonsils, which is accompanied by a violation of the voice and sore throat. With proper therapy, recovery occurs within 7-10 days. Refusal of treatment leads to the development of a chronic form of the disease.
Description of the pathological process
The palatine tonsils are an important part of the immune system. It is they who fight back pathogenic microorganisms that enter the body from the environment. It is no coincidence that a sore throat is the first sign of a cold. The tonsils are an accumulation of lymphoid tissue and are part of the pharyngeal ring.
If pathogenic microflora enters the body, the tonsils become inflamed, acute tonsillitis develops. Timely and correct therapy makes it possible to cope with the disease in a few days. But the refusal of treatment leads to the development of chronictonsillitis. Reviews of experts show that in 30% of cases, therapy is carried out incorrectly at home. Patients are in no hurry to seek qualified help and start the pathological process.
Patients may also develop dangerous complications of chronic tonsillitis. Sick tonsils are the focus of infection in the body. This, in turn, can provoke the development of diseases in other organs and systems.
Causes of illness
Through the palatine tonsils, along with food, water and food, many pathogens can enter the body. However, unpleasant symptoms do not always develop. Acute inflammation can develop only with a combination of several factors. It can be a sudden change in temperature or stress. Often, acute tonsillitis develops in the summer when ice cream or cold drinks are consumed. Working indoors with air conditioning is another unfavorable factor.
If angina is treated incorrectly and recurs periodically, the disease becomes chronic. The risk of developing the disease increases with immune disorders. After suffering infectious diseases, the body's resistance is significantly reduced. Improper use of antibacterial drugs will also affect protective functions.
Complications of chronic tonsillitis can develop against the background of diseases in the oral cavity. So, ordinary caries often provokes the development of a pathological process. In the tonsils of a sick person, more than twenty types of differentpathogens.
Simple shape
In this form, chronic tonsillitis most often develops. Reviews of experts show that most patients develop local signs of inflammation. In rare cases, regional lymph nodes increase, the voice may change slightly.
With a simple form of the disease, there is a slight reddening of the temples. During periods of exacerbation, the patient feels pain.
Toxic-allergic form
With this form of the pathological process, signs of intoxication of the body join the general signs of the inflammatory process. Allergic reactions may also occur. The patient periodically suffers from malaise, in the evening the body temperature may slightly increase (up to subfebrile levels).
When the disease worsens, pain occurs in the joints and in the region of the heart.
This is the most dangerous stage of the disease. Life-threatening complications of chronic tonsillitis may develop. Functional disorders of the activity of the heart muscle also join the manifestations listed above. In this case, the pathological process can already be detected on the electrocardiogram. In most cases, cardiac arrhythmias are diagnosed.
Pathological changes can also be detected in the work of the kidneys, liver, and vascular system. The risk of developing other chronic diseases, such as rheumatism, arthritis, increases. Pathological changes in the functioning of the endocrine system may also be observed.
General symptoms
The simplest form of chronic tonsillitis is the most insignificant. A photo of a sore throat during remissions is almost impossible to distinguish from a photo of a he althy variant. In rare cases, the patient may be disturbed by the sensation of a foreign body in the throat, discomfort when swallowing. The tonsils are slightly enlarged. The patient has to deal with frequent exacerbations of the disease. Angina develops more than four times a year.
In toxic-allergic forms of the disease, periods of exacerbations develop with inflammation in neighboring organs. Against the background of angina, otitis media or sinusitis may develop. Often there are other complications of chronic tonsillitis. Even during periods of remission, the patient feels weakness and constant fatigue. During the day, body temperature may periodically rise to 37.5 degrees.
Diagnosis of disease
Treatment is prescribed depending on the form of chronic tonsillitis. A specialist can make a preliminary diagnosis based on the patient's complaints. However, this is not enough to start the right therapy. The otolaryngologist examines the patient's throat. Additionally, pharyngoscopy is performed. Inspection of the pharynx is carried out in conditions of special lighting. Be sure to use a special spatula and mirrors.
The development of tonsillitis will be evidenced by hyperemia, thickening of the edges of the tonsils, their loosening. During exacerbations, lacunae may contain pus. At the same time, an unpleasant odor emanates from the throat.
In the toxic-allergic form of the pathological process, a comprehensive examination of the patient is carried out, aimed at identifying concomitant diseases. The patient may need to consult an endocrinologist, neurologist, cardiologist, orthopedist.
Treatment tactics
Therapy is based on the elimination of unpleasant symptoms of the disease, as well as the general strengthening of immunity. If the throat hurts with chronic tonsillitis, special sucking tablets can be used. With their help, it is possible to eliminate discomfort, soften the mucous membrane. Strepsils, Grammidin are widely used. For the general strengthening of the body's defenses, multivitamin complexes can be prescribed. Good results are shown by aromatherapy using essential oils of tea tree, lavender, eucalyptus.
During periods of exacerbation of the disease, when a bacterial infection joins, antibiotics are prescribed. It is possible to stop the inflammatory process with the help of broad-spectrum drugs, such as Azithromycin, Amoxicillin, Ceftriaxone. Symptoms of intoxication of the body are eliminated with the help of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Nurofen, Paracetamol.
Surgical intervention is indicated if chronic tonsillitis is running. Removal of the affected tonsils is performed under local anesthesia in a hospital.
How to rinse chronic tonsillitis?
In the pharmacy you can find many high-quality antiseptic solutions that can be used towashing the affected tonsils. Good results are shown by Chlorophyllipt. The medication is based on the extract of eucalyptus leaves and has practically no contraindications. It can also be used during pregnancy. Eucalyptus extract accelerates wound healing, fights purulent infection.
You can actively fight pathogenic microflora with the help of the drug "Yoks". It is based on iodine. It is possible to cope with a purulent infection in a matter of days. However, the drug is not prescribed to pregnant women, children under 8 years of age, as well as patients suffering from thyroid diseases.
Washing of chronic tonsillitis can also be carried out using the Furacilin solution. The medication is also safe and can be used during the period of gestation. If you start using an antiseptic when the first symptoms appear, an acute inflammatory process can be quickly stopped.
Folk remedies for chronic tonsillitis
In ancient times, when medicines did not exist, people successfully coped with a sore throat with the help of products and plants. Many recipes are really effective and can be used today. Freshly squeezed onion juice will help quickly stop inflammation. It is recommended to use the product in a teaspoon four times a day. This treatment is not pleasant, but it is very effective.
Bee products will help to remove the inflammatory process and achieve stable remission. To eliminate pain,gargle with honey solution. In warm water, you need to dilute a teaspoon of a sweet product. You can also add a few drops of fresh lemon juice to the solution. Propolis will also help to cope with chronic tonsillitis. Small pieces of the product are recommended to be chewed throughout the day.
To stop the inflammatory process in a matter of days will help a decoction of chamomile officinalis. A tablespoon of dry crushed plants must be poured with a liter of water, brought to a boil and boiled for another ten minutes. Then the broth is cooled and filtered. Gargle with this remedy up to ten times a day.
Massage
In chronic tonsillitis, acupressure shows good results. It is desirable that all manipulations are carried out by a qualified specialist. In combination with traditional treatment and folk remedies, such therapy will give an excellent result.
Complications
Chronic tonsillitis should not be ignored. The recommendations of a specialist must be followed, otherwise the risk of dangerous complications increases significantly. Inflamed tonsils create a reservoir in the throat for pathogenic microflora. An infection from the tonsils can spread throughout the body. The pathological process also affects the protective function.
Lupus erythematosus is a chronic systemic disease, which is often the result of improper treatment of tonsillitis. The pathological process is characterized by pronounced manifestations on the skin. Due to pathological autoimmune disorders inthe body begins to produce antibodies to he althy cells. Pathologies are more prone to middle-aged women.
The development of lupus erythematosus will be indicated by red spots on the cheeks. The rashes are arranged symmetrically. At an advanced stage of the disease, inflammation of large joints (knee, elbow) is observed.
Scleroderma is another dangerous complication of chronic tonsillitis. This is a pathology of the connective tissue, which is characterized by fibrotic changes in the skin and joints. With stress or hypothermia, the skin becomes numb, it becomes cyanotic. Then the skin turns red, there is a feeling of aching in the joints. If therapy is refused, life-threatening complications develop.
Prolonged intoxication in chronic tonsillitis is a risk factor for cardiovascular disorders. Young patients may develop heart failure, arrhythmias, ischemic diseases.
Treatment prognosis
Chronic tonsillitis responds well to treatment at an early stage. The he alth consequences will be negative if the patient does not pay attention to the symptoms, prefers to carry out therapy on his own at home.
Prevention
A he althy lifestyle will help you avoid any chronic diseases. It will be possible to strengthen the body's defenses with the help of proper nutrition, moderate physical activity, quality rest and good mood. Adults and children should spend more time outdoors, avoid stressful situations and worries.
Colds, of course, cannot be avoided. However, the correct and timely treatment of acute respiratory viral infections and acute respiratory infections will avoid the development of chronic inflammation in the tonsils.
