Angina is considered to be one of the most common diseases of the upper respiratory tract. The disease is accompanied by inflammation, swelling of the tonsils and the formation of purulent foci. The disease can take various forms. In modern medical practice, cases of purulent tonsillitis are often recorded. Its symptoms are very unpleasant, because patients suffer from constant sore throat, weakness and fever.
Of course, many people are looking for more information about this disease. What are the first signs of purulent tonsillitis? Diagnosis and symptoms, treatment and possible complications, prevention - all these points are important and worth studying.
Causes for the development of pathology
Many people, regardless of gender and age, are faced with such a problem as purulent tonsillitis. Signs and treatment, possible complications and effective traditional medicine - this, of course, is an importantinformation. But first, it is worth understanding the main causes of the development of the disease.
Angina is an infectious disease that is accompanied by inflammation and further suppuration of the tissues of the tonsils. According to statistical studies, in most cases, the inflammatory process is associated with the activity of streptococci, although angina can develop against the background of the vital activity of other bacterial microorganisms and viruses.
Pathogens can enter the body from the external environment (along with air, sometimes liquid and even food). In addition, tonsillitis is often the result of the activation of conditionally pathogenic microorganisms, which occurs against the background of a weakened immune system. Based on this, the main risk factors can be identified:
- decreased activity of the immune system;
- presence of various chronic diseases (also negatively affects immunity);
- presence of foci of infection in the oral cavity (for example, carious teeth, inflamed gums are potentially dangerous) and paranasal sinuses;
- hypothermia (both general and local);
- smoking (irritates the tissues of the tonsils and larynx);
- alcohol abuse;
- breathing polluted air;
- living in an unfavorable ecological environment;
- unsanitary conditions;
- hormonal disruptions (affect the immune system);
- constant stress, nervous strain (affect the level of certain hormones).
Signs of purulent tonsillitis may appear under the influence of various factors. And when compilingtreatment regimens, it is very important to take into account the causes of the development of the disease.
Purulent tonsillitis: photo, signs, general information about the clinical picture
We have already de alt with the features of this disease. Many people, however, are interested in the main signs of purulent tonsillitis.
Symptoms, of course, will depend on many factors, in particular, the nature of the pathogen, the form and severity of the disease. However, some commonalities can be identified.
- The main symptom of purulent tonsillitis is a sore throat. Unpleasant sensations are aggravated during a conversation, when swallowing, with tension in the palate.
- When examining the throat, swelling and redness of the tonsils can be detected. It is worth noting that sometimes they are so enlarged that they block the entrance to the larynx, as a result of which the patient has difficulty breathing. On the tonsils, you can notice a yellowish or gray coating, and sometimes very large abscesses.
- Symptoms include a very bad breath, the appearance of which is associated with the formation and accumulation of pus.
- There are also signs of general intoxication of the body. Body temperature rises to 38-40 degrees. Patients complain of constant weakness, chills, body aches, muscle pain. There is a decrease in appetite and the appearance of nausea after eating. Some patients suffer from persistent headaches.
- Against the background of an infectious disease, there is an increase in regional lymph nodes, including parotid, submandibular and occipital.
These are the mainsigns of purulent tonsillitis in adults and children. Noticing such violations, it is very important to consult a doctor. In the absence of timely therapy, an acute inflammatory process can turn into a chronic form, which is much more difficult to treat.
Basic forms of the disease
Signs of purulent tonsillitis in adults and children can be different, because the disease can take on different forms.
- Quite common is lacunar tonsillitis. The inflammatory process in this case affects the gaps and does not extend beyond the tonsils. The tissues are very swollen. A yellowish-white purulent plaque forms on the surface of the tonsils, which can be easily removed with a spatula. Patients suffer from constant discomfort - the simple process of swallowing is accompanied by severe, sharp pain.
- Follicular angina is characterized by damage to the follicular apparatus. Tonsils with this form of the disease are very swollen and covered with plaque. The process of swallowing is accompanied by pain, which often radiates to the ear. Purulent foci in the absence of therapy merge with edges, forming large abscesses.
Signs of purulent tonsillitis in children
Purulent tonsillitis in a child occurs with the same classic symptoms described above. However, children are more prone to this disease due to the incompletely formed immune system. In addition, the baby may not always report the first symptoms.
Inflammation of the tonsils in a child is often more severe thanin an adult. Characterized by a sharp increase in body temperature to 39-40 degrees. Children become restless, irritable, often cry, lose their appetite. According to statistics, the inflammatory process from the tonsils often passes to the ears and paranasal sinuses - purulent tonsillitis in patients of the pediatric department is very often complicated by sinusitis, sinusitis, otitis media and other pathologies.
Diagnostic measures
An experienced otolaryngologist, of course, can immediately notice signs of purulent tonsillitis. The causes of the disease is another issue that needs to be clarified during the diagnosis, since the treatment regimen largely depends on this.
As a rule, examination of the throat is sufficient to suspect the presence of a sore throat. The patient's tonsils swell and become red, covered with a whitish or yellowish coating. Lymph nodes are enlarged. The body temperature is elevated, the skin of the face and lips becomes dry.
The patient gives blood samples for analysis (an increase in the number of leukocytes indicates the presence of an inflammatory process) and urine (against the background of a sore throat, the level of albumin in the urine often rises). A swab from the throat is also informative - during a laboratory study, you can accurately determine the nature of the pathogen.
Possible Complications
Immediately it should be noted that in no case should you ignore the signs of purulent tonsillitis. Diagnosis and timely therapy help to cope with the disease and avoid negative consequences. However, developmentcomplications are possible, and you should familiarize yourself with their list.
- A very common complication of tonsillitis is otitis media. The fact is that the infection easily spreads through the Eustachian tubes, affecting the middle ear.
- Against the background of an infectious disease, lymph nodes often increase. There is a possibility of their inflammation, which is very dangerous.
- Peritonsillitis can also be attributed to the number of symptoms. The disease is accompanied by the accumulation of a large number of purulent masses near the affected tonsils. With such a disease, the abscesses must be cleaned and the tissues washed with an antiseptic solution.
- Purulent tonsillitis is often complicated by disorders of the cardiovascular system. The fact is that pathogenic microorganisms from the tissues of the affected tonsils often enter the myocardium along with the blood flow - this is how the focus of inflammation is formed. In the absence of timely therapy, angina can be complicated by rheumatic heart disease.
- Sometimes the inflammatory process in the tonsils is complicated by the formation of a retropharyngeal abscess. According to statistics, in most cases, such a pathology is diagnosed in children. Pus accumulates in the lymph nodes around the throat. Swollen lymph nodes and tissues sometimes completely cover the larynx, which does not allow the patient to breathe normally. Other symptoms of pathology include a sharp increase in temperature, cough, sore throat, which is aggravated by swallowing. In this case, it is very important to diagnose the disease in time - one cannot do without surgical intervention.
- If infectiongets into the maxillary sinuses, the development of sinusitis and sinusitis is possible.
- Other complications are possible. Purulent tonsillitis is sometimes complicated by laryngitis, septic arthritis, various kidney diseases (including glomerulonephritis).
The appearance of the first signs of purulent tonsillitis is a good reason to see a doctor. In the absence of adequate therapy, the above complications may develop. In addition, it is very important to observe bed rest, take all the necessary medicines and strictly follow the doctor's instructions, as infectious processes in the tonsils can adversely affect the functioning of the whole body.
Treatment for various forms of angina
Of course, the treatment regimen directly depends on the form of the disease, the nature of the pathogen and the severity of the symptoms.
- Since in most cases, angina develops against the background of bacterial activity, patients are prescribed antibiotics. Means such as Amoxicillin, Clarithromycin, Erythromycin, Clindamycin are considered effective.
- Sometimes additional antibiotics are used in the form of throat sprays. The most popular drug from this group is Bioporox. The medicine makes it possible to treat the tissues of the tonsils with an antibiotic.
- In the most severe cases, corticosteroids are included in the treatment regimen. These drugs help to quickly relieve swelling and pain, have pronounced anti-inflammatory properties.
- Preparations containing paracetamol or ibuprofen help relievefever and relieve sore throat.
- The treatment regimen must include special lozenges, in particular Lisobakt, Travisil, Faringosept, Septefril. These drugs have antiseptic properties, help relieve pain and swelling of the throat. Sometimes sprays are used instead of tablets, in particular Stopangin, Miramistin.
- Antihistamine drugs ("Tavegil", "Suprastin") help relieve swelling of the larynx and make breathing easier.
- If a sore throat is associated with a dry cough, then cough syrups, such as Doctor Mom, Erespal, Fluditec, can be additionally included in the treatment regimen.
What can you gargle with?
During therapy, it is very important to treat the tonsils with antiseptic solutions - this will help relieve swelling and inflammation, slow down the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms.
- Furacilin solution is effective - you just need to dissolve the tablet in a glass of warm water and gargle.
- In the pharmacy you can buy a ready-made solution of chlorophyllipt. A teaspoon of the purchased liquid should be diluted in a glass of warm water and used for rinsing.
- Excellent antiseptics are chlorhexidine and "Stomatidine". They can be used as a gargle in pure, undiluted form.
- Also, you can simply treat the throat and oral tissues with a cotton swab dipped in Lugol's solution.
In any case, you need to understand that with purulent sore throat you need to gargle every two hours -this will greatly speed up the healing process.
Folk treatments
Of course, traditional medicine offers a huge number of recipes to help cope with a sore throat. Gargling solutions are the most effective.
- Propolis has valuable properties. You just need to add a few drops of propolis to a glass of warm water - and the solution is ready.
- Camomile decoction can also be used to rinse the mouth and throat, as it has pronounced anti-inflammatory properties.
- You can prepare an herbal tea by mixing equal amounts of chamomile flowers, calendula and St. John's wort. Pour a tablespoon of the mixture with a glass of boiling water, insist and filter. The warm solution is great for gargling.
Prophylaxis
We have already considered the main signs of purulent tonsillitis. Treatment and symptoms, diagnosis and possible complications are, of course, important information. But it is worth learning about how to prevent the development of the disease.
Unfortunately, there is no special prevention. However, doctors recommend following some rules:
- It is important to avoid hypothermia. In hot weather, do not abuse ice cream or drinks from the refrigerator, as a sharp cooling of the throat can lead to the activation of opportunistic microorganisms.
- Doctors recommend strengthening the immune system. Proper nutrition, appropriate physical activity, walks in the fresh air, hardening, taking vitamins - all this will help.strengthen the body's defenses.
- All diseases of the oral cavity and teeth (including caries) should be treated in time. It is important to use special mouthwashes (if necessary, they can be replaced with a weak solution of soda or s alt) - they help clean bacteria from tissues.
Of course, noticing the first signs of purulent tonsillitis, you need to contact a specialist. The sooner therapy is started, the higher the likelihood of a quick and complete recovery without consequences.
