Effective treatment of chronic tonsillitis

is an acute infectious disease that causes inflammation of the tonsils.
Another name for the disease is acute tonsillitis
(from the Latin word tonsillae - “tonsils”).

The palatine tonsils (popularly called tonsils) are an outpost of our immune system. It is here that the body's defenses give the first resistance to pathogenic bacteria and viruses that enter the oropharynx along with food and air.

Tonsils are ovoid-shaped glands (in their shape they resemble an almond nut, hence the name), formed by lymphoid tissue. Lymphoid tissue has two main functions - hematopoietic and protective. The tonsils produce lymphocytes, the main cells of the immune system that provide humoral immunity, that is, the production of antibodies. Also in the tonsils there are macrophages - cells that envelop and destroy foreign microorganisms. The palatine tonsils are dotted with crypts - canals that begin on the surface and go deep into the body of the tonsils. These channels work as traps for foreign agents, entering which they are, firstly, destroyed, and secondly, antibodies are produced to them, which are then carried by the bloodstream throughout the body. Therefore, the situation in the tonsils is always on the verge of an inflammatory process. And if the body’s immune defense is weakened for some reason (for example, as a result of frequent colds) or the infection turns out to be particularly “aggressive,” inflammation in the tonsils becomes pathological. And since the tonsils are responsible for the immunity itself, the consequences of the disease can affect the entire body. This is what makes sore throat a dangerous disease.

Causes of sore throat

Children often suffer from tonsillitis. This is due to the fact that in children, the tonsils are just being formed, and, therefore, the body’s protective reaction is not yet complete. And after 35-40 years, the disease, as a rule, does not occur - the lymphoid tissue that makes up the palatine tonsils begins to atrophy; In old age, tonsils disappear.

The causative agents of sore throat in most cases are bacteria. However, it can be caused by either a virus or a fungus. Inflammation can be superficial (catarrhal tonsillitis), or it can spread deep into the body of the tonsils. Suppuration of the crypts with which the tonsils are dotted leads to a more severe form of the disease (lacunar tonsillitis; lacunae are the mouths through which the crypts open onto the surface of the tonsils). The most severe form of the disease is follicular tonsillitis, when the follicles become inflamed - lymph nodes located throughout the body of the tonsils (both on the surface and in the depths). Inflammation may not be limited only to the palatine tonsils, but may spread to neighboring tissues and other organs. In other words, the name sore throat hides a whole “bouquet” of diseases, which only a doctor can understand and correctly determine the necessary course of treatment.

Bacteria that cause sore throat are widespread and cause many other diseases. Therefore, the source of infection can be a person who is not necessarily suffering from a sore throat. He may not have an acute form of the disease at all; it is enough that he is a carrier of pathogenic bacteria.

Very often, sore throat comes not from the outside, but from within the body. We ourselves are carriers of these bacteria. Inflammatory processes in the tonsils in a non-acute form can last for months, or even years. In this case, they talk about chronic tonsillitis. In the presence of chronic tonsillitis, tonsillitis is its exacerbation. Exacerbation is facilitated by hypothermia or weakening of the body. If a person often gets a sore throat, then most likely he has chronic tonsillitis.

Sources

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Symptoms of a sore throat

The feeling of illness comes suddenly. The patient feels severe pain in the throat and the temperature rises sharply. A rise in temperature may be preceded by chills.

When examining the throat, redness of the tonsils is observed. The tonsils increase in size (swell). The lymph nodes in the submandibular region are enlarged.

With lacunar angina, the lacunae of the tonsils are enlarged, and purulent masses accumulate in them. A film-like coating is visible on the tonsils. Body temperature can reach 40°C.

In the case of follicular tonsillitis, when examining the tonsils, spherical yellow formations are visible - this is what inflamed follicles look like. Swelling of the regional lymph nodes is extremely pronounced. Sometimes there is swelling of the soft tissue on the side of the affected tonsil.

Sore throat in any form, and especially lacunar and follicular, leads to general intoxication. The waste products of pathogenic microbes are absorbed into the blood and spread throughout the body. The tissue of blood vessels, nervous system, kidneys, liver, and heart may be affected. The most common symptoms of intoxication are headache and general weakness.

A sore throat

Sore throat with sore throat corresponds to the degree of inflammation. Most often, with a sore throat, there is an aching pain in the throat, which gets worse when swallowing. The pain may radiate (give) to the ear area.

Temperature increase

Sore throat is characterized by a sharp increase in temperature. The temperature rises to 38°C and above.

Headache

Headache with sore throat is a consequence of intoxication. Pathogenic microorganisms that cause inflammation in the tonsils produce substances that are toxins for humans, poisoning the body, disrupting the functioning of its organs and systems. These toxins irritate the nerve endings and fibers of the cranial nerves, causing headaches.

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Weakness

General weakness with sore throat is another consequence of intoxication. Toxins accumulate in the muscles, reducing the activity of muscle contractions, causing muscle pain (myalgia), and aches throughout the body. They also disrupt the functioning of the central nervous system, causing drowsiness and apathy.

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Methods for diagnosing angina

To prescribe an effective course of treatment, correct diagnosis is of great importance. Acute inflammation of the tonsils can be a sign not only of sore throat, but also of mononucleosis, scarlet fever, diphtheria, leukemia and some other diseases. Therefore, if you have a sore throat against the background of a rise in temperature, you should not self-medicate, but consult a doctor.

Pharyngoscopy

Pharyngoscopy is a visual examination of the throat mucosa. Allows the doctor to assess the condition of the mucous membrane. The diagnosis of “angina” in most cases is made based on the results of pharyngoscopy.

More information about the diagnostic method

Bacteriological culture

Bacteriological culture allows you to identify the pathogen that caused inflammation of the tonsils. For analysis, discharge taken from the area of ​​inflammation is used. The material is placed in an environment favorable to pathogenic microorganisms. Multiplying microorganisms allow us to conclude that this type of pathogenic microorganism is present in the area of ​​inflammation.

ASLO - blood test for antibodies to streptococcus

The analysis shows the level of antibodies to streptococcus in the blood. Exceeding the norm indicates a previous streptococcal infection. A slight excess, as a rule, indicates that the person has had a streptococcal infection for a long time. High rates indicate recent infection.

Allows you to confirm the bacterial nature of the sore throat.

Sign up for diagnostics To accurately diagnose the disease, make an appointment with specialists from the Family Doctor network.

How to treat sore throat in an adult?

Treatment of angina symptoms in adults and children includes measures to combat infection, eliminate symptoms of the disease, and prevent recurrences.

In the acute period, it is recommended to adhere to bed rest. It is forbidden to consume cold drinks and foods that irritate the mucous membranes. A gentle diet speeds up recovery and reduces signs of local inflammation. Walking is allowed only in the absence of fever, if the weather is good - no wind, rain, or severe frost. It is necessary to frequently ventilate the room, carry out wet cleaning, and drink as much as possible.

Local treatment

antiseptic and anti-inflammatory drugs helps to quickly get rid of pain, reduce signs of inflammation, and improve overall well-being. For example, in the process of washing the tonsils with antiseptic solutions, the pus is washed away and signs of inflammation are reduced. If a bacterial pathogen is identified (in particular, BSGA), antibacterial drugs can be used. But you shouldn’t prescribe them to yourself. Uncontrolled self-use of antibiotics can lead to disruption of microflora and suppression of the immune system, which causes severe complications of the disease. In extreme cases, surgical intervention is resorted to. Hypertrophied tissues are removed, thereby ridding the body of the source of chronic infection.

Do not forget about the importance of local immunity.

He must always be ready to repel the attack of viruses and bacteria. To support local immunity for preventive purposes, adults and adolescents over 14 years of age use Imudon® 6 tablets per day for 20 days. The tablets dissolve, and it is not recommended to eat or drink for about an hour after using the drug6.

Instructions

More details
1 - Kochetkov P. A. Angina and acute pharyngitis / P. A. Kochetkov, A. S. Lopatin // Practical Pulmonology.. - 2005. - No. 3. - 8-14 p. 2 - Varlamov R. K. Angina. Symptoms, treatment and features of the course of the disease / R. K. Varlamov // Integration processes in science in modern conditions. Collection of articles of the International Scientific and Practical Conference. – 2021. – 120-123 p. 3 — Kunelskaya N. L. Angina: diagnosis and treatment / N. L. Kunelskaya, A. B. Turovsky, Yu. S. Kudryavtseva // Medical Affairs. – 2010. – No. 3. – 1-9 s. 4 - Pyshny D.V. Angina and tonsillopharyngitis: differences, prevention, treatment / D.V. Pyshny // New pharmacy. Pharmacy assortment. – 2008. – No. 2. – 7-11 p. 5 — Nikolaevskaya V. P. Chronic tonsillitis. Etiology, pathogenesis, clinic // Medicine. – Moscow, 1989. 6 — Instructions for medical use of the drug Imudon® lozenges dated 07/02/2018 The material was developed with the support of Abbott in order to increase patient awareness of their health status. The information in the material is not a substitute for healthcare advice. Contact your doctor. RUIMD191614 dated 06/26/2019.

Treatment methods for sore throat

First of all, local treatment is carried out for angina. Such treatment (gargles, lozenges) will help reduce sore throat and reduce the severity of inflammation. Rinsing is preferable, since in this case pus, pathogenic microbes and their metabolic products are not swallowed, but are washed out of the tonsils and spat out.

However, in many cases, it is impossible to cure a sore throat with local treatment alone. Therefore, as a rule, treatment of sore throat includes a course of antibiotics. The duration of medication is determined by the doctor. Unauthorized discontinuation of the prescribed drug after the severity of symptoms in the case of a sore throat has subsided can result in serious complications. You should also not take antibiotics without a doctor's prescription.

Antibacterial therapy

Antibiotics are used to treat sore throat if it is caused by a bacterial infection. The course of treatment must be prescribed by a doctor. Self-medication with antibiotics is unacceptable.

More information about the treatment method

Make an appointment Do not self-medicate. Contact our specialists who will correctly diagnose and prescribe treatment.

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Treatment of chronic tonsillitis

Chronic tonsillitis is treated using both conservative and surgical methods.

Conservative methods are:

• antibiotics that are prescribed both locally (gargling) and systemically (tablet or injection forms);
• direct washing of lacunae and introduction of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs into them;
• physiotherapeutic procedures (hallotherapy, magnetic laser treatment of lymph nodes, phonophoresis and ultraviolet irradiation of the palatine tonsils).

Surgical treatment methods:

• Tonsillectomy – removal of the tonsils along with the capsule (instrumental and bloodless technique).
• Destruction of lymphoid tissue in the tonsil (radio wave ablation, cryodestruction).
• Cryptolysis (“soldering” of palatal lacunae).