Chronic tonsillitis in adults: causes, symptoms, conservative and surgical treatment methods. How to properly treat chronic tonsillitis in adults Tonsillitis symptoms causes of the disease

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils. Experts distinguish between acute and chronic tonsillitis. Regularly during the autumn-winter period, many people come to the hospital with complaints of sore throat and high temperature. Previously, most of them independently diagnose themselves with “tonsillitis”, and then they are perplexed why the medical record says “acute tonsillitis”. Everything is extremely simple.

From the Latin “angina”, that is, the verb ango, is translated as strangling or squeezing, which does not quite reflect the essence of the disease. After all, it is mainly the palatine tonsils that become inflamed, and this process is extremely rarely accompanied by a state of suffocation. Therefore, it would be more correct to call this condition tonsillitis.

What is it?

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils. Experts distinguish between and. If acute inflammation of the tonsils is caused by bacterial flora (for example, staphylococci or streptococci), then this form of the disease is often called.

Causes

The causes of tonsillitis are various pathogenic microorganisms:

streptococci in the throat;
candida;
Moraxella;
herpes viruses;
chlamydia;
staphylococci;
adenoviruses;
pneumococci;
Epstein-Barr virus.

Factors that contribute to the occurrence of the disease:

injuries;
breathing through the mouth;
decreased immunity;
hypothermia;
prolonged inflammation in the nasal cavity or mouth.

Classification

Tonsillitis can be acute or chronic.

Acute tonsillitis (tonsillitis), depending on the clinical characteristics, is divided into the following forms:

Catarrhal is the mildest and goes away quickly with the necessary treatment.
Lacunar - the mucosa is covered with pus-filled depressions that can cover the entire surface of the tonsils.
– small cavities filled with pus are formed.
Phlegmonous - the affected tonsil is red and enlarged in size, a purulent plaque forms, under which the tissue of the tonsils can melt, forming.
Fibrinous - the tonsils are covered with a yellowish film, which can spread beyond the tonsils.
Herpetic - blisters form, which gradually fester, dry out, and become crusty. Accompanied by abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, diarrhea.
Ulcerative-necrotic - the tonsils are covered with ulcers under which the tissues die, if they are torn off they will bleed. Gray or greenish plaque, putrid odor from the mouth.

Chronic tonsillitis can be simple and toxic-allergic. Simple chronic tonsillitis manifests itself only with local symptoms, toxic-allergic is accompanied by a significant deterioration in the general condition of the body (lymphadenitis, complications of the cardiovascular system, joints, kidneys, etc.)

Symptoms of tonsillitis

Common symptoms of tonsillitis in adults are:

swelling of the tonsils, soft palate, uvula;
the presence of plaque, sometimes there are ulcers;
signs of intoxication: pain in muscles, joints, head;
malaise;
pain when swallowing;
diarrhea, vomiting (most often these symptoms of sore throat occur in young children).

The incubation period for tonsillitis can last from 6-12 hours to 2-4 days. The deeper the tissues are affected, the more complex the disease, the longer the infectious-inflammatory process progresses and the higher the risk of complications. In children, the most common form of tonsillitis is the catarrhal form of tonsillitis, which, without effective treatment measures, can develop into the follicular stage or chronic tonsillitis.

Chronic tonsillitis is characterized by periodic exacerbations (after hypothermia, emotional stress and other factors). The symptoms of chronic tonsillitis are less pronounced than those of acute tonsillitis. There is usually no pain or fever; there may be only slight pain when swallowing, a sore throat, and bad breath. The general condition of the body worsens, but this is less pronounced than with acute tonsillitis.

A characteristic symptom of tonsillitis is a noticeable enlargement of the palatine tonsils. In acute tonsillitis, the palatine tonsils are bright red, in chronic tonsillitis they are stagnant red. Depending on the form of the disease, the tonsils may be covered with plaque, films, pustules, and ulcers.

What does tonsillitis look like: photo

The photo below shows how the disease manifests itself in adults.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis is made on the basis of the characteristic symptoms of tonsillitis, general, and mainly local. In case of severe acute tonsillitis or in case of persistent chronic tonsillitis, a bacteriological examination (bacterial culture) of the contents of the lacunae of the palatine tonsils is carried out in order to identify the pathogen, as well as an immunological blood test.

Complications

Advanced tonsillitis can cause the development of other diseases, disability and even death. At the same time, doctors divide its complications into:

Early - they appear even before complete recovery. Most often these are purulent capsules in the pharynx, inflammation of nearby organs and tissues, which can develop into purulent lymphadenitis, peritonsillitis, or mediastinitis (leakage of pus into the chest cavity).
Late – they can occur after a few weeks. This is rheumatic carditis or articular rheumatism.

Treatment of tonsillitis

Acute viral tonsillitis. If inflammation of the tonsils is caused by banal inflammation, then treatment in adults is carried out as follows:

Drink plenty of fluids, predominantly dairy-vegetable diet, rest.
Frequent rinsing with decoctions of anti-inflammatory herbs and antiseptic solutions. Usually these are rivanol, chlorhexidine, iodinol, decoctions of sage, calendula, chamomile.
Resorption of tablets (lozenges) with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects: lisobakt, lizak (active ingredient - lysozyme), strepsils, travesil and others.
Antibacterial agents for viral sore throat are prescribed in cases where a secondary infection has occurred.
If the temperature rises above 38.50C, use antipyretics. In this case, preference is given to drugs that contain paracetamol or ibuprofen (Nurofen). It is strictly forbidden to give aspirin to children as a medicine to reduce fever. If the temperature remains high, then the doctor may prescribe nimesulide (nimesil, nimegesik) to adult patients and children over 12 years of age, and at a younger age - analgin with diphenhydramine or its analogues.

Acute bacterial tonsillitis. The same drugs are used as for viral tonsillitis, and mandatory treatment with antibiotics is also carried out, which are selected based on the sensitivity of the specific pathogen.

Among the means of antibacterial therapy, doctors most often prescribe:

amoxicillin with clavulonic acid (augmentin, amoxiclav, flemoclav and others);
cephalosporins (cephalexin, ceftriaxone);
macrolides (azithromycin, clarithromycin);
fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, ciprolet).

Antibiotics can be prescribed either orally or by injection. Often, treatment of tonsillitis in children is carried out with protected amoxicillins, cephalosporins and macrolides.

Acute tonsillitis caused by a fungal infection. Treatment of tonsillitis caused by fungi usually begins with the abolition of antibacterial agents, which increase the dysbiosis of the mucous membranes. Instead, depending on the severity of the disease, antimycotic drugs are prescribed - nystatin, quinozol, levorin (these can be drugs for oral administration or local treatment of the throat). In addition, it is recommended to periodically lubricate the tonsils with aqueous solutions of aniline dyes, for example, methylene blue.

Folk remedies

Traditional methods of treating tonsillitis involve using various infusions and decoctions for gargling.

Basil oil is used to treat inflamed tonsils.
To increase immunity, take decoctions of marshmallow, chamomile, and horsetail.
For rinsing, you can use a decoction of burdock, oak bark, St. John's wort, raspberry, propolis tincture, poplar buds, sage, water with apple cider vinegar, cranberry juice with honey, and even warm champagne.
Rinsing the nasopharynx with warm salted water will help cure the disease at home. It is drawn in through the nose, pinching the left and right nostrils in turn, and then spit out.
Salt dressings and cabbage compresses on the throat area, as well as onion inhalations, will help improve the patient’s condition.

Chronic tonsillitis is treated with folk remedies for 2 months, then take a break for two weeks and repeat the same procedures, but with other ingredients. Alternative treatment for tonsillitis should be carried out only after consultation with a specialist. If the expected result is absent or side effects appear, then alternative treatment must be stopped.

Forecast

In most cases of acute tonsillitis, provided that all doctor’s recommendations are followed, complete recovery occurs. It is extremely rare for the disease to become chronic. Its danger is that it is less treatable. Therefore, all therapy comes down to introducing it into a stage of permanent remission.

Frequent tonsillitis with complications has an unfavorable prognosis, since in this case it is impossible to completely control the process of their course.

Prevention

Preventive measures for the occurrence of tonsillitis include measures to prevent the occurrence of tonsillitis and proper treatment of the disease:

Sanitation of the nasopharynx and oral cavity;
Limiting contact with those who have recently been ill or are sick;
Avoiding overheating and hypothermia;
Prevention of colds (especially during seasonal exacerbations);
Measures to strengthen the immune system: regular exercise, proper nutrition, hardening, walks in the fresh air.

Getting proper rest, avoiding stress and following a daily routine will help prevent disease and strengthen the body's defenses.

Tonsillitis - probably each of us has experienced all the “delights” of this infectious disease at least once. According to statistics from the World Health Organization, 15% of people in adulthood have encountered this diagnosis. Everyone is familiar with pain in the throat when swallowing - the patient cannot eat normally, and the fever and weakness that accompany the disease knock him out of the usual rhythm of life for a long time. In countries with hot climates, the disease is rarely diagnosed, but you and I are less fortunate. Adults are more often susceptible to the disease in the cold season, when the body is already weakened.

Tonsillitis is an inflammatory process in the palatine tonsils. The acute form of tonsillitis is called tonsillitis. If proper treatment for an adult is not carried out properly, serious complications in adults, as well as in adolescents, are one hundred percent guaranteed. It would seem that a sore throat is a standard situation. Why go to an ENT doctor? You can cope with the disease on your own. Especially when advertisements for the “most effective” medicines and spray preparations are constantly heard from the TV screen. Such thinking is certainly wrong. When treating tonsillitis at home, you can only temporarily relieve unpleasant symptoms, but not cope with the causative agent of the disease. In the case of severe forms of tonsillitis, only competent and timely treatment of tonsillitis in adults in Moscow under the supervision of an ENT doctor will reduce the likelihood of complications and help quickly cope with a serious illness.

Why do we need tonsils?

The palatine tonsils, or tonsils, are a paired organ of the human immune system. They are located on the sides of the oropharynx, are small in size and shaped like almonds (this similarity gives the organ its name). Tonsils are a collection of lymphoid tissue. Lymphoid tissue itself consists of cells (macrophages) that surround and absorb bacteria, toxic and other foreign particles that enter the human body. That is, the tonsils act as a kind of natural filter. All bacteria that enter the body through breathing or food meet the tonsils on their way. Upon contact with pathogens, the tonsils increase in size and become inflamed, simultaneously sending an alarm signal to the human immune system.

The surface of the tonsils consists of deep winding canals-lacunae. They are a kind of traps for pathogenic microorganisms. In a healthy person, lacunae are capable of self-cleaning from dead bacteria and leukocytes. But if for some reason the tonsils cannot cope with their work, bacteria in the lacunae will begin to multiply, and after some time the tonsils themselves will turn into a source of infection, and this can lead to constant chronic exacerbations of the disease in adults.

How can you get infected?

There are several routes of infection: airborne, contact, food and endogenous. With airborne droplets, streptococcus or staphylococcus bacteria enter the body during coughing, sneezing, or conversation between a sick person and a healthy person. With the contact method, you can get sick even by using the same dishes, linen, or towel of a sick person. It is easy to get sick from eating food contaminated with cocci bacteria. With endogenous infection, bacteria enter from the internal environment. The source of infection can be diseased teeth, otitis media, rhinitis, that is, pathogenic microflora already present in the body.

But if bacteria have entered the body in one of the above ways, this does not mean that a person will necessarily become infected. For the development of the disease, provoking factors are needed, such as hypothermia, poor hygiene, existing chronic diseases, a deviated nasal septum, damaged tonsils, bad teeth, poor diet, stress, bad habits, and reduced immunity.

Typically, when one of these factors is present, the body's defenses are weakened and the person becomes susceptible to disease, resulting in inflammation. If you do not treat a sore throat in an adult or treat an acute sore throat with home remedies, refusing qualified medical care, inflammation will become chronic - these are the main causes of chronic tonsillitis.

Types of disease and its symptoms

The main forms of tonsillitis are acute (tonsillitis) and chronic forms of tonsillitis. The latter occurs against the background of untreated or incorrectly treated sore throat. With such inflammation, the tonsils act as a constant source of infection. Exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis is replaced by periods of calm (remission), then the symptoms return again. This form of the disease is very difficult to treat. Therefore, treatment of chronic tonsillitis in adults should only be carried out with the participation of a highly qualified, experienced otolaryngologist using the most effective medications.

With a sore throat, adults are usually worried about:

a sharp rise in body temperature;
chills;
enlarged lymph nodes;
swelling of the tonsils;
intolerable sore throat;
purulent formations and plaque on the tonsils;
lethargy, weakness, drowsiness.

The signs of a chronic disease are not so pronounced; often a person learns about the diagnosis only at an appointment with an ENT doctor, whom he consults during the next exacerbation.

Complications

Some traditional methods of treating tonsillitis, as well as completely ignoring the signs of the disease, are extremely ineffective and even dangerous measures. Inflammation of the palatine tonsils can not only turn the acute form of the disease into a chronic one, but also cause serious complications: rheumatism, heart disease, kidney disease, abscess surrounding the tonsils, otitis media, laryngeal edema, meningitis, sepsis. Therefore, treatment of purulent tonsillitis must be carried out necessarily and under the supervision of an otolaryngologist. To cure tonsillitis and avoid serious health consequences, contact an ENT clinic as soon as you detect the first symptoms of the disease!

We are treated correctly.

In adults, treatment of tonsillitis is carried out under the supervision of an otolaryngologist. In otorhinolaryngology, there are conservative and surgical methods of treating the disease. Conservative methods include drug therapy, local treatment, washing the tonsils using antiseptic drugs and physiological procedures.

Since the disease is bacterial in nature, antibiotics will help to cope with the pathogen. Antibacterial medications for adults (choice of drug, dosage and course of treatment) are prescribed by an otolaryngologist. Even if it seems to you that it has become noticeably easier and the disease is receding, you should under no circumstances interrupt the prescribed course of therapy. Otherwise, there is a high probability of relapse or chronic inflammation.

If you have a high temperature, you need to take antipyretics. When treating a throat disease, special sprays or lozenges are used to relieve pain.

Treatment of adults with folk remedies can only be carried out in combination with traditional drug therapy. When treating tonsillitis with folk remedies, various rinses are used. Rinsing for tonsillitis is effectively done with decoctions of chamomile, sage, and St. John's wort. Before using any product, you should consult your doctor.

The effective procedure “Vacuum lavage of the tonsils”, carried out at the ENT Clinic of Doctor Zaitsev using a special proprietary attachment for the “Tonsillor” apparatus, successfully helps to cope with the symptoms of chronic tonsillitis. Currently, this is the most effective way to remove caseous-purulent masses from the lacunae of the palatine tonsils.

For the patient, it is necessary to create favorable conditions that promote rapid recovery. To avoid infecting other family members, it is recommended to place the patient in a separate, well-ventilated room. Linen, towels and dishes must be personal. For the first few days, strict bed rest and plenty of fluids are prescribed. Diet plays an important role in recovery. Food should be gentle on a sore throat: it can be soups, broths, porridges, jelly. Food should not be hot, spicy or hard.

If, despite the measures taken, exacerbations of sore throat occur up to several times a year, or the risk of developing heart defects and joint diseases is too great, in the most extreme case, the ENT doctor will recommend removal of the tonsils for chronic tonsillitis. The operation to remove the tonsils is called a bilateral tonsillectomy.

To cure a sore throat quickly and effectively, do not wait - contact the ENT Clinic of Doctor Zaitsev. Chronic tonsillitis in Moscow should also be treated by highly qualified, experienced doctors. After all, a properly selected course of therapy will reduce the number of exacerbations and prolong periods of remission. Effective therapy for tonsillitis is our specialty! Our prices have not changed since 2013 and remain among the most affordable in Moscow. Please call and come. We will definitely help you!

Chronic tonsillitis is the name given to periodic inflammation of the tonsils, located deep in the pharynx between the folds of the soft palate.

The surface of such formations is covered with lacunae - small depressions that normally serve as a microbial “trap”, and in pathology - a gateway for infection.

Modern medicine offers many therapeutic options, but according to the position of evidence-based medicine Only tonsillectomy is effective - removal of tonsils.

Symptoms and treatment

The tonsils are a lymphoid organ that is an important component of the immune system. When infectious agents (viruses, bacteria, etc.) penetrate into them, the latter are recognized and destroyed.

Sometimes, due to a number of unfavorable factors (the presence of carious teeth, adenoids, nasal pathologies, etc.), the lymphatic tissue does not cope with the task and becomes inflamed, as a result, exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis occurs.

If such processes occur regularly, they speak of a chronic form of the disease. The final result is the death of lymphoid tissue and its replacement with connective tissue, which does not have protective properties.

The problem often occurs in children, especially teenagers. In adults, the immune function of the tonsils decreases, giving way to other mechanisms. Therefore, the primary causes of chronic tonsillitis in adulthood happens very rarely.

Is chronic tonsillitis contagious to others?

Every person normally has a number of bacteria (opportunistic) on their mucous membranes, which lead to illness when certain conditions arise, for example, with ARVI.

The transfer of normal flora from one person to another is not dangerous. But a viral infection spreads quite easily. Therefore, it is not chronic decompensated tonsillitis itself that is contagious, but the factor that triggered the exacerbation.

Signs of the disease

They are characterized by general and local manifestations.

General symptoms are caused by the absorption of pus, chronic poisoning by tissue decay products of the tonsils, and include:

low-grade fever;
chronic fatigue;
fatigue;
decreased attention;
poor appetite;
restless sleep;
“circles” under the eyes;
irritability.

Local manifestations:

feeling of warmth, swelling and redness of the tonsils;
expansion of lacunae and formation of plugs in them with purulent-necrotic contents;
fusion of the tonsils with the anterior arches;
bad breath;
sore throat (constant, periodic);
hoarseness of voice;
problems swallowing food;
abdominal pain (in children);
enlargement and tenderness of the lymph nodes located in the area under the jaw.

Inadequate treatment, including folk remedies without medical prescription, can lead to serious complications of chronic tonsillitis and the creation of threatening health problems, up to the appearance of peritonsillar abscess.

In addition, self-medication can lead to:

cardiovascular diseases (rheumatism, myocarditis, cardiotonsillar syndrome, acquired heart defects);
damage to the kidneys and gallbladder;
joint diseases;
diseases of the skin and nerves;
pathologies of the genitourinary area, etc.

The disease poses a particular threat during pregnancy: it can cause miscarriage and the development of abnormalities in the fetus.
To avoid such problems, if you have any pain in the throat, you should definitely see a doctor!

Treatment methods for adults and children

Only an otolaryngologist can reliably establish a diagnosis, the form of the disease (compensated/decompensated, toxic-allergic) and determine the appropriate treatment tactics.

The manifestation of complications requires consultation with other specialists (general practitioner, cardiologist, rheumatologist, neurologist and others).

Initial therapy for chronic tonsillitis in adults and children is always carried out conservatively. First of all, it is necessary to sanitize the oral cavity (treatment of caries, etc.). During an exacerbation, an analysis is performed to detect beta-hemolytic streptococcus in the inflamed tonsils.

The presence of such a bacterial pathogen is the cause of rheumatic complications, glomerulonephritis and other problems, and requires the prescription of antibacterial drugs.

At home, you can also use antiseptic solutions (furacilin, Iodinol, etc.).

Sometimes homeopathic (Tonsilotren, etc.), herbal (for example, Tonsilgon) and folk remedies are prescribed, although the effectiveness of such drugs has not been proven, but some patients note improvement with their use.

It is important for children to be provided with complete rest and rest, sufficient drinking (warm and cool) to prevent dehydration, and adequate humidity in the room.

To relieve sore throats, both children and adults are recommended to suck on pieces of ice (this method should not be used if a healthy person has avoided consuming cold drinks, ice cream, etc.!).

The clinic provides:

washing the lacunae of the tonsils and introducing medicinal gels, pastes, etc. into them;
physiotherapy (Ural irradiation, laser therapy, electrophoresis, ultrasound, etc.);
removal of pus using an electric pump;
injections into the tonsils, etc.

Conservative methods alleviate the patient’s condition during exacerbations, but do not solve the problem completely.

When deciding on surgical removal of the tonsils, the doctor evaluates all available indications and contraindications.

Tonsil removal

Absolute indications for tonsillectomy:

Intervention is contraindicated for pathologies of the blood coagulation system, blood vessels, etc.

After the operation, the protective function of the removed palatine tonsils passes to other similar organs.

Tonsillectomy methods:

classic, using a wire loop and scissors (used extremely rarely);
radiofrequency ablation;
electrocoagulation with high-frequency current;
“ultrasonic scalpel”, using ultrasound;
thermal welding using IR laser;
using a carbon dioxide laser;
cold plasma surgery (coblation) is the most modern and safe method.

The cold plasma method is based on the ability of an electric current to generate plasma when passing through a solution of electrolytes, which destroys tissue. The process occurs at a temperature of 60-70 degrees, eliminating the possibility of thermal burns.

The surgeon’s work is simplified, which allows for a better operation. The recovery period does not exceed a couple of days, there is no risk of bleeding, postoperative swelling and pain.

Treatment with folk remedies

The use of traditional medicine is allowed only after consultation with a doctor.

rinsing with a decoction of burdock roots, chamomile, diluted horseradish juice;
drinking tea from nettle, yarrow and chamomile;
lubricating the tonsils with propolis tincture with oil, etc.

And you want to find out the truth and not make difficult mistakes, then follow the link and read.

Useful article about the treatment of pharyngitis with folk remedies. Read and see for yourself that avoiding visiting a doctor is not the best option for getting rid of ailments.

The most complete information about the treatment of adenoids with folk remedies is available on the page:. We hope that you will find something useful for yourself in it.

What antibiotics are indicated for use?

The choice of antibacterial therapy is determined solely by the nature of the disease, namely the detection of beta-hemolytic streptococcus in a smear from the tonsils in chronic tonsillitis.

First of all, drugs based on amoxicillin (plain or protected with clavulanic acid) or other penicillin antibiotics are prescribed. The course of treatment is 10 days.

If necessary (allergy to penicillins, lack of effect), cephalosporin drugs (cephalexin, ceftriaxone, etc.), macrolide antibiotics (azithromycin, etc.) or others (clindamycin, etc.) can be used.

Approximate cost of medicines

Medicines for conservative treatment can be purchased in specialized online stores or pharmacies in the city; the cost of individual medications is presented on Yandex.market.

Price of antibiotics and other drugs:

amoxicillin (Flemoxin, etc.) – 10 – 742 rubles;
cephalexin - 23 - 100 rubles;
azithromycin (Sumamed, etc.) – 21 – 580 rubles;
clindamycin – 150 – 217 rubles;
Tonsilgon – 203 – 369 rubles;
Tonsilotren – 231 – 433 rubles;
Iodinol – 33 – 75 rub.

The choice of treatment regimen for chronic tonsillitis is solely a medical prerogative. In the absence of certain indications in the acute stage of the disease, conservative treatment is allowed, but the only proven effective method is surgical removal of the tonsils (mainly using the cold plasma method).

A very informative video about chronic tonsillitis. The causes of the disease and common mistakes when self-medicating are described in detail.

Chronic tonsillitis is a disease that affects the palatine tonsils and causes inflammation in them. This disease occurs equally often in both adults and children. Unfortunately, many adults do not consider chronic tonsillitis a serious disease and treat it extremely frivolously. The disease not only causes discomfort, but is fraught with the development of serious complications. Therefore, it is necessary to know what the symptoms and treatment of tonsillitis in adults are.

What is tonsillitis

This disease may have a viral or bacterial etiology. In everyday life, this disease is usually called sore throat. It should be treated efficiently and carefully.

Its causative agents can be:

meningococcus;
anaerobe;
streptococcus;
pneumococcus;
staphylococcus;
adenoviruses;
chlamydia;
Epstein Barr virus;
in rare cases, typhoid fever and herpes virus.

The source of infection is a sick person or a carrier of infection. Very often, tonsillitis develops after a cold. In a certain number of people, tonsillitis can be chronic.

Factors contributing to the occurrence and development of the disease are:

Problems with nasal breathing.
Inflammation of the sinuses, mouth.
General hypothermia.
The appearance of foci of infection in the oral cavity (for example, caries).
General decrease in immunity.
Various injuries to the throat mucosa.
Avitaminosis.
Overwork.
Stressful situations.
Frequent colds.
Allergic reactions. You should know that they can be not only the cause of tonsillitis, but also its consequence.

If treatment was prescribed incorrectly or was interrupted, then over time tonsillitis will develop in a chronic form. During the period between exacerbations of the disease, the patient may feel almost normal; sometimes even when examined by a specialist, pathologies in the tonsils may not be observed.

The symptoms are usually the same, but the manifestations may be slightly different depending on the form of tonsillitis and the stage of exacerbation.

Caseous plugs are the most serious symptom characteristic of this disease. If a person himself sees in the mirror that he has white cheesy, then this means that tonsillitis is in a very active phase.
Enlargement of nearby lymph nodes.
General weakness.
Hyperemia of the palatine arches, their redness. This symptom takes longer to go away than others. The patient’s general condition may stabilize, the temperature may decrease, but redness may remain for some time.
With tonsillitis, there may also be intoxication syndrome. This indicates that the number of pathogenic microorganisms is so great that the patient begins to feel feverish. In this case, a person experiences high fatigue and a constant desire to sleep. This is a signal that you need to immediately consult a doctor and not treat the disease yourself.
Feeling of aching in the joints.
Pain in the heart area may also be present.
Temperature. In this case, she is subfebrile, within 37.5 degrees.
Pain when swallowing. The most acute symptoms appear at the end of the second day.
Pain in the area of the submandibular lymph nodes.
Headache.
Upon examination, the tonsils are reddened and often contain follicles with the presence of pus.

The incubation period of the disease is very short - no more than two days. There are also primary tonsillitis, which occurs independently due to objective reasons, as well as secondary tonsillitis, which appears as a complication after suffering other diseases (diphtheria, leukemia, scarlet fever, etc.).

Complications of tonsillitis

Chronic tonsillitis in adults is a very common disease, and many take it lightly, not considering it necessary to treat the disease to the end. This situation can serve as the basis for the emergence and development of all kinds of complications. Tonsillitis is very capable of affecting the associated organs. First of all, it is the heart muscle.

From the palatine tonsils, the infection enters the blood, which leads to poisoning of the entire body. This not only intensifies the symptoms of tonsillitis itself, but also affects other organs.

Microorganisms entering the heart provoke the occurrence of pathologies such as myocarditis, and less commonly, bacterial endocarditis.

The second organ that can be seriously damaged is the kidneys. Damage occurs to the glomerulla - the bodies that directly filter the liquid. As a result of the lesion, a person develops glomerulonephritis, and less commonly, pyelonephritis.

There are two types of this disease:

Compensated form. With it, exclusively local symptoms are observed.
Decompensated form. In addition to local signs, there are abscesses and paratonsillitis.

To prevent the compensated form of the disease from becoming complicated and becoming decompensated, complex treatment of chronic tonsillitis in adults should be carried out in a timely manner, aimed not only at eliminating local inflammation, but also at overall complete recovery.

One of the most serious complications of untreated sore throat is rheumatism. It affects the heart valve and subsequently leads to heart failure, as well as to the appearance of heart defects.

How to treat tonsillitis

Treatment of tonsillitis should be carried out in a complex manner. It can be done at home, following the doctor's recommendations. In addition to taking medications and staying in bed, you should also take medications that relieve fever, pain, and body aches. It is worth taking immunomodulators and vitamin complexes recommended by a specialist.

For successful treatment, it is first necessary to accurately determine the etiology of the disease.

This can be done by passing certain tests. If the nature of tonsillitis is viral, then the use of antibiotics will be useless and vice versa.

The therapy will include topical medications that help relieve acute pain and relieve unpleasant symptoms. Usually, experts recommend additionally various gargles to eliminate purulent plugs in the throat. It will be important to follow a gentle diet. It is necessary that the patient drinks a sufficient amount of fluid at this time. These can be teas, fruit drinks, herbal teas, various herbal infusions. They should not be cold or excessively hot. Also, fruit drinks and juices should not be too sour - this will irritate the throat.

In most cases, acute tonsillitis is caused by streptococci, so antibacterial treatment is most often prescribed. Therapy will be prescribed depending on the form of the disease, the presence of concomitant pathologies, the general condition of the patient and other factors. Most often, antibiotic drugs of the penicillin group are prescribed (Penicillin, Amoxicillin, Oxacillin). In the presence of allergic reactions, other medications related to macrolides are prescribed:

Erythrommicin.
Clarithromycin.
Azithromycin.

Even if the patient begins to feel significantly better, therapy must be completed completely. You should also not violate your diet and bed rest.

Treatment at home must be carried out in compliance with these conditions. The tonsils also need to be irrigated with topical preparations that provide an analgesic effect.

Physiotherapeutic procedures for the treatment of tonsillitis

To get rid of purulent plugs and alleviate the patient’s condition, it is necessary to carry out a whole range of procedures.

Flushing the tonsils with a syringe is an outdated method. Currently, rinsing is carried out with saline using a special vacuum nozzle. This is done by a specialist in a clinical setting. This procedure flushes out all pathological contents from the tonsils. In addition, the patient will not react allergically to the saline solution, since it is actually sterile water. The transparency of the solution allows you to see what is washed out of the tonsils. In addition, it is not only effective, but also budget-friendly. For one wash, use from 200 to 400 ml of solution as needed.

Then ultrasonic medicinal irrigation of the palate is performed. Under the influence of ultrasound on a special apparatus, the medicinal solution is converted first into a finely dispersed solution, and then into a microfilm that affects the affected areas, in particular the tonsils and the back wall of the pharynx. Exposure in this case occurs with water-based antiseptics. In this case, alcohol-based medications cannot be used.

Lubricating with Lugol has a positive effect on the condition of the tonsils. Lugol acts as an iodine-based antiseptic.

But sometimes these procedures are not enough to fully treat chronic tonsillitis in adults. Infrared laser therapy sessions are also performed to relieve swelling.

Vibroacoustic therapy sessions are possible. The device with which the procedure is carried out is located in the projection of the palatine tonsils and produces the desired effect on them. This therapy normalizes blood microcirculation in the palatine tonsils and improves capillary blood supply.

Quartzization of the mucous membranes of the throat using ultraviolet radiation helps relieve swelling in the throat. It effectively cleanses the throat area of existing bacteria.

Sometimes a patient may complain that after the first procedures there are more traffic jams and an unpleasant odor from the mouth. In fact, with the help of such procedures, everything that has accumulated there for a long time is removed from the tonsils.

The standard course of treatment consists of five procedures. If after such treatment the tonsil area is cleared and the patient feels better, then the course of procedures is stopped. If necessary, it can be continued further on the recommendation of the attending physician in order to cure the sore throat completely.

When is tonsil removal necessary?

The issue of surgical removal of inflamed tonsils must be approached extremely carefully. This should be done only if the tonsils have ceased to fully perform their protective functions and have become a source of chronic infection in the body.

When the tonsils are removed, a person loses the paired organ irrevocably. A tonsillectomy is an operation to remove the tonsils. To verify the need for such removal, it is necessary to take a biochemical blood test.

How to treat tonsillitis in an adult

You can gargle at home using the following means:

Chlorhexsidine;
Miramistin;
Chlorophyllipt;
Citrosept.

It is necessary to use these antiseptics in accordance with the doctor’s recommendations and having first read the manufacturer’s instructions. Rinsing is carried out no more than 2-3 times a day.

Immunostimulants are also taken to help strengthen the body's defenses as a whole (Galavit, Imudon). People prone to frequent throat inflammations need to undergo preventive procedures once every six months.

Do I need to take antibiotics right away if my throat hurts? It is necessary to take a swab from this area.

If the number of microorganisms is not too high, local antiseptics will be sufficient and no antibiotics will be needed.

If there is a threat of developing paratonsillitis, the doctor will immediately prescribe the necessary treatment. Responsibility for prescribing drugs with antibiotic action will rest with the doctor. Self-prescription of such medications is unacceptable.

Usually this disease is treated at home with a mandatory visit to a doctor, however, in the case where no positive dynamics are observed during therapy, the patient may be sent to a hospital for further treatment.

Nutrition rules

Nutrition plays a very important role in the treatment of tonsillitis. It is recommended to give up coffee, chocolate, and carbonated drinks. During the first few days, food should generally be predominantly liquid, so as not to cause unnecessary discomfort to the patient. Food should be warm, but not hot. Soups, viscous porridges, and liquid vegetable purees are good options. During this period, it is better to use honey instead of sugar. It is necessary to exclude fatty and fried foods from the diet, and introduce foods rich in vitamin C and B into the menu.

Proper balanced nutrition will help not only to recover faster, but also to avoid illness in the future.

Can folk methods help?

You should know that traditional medicine methods are a good aid in the fight against the disease, but they must be part of complex therapy. They will not help as an independent remedy.

Such remedies help relieve inflammation and reduce pain. You can gargle with a solution of salt and soda in warm water (one teaspoon of each product per glass of water). Gargle with Furacilin solution (1 tablet dissolved in a glass of warm water). The water in the solutions should not be hot, so as not to injure the already irritated throat. An alcohol solution of propolis will have a positive effect. You should add 30-35 drops of the product into one glass of water. Gargling with infusions of medicinal herbs will also help:

sage;
chamomile;
calendula;
oak bark.

You can put an alcohol compress on your throat. Alcohol and water should be in a 1:1 ratio. Such a compress can be applied for no more than 3 hours. You can do this 2-3 times a day, but you should not leave it on your throat overnight.

You can carry out various inhalations with the addition of infusions of medicinal herbs and aromatic oils. Naturally, the patient should not be allergic to these components.

Disease prevention

Chronic tonsillitis is a condition that requires periodic monitoring.

To prevent tonsillitis, it is necessary to maintain a balance between work and rest, as well as avoid stressful situations, spend more time in the fresh air, because everything that a person inhales settles on his tonsils.

You should also monitor the condition of your oral cavity and consult a dentist in a timely manner. It is necessary to constantly monitor the state of nasal breathing.

The earlier treatment for tonsillitis is started, the more successful it will be.

Chronic tonsillitis is a chronic inflammatory process that affects tonsils located in the human throat. Inflammation develops as a result of the influence of a number of unfavorable factors - severe hypothermia, a decrease in the body's defenses and resistance, and allergic reactions. This effect activates microorganisms that are constantly present on the tonsils of a person suffering from chronic tonsillitis. As a result, the patient develops and a number of further complications, which can be both local and general.

The lymphopharyngeal ring is made up of seven tonsils: the lingual, pharyngeal and laryngeal tonsils, which are unpaired, as well as paired tonsils - the palatine and tubal tonsils. Of all the tonsils, the palatine tonsils are the most frequently inflamed.

Tonsils are lymphoid organ , which is involved in the formation of mechanisms that provide immunobiological protection. The tonsils perform such functions most actively in children. Therefore, the consequence of inflammatory processes in the palatine tonsils is the formation . But at the same time, experts deny the fact that by removing the tonsils, one can negatively affect the human immune system as a whole.

Forms of chronic tonsillitis

In medicine, two different forms of tonsillitis are defined. At compensated form, there are exclusively local symptoms of inflammation of the tonsils. At the same time, thanks to the barrier function of the tonsils, as well as the reactivity of the body, local inflammation is balanced, as a result of which the person does not experience a general pronounced reaction. Thus, the protective function of the tonsils works, and bacteria do not spread further. Consequently, the disease is not particularly pronounced.

At the same time, when decompensated form, local symptoms of tonsillitis also occur, and at the same time it can develop paratonsillar , angina , tonsillogenic pathological reactions , as well as other ailments of a number of systems and organs.

It is important to consider that with any form of chronic tonsillitis, the entire body can become infected and an extensive allergic reaction can develop.

Causes of chronic tonsillitis

In the process of very often recurring inflammation of the tonsils, which arise as a result of exposure to bacterial infections, the human immune system is weakened, and chronic tonsillitis develops. Most often, chronic tonsillitis occurs as a result of exposure to adenoviruses , group A streptococcus , staphylococcus . Moreover, if the treatment of chronic tonsillitis is carried out incorrectly, the immune system may also suffer, as a result of which the course of the disease worsens. In addition, the development of chronic tonsillitis occurs due to frequent manifestations acute respiratory diseases , , measles .

Often chronic tonsillitis develops in those patients who have suffered from impaired nasal breathing for a long time. Therefore, the cause of the development of this disease may be , pronounced curvature of the nasal septum, anatomical features of the structure of the inferior turbinates, the presence polyps in the nose and other reasons.

As factors contributing to the development of tonsillitis, it should be noted the presence of infectious foci in organs that are located nearby. Thus, local causes of tonsillitis may be teeth affected, purulent which is chronic.

The development of a chronic form of tonsillitis can be preceded by a malfunction in the functioning of the human immune system and allergic manifestations.

Sometimes the cause of further development of chronic tonsillitis is a sore throat, the treatment of which was carried out without the prescription of an ENT specialist. During the treatment of angina, the patient must adhere to special without eating foods that irritate the mucous membrane. In addition, you should completely stop smoking and not drink alcohol.

Symptoms of chronic tonsillitis

A person may not detect symptoms of chronic tonsillitis immediately, but only during the development of the disease.

Symptoms of chronic tonsillitis in a patient are primarily expressed by a feeling of severe discomfort in the throat - a person may feel the constant presence of a lump. There may be a feeling of rawness or soreness in the throat.

There may be an unpleasant odor from the mouth, as the contents of the lacunae gradually decompose and pus is released from the tonsils. In addition, symptoms of tonsillitis include cough, feeling unwell, and severe fatigue. The person has difficulty performing normal work and is subject to bouts of weakness. Sometimes the temperature may rise, and the period of increase in body temperature indicators continues for a long period, and it increases closer to the evening.

As objective symptoms of tonsillitis, doctors identify the patient’s history of frequent tonsillitis, purulent-caseous plugs in the lacunae of the tonsils, and swelling of the palatine arches. Hyperthermia of the arches is also expressed, as the current is disrupted And near the source of inflammation. The patient notes pain in the tonsils and increased sensitivity. Such manifestations can bother a person for a long time. The patient also has increased regional . If they are palpated, the patient notes the manifestation of mild pain.

Chronic tonsillitis may be accompanied by a headache, slight pain in the ear, or discomfort in the ear.

Diagnosis of chronic tonsillitis

The process of establishing a diagnosis is made by studying the patient's history and complaints about the manifestations of the disease. The doctor carefully examines the tonsils, and also examines and palpates the lymph nodes. Due to the fact that inflammation of the tonsils can provoke the development of very serious complications in a person, the doctor does not limit himself only to a local examination, but also analyzes the contents of the lacunae. To take material for such an analysis, the tongue is moved back with a spatula and pressure is applied to the tonsil. If at the same time there is a release of pus with a predominantly mucous consistency and an unpleasant odor, then in this case it can be assumed that in this case we are talking about the diagnosis of “chronic tonsillitis”. However, even an analysis of this material cannot accurately indicate that the patient has chronic tonsillitis.

To accurately establish a diagnosis, the doctor is guided by the presence of certain abnormalities in the patient. First of all, these are thickened edges of the palatine arches and the presence of hyperthermia, as well as the identification of cicatricial adhesions between the tonsils and the palatine arches. With chronic tonsillitis, the tonsils look loose or scarred. In the lacunae of the tonsils there is pus or caseous-purulent plugs.

Treatment of chronic tonsillitis

Currently, there are relatively few treatments for chronic tonsillitis. During the development of degenerative changes in the tonsils of the palate, the lymphoid tissue that makes up normal healthy tonsils is replaced by connective scar tissue. As a result, the inflammatory process worsens and intoxication of the body as a whole occurs. As a result, microbes enter the entire area of the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract. Therefore, treatment of chronic tonsillitis in children and adult patients should be aimed at affecting the upper respiratory tract as a whole.

Quite often, in parallel with chronic tonsillitis, chronic form of pharyngitis , which should also be taken into account in the process of prescribing therapy. When the disease worsens, it is first necessary to relieve the manifestations of tonsillitis, and after that, tonsillitis can be treated directly. In this case, it is important to carry out complete sanitation of the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract, after which treatment is carried out to restore the structure of the tonsils and stabilize the functioning of the immune system.

In case of exacerbation of the chronic form of the disease, the decision on how to treat tonsillitis should be made exclusively by the doctor. In the first days of treatment, it is advisable to observe bed rest. Complex therapy includes taking , which are selected taking into account individual sensitivity to them. The lacunae of the tonsils are washed with special devices using a solution , 0.1% solution iodine chloride . After this, the gaps are shaded with 30% alcohol. propolis extract .

In addition, physical methods of therapy are widely used: ultraviolet irradiation, microwave therapy, phonophoresis of vitamins, lidases. Today, other new progressive methods of treating tonsillitis are often used.

Sometimes the attending physician may decide to perform surgical removal of the tonsils - tonsillectomy . However, to remove tonsils, it is necessary to initially obtain clear indications. Thus, surgical intervention is indicated for recurrent peritonsillar abscesses, as well as in the presence of certain concomitant diseases. Therefore, if chronic tonsillitis occurs without complications, then it is advisable to prescribe conservative complex therapy.

There are a number of contraindications to tonsillectomy: the operation should not be performed on patients , hemophilia , active form , heart defect , jade and other ailments. If the operation cannot be performed, then sometimes a cryogenic treatment method is recommended for the patient.

Doctors

Medicines

Prevention of chronic tonsillitis

To prevent this disease, it is necessary to ensure that nasal breathing is always normal and to promptly treat all infectious diseases. After a sore throat, you should carry out preventive rinsing of the lacunae and lubricating the tonsils with drugs recommended by the doctor. In this case, you can use 1% iodine-glycerin , 0,16% — etc.

Regular hardening in general, as well as hardening of the pharyngeal mucosa, is also important. For this, morning and evening rinsing of the throat with water that is at room temperature is recommended. The diet should contain foods and dishes high in vitamins.

Complications of chronic tonsillitis

If symptoms of chronic tonsillitis appear in a patient for a long time, and there is no adequate therapy, then serious complications of tonsillitis may develop. In total, about 55 different diseases can appear as a complication of tonsillitis.

With chronic tonsillitis, patients very often complain of difficulty in nasal breathing, which manifests itself as a consequence of constant swelling of the nasal mucosa and its cavity.

Due to the fact that inflamed tonsils cannot fully resist infection, it spreads to the tissues that surround the tonsil. As a result, the formation occurs paratonsillar abscesses . Peritonsillar abscess often develops into phlegmon neck. This dangerous disease can be fatal.

The infection can gradually also affect the underlying respiratory tract, leading to And . If the patient has a decompensated form of chronic tonsillitis, then changes in the internal organs are most pronounced.

A lot of different complications of internal organs that arise as a consequence of chronic tonsillitis are diagnosed. Thus, the influence of chronic tonsillitis on the manifestation and further course of collagen diseases, which include , periarthritis nodosa , .

Due to frequent sore throats, the patient may develop heart disease after some time. In this case, it is possible that acquired heart defects , myocarditis .

The gastrointestinal tract is also subject to complications due to the spread of infections from the inflamed tonsils. This is fraught with development gastritis , peptic ulcer , duodenitis , .

Manifestation dermatoses It is also very often caused by chronic tonsillitis that previously occurred in the patient. This thesis is confirmed in particular by the fact that chronic tonsillitis is very often diagnosed in people suffering from . In this case, there is a clear relationship between exacerbations of tonsillitis and the activity of psoriasis. There is an opinion that the treatment of psoriasis must necessarily include tonsillectomy.

Pathological changes in the palatine tonsils are very often combined with nonspecific lung diseases. In some cases, the progression of chronic tonsillitis contributes to exacerbation pneumonia chronic form and significantly aggravate the course of this disease. Accordingly, according to pulmonary specialists, to reduce the number of complications in chronic lung diseases, the source of infection in the tonsils of the palate should be promptly eliminated.

Some eye diseases can also be complications of chronic tonsillitis. Poisoning of the human body with toxins that are released due to the development of chronic tonsillitis can greatly weaken the accommodative apparatus of the eye. Therefore, to warn , it is necessary to eliminate the source of infection in a timely manner. Streptococcal infection in chronic tonsillitis can cause the development Behçet's disease , the signs of which are eye lesions.

In addition, with a long course of chronic tonsillitis, the liver, as well as the biliary system, can be affected. Sometimes they are also observed, provoked by protracted chronic tonsillitis.

In some cases, patients with chronic tonsillitis experienced a variety of neuro-endocrine disorders. A person can suddenly lose or gain weight , his appetite is noticeably impaired, there is a constant. Women suffer from irregularities in the menstrual cycle; men may experience decreased .

With the development of a focal infection in the palatine tonsils, the function of the pancreas sometimes weakens, which ultimately leads to the process of destruction insulin . This may lead to the development . In addition, the thyroid gland malfunctions, which provokes a high level of hormone formation.

In addition, the progression of chronic tonsillitis can affect the occurrence of immunodeficiency states.

If chronic tonsillitis develops in young women, it can affect the development of the reproductive organs. Very often, chronic tonsillitis in children worsens during adolescence and passes from a compensated to a decompensated form. It is during this period that the child’s endocrine and reproductive systems are activated. Consequently, various disturbances occur in this process.

Thus, it should be taken into account that when a person develops chronic tonsillitis, a wide variety of complications can develop. It follows from this that treatment of chronic tonsillitis in children and adults should be carried out in a timely manner and only after a correct diagnosis and appointment by the attending physician.

List of sources

Lukan N.V., Sambulov V.I., Filatova E.V. Conservative treatment of various forms of chronic tonsillitis. Almanac of Clinical Medicine, 2010;
Soldatov I.B. Guide to otorhinolaryngology. M.: Medicine, 1997;
Chronic tonsillitis: clinical picture and immunological aspects / M. S. Pluzhnikov [et al.]. - St. Petersburg. : Dialogue, 2010;
Bogomilsky M. R., Chistyakova V. R. Pediatric otorhinolaryngology. - M.: GEOTAR-Media, 2002.