Treatment of tonsillitis

Throat pain, discomfort during swallowing, an increase in temperature and general weakness may be signs of tonsillitis. Inflammation of the tonsils can be caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi. It is difficult to determine the type of disease only by symptoms, therefore self-treatment may be ineffective or even harmful, especially when it comes to a bacterial infection.

At the «Oxford Medical» medical center, you can receive a consultation from an experienced otolaryngologist and undergo the necessary examination to establish an accurate diagnosis and select optimal treatment. You can book an ENT consultation by phone or through the online appointment form on the website.

Tonsillitis, or acute tonsillitis — is an acute infectious disease in which the inflammatory process affects the palatine tonsils. Most often, the disease begins suddenly and is accompanied by severe throat pain. Without timely treatment, acute tonsillitis can lead to local and general complications, therefore, when the first symptoms appear, it is important to consult a doctor.

Depending on the cause of development, the nature of inflammation and changes in the tonsils, several types of tonsillitis are distinguished. Only a doctor can determine the form of the disease after an examination and, if necessary, additional examinations.

By the cause of occurrence, tonsillitis can be:

• bacterial — most often caused by streptococcal infection and usually requires antibacterial treatment;
• viral — develops against the background of viral infections and is often accompanied by a runny nose or cough;
• fungal — occurs less often, mainly against the background of reduced immunity or after prolonged use of antibiotics.

By the nature of changes in the palatine tonsils, the following forms are distinguished:

• catarrhal — the mildest form with superficial inflammation of the mucous membrane;
• follicular — accompanied by the formation of purulent foci in the follicles of the tonsils;
• lacunar — characterized by the accumulation of purulent contents in the lacunae of the tonsils;
• fibrinous — accompanied by the appearance of dense fibrinous plaque on the tonsils;
• phlegmonous — a severe form with the formation of an abscess in the tissue of the tonsil;
• ulcerative-membranous — a rare form with the appearance of ulcers and membranous plaque;
• herpetic — inflammation of the oropharynx, which is caused by enteroviruses and which in everyday life is often called herpetic tonsillitis.

The choice of treatment tactics depends on the correct diagnosis of the form of the disease, therefore, when symptoms appear, it is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner.

Most often, acute tonsillitis develops after infectious pathogens get onto the mucous membrane of the tonsils. The risk of the disease increases when local or general immunity is weakened, as well as in the presence of other diseases of the ENT organs.

The main causes and factors that may contribute to the development of tonsillitis include:

• bacterial, viral or fungal infections;
• close contact with a person who has tonsillitis;
• inflammation of adenoids, which can maintain a chronic focus of infection in the nasopharynx;
• decreased immunity after previous diseases or hypothermia;
• rhinitis, which disrupts nasal breathing for a long time;
• chronic foci of infection in the nasopharynx;
• GERD, in which regular entry of acidic stomach contents into the pharynx can irritate the mucous membrane and reduce its protective properties.

Doctors of «Oxford Medical» recommend not ignoring frequent episodes of throat pain. Timely treatment of nasopharyngeal diseases and elimination of risk factors help reduce the likelihood of developing acute tonsillitis.

Diagnosis begins with a doctor's consultation and examination of the oropharynx. During the examination, the doctor assesses the condition of the palatine tonsils, the mucous membrane of the oropharynx and the cervical lymph nodes, and also clarifies the patient's complaints and the duration of symptoms.

If necessary, to clarify the cause of the disease, the following may be prescribed:

• rapid test for streptococcal infection;
• bacteriological examination of a throat swab;
• complete blood count;
• other laboratory tests according to indications.

Doctors of «Oxford Medical» recommend not starting antibiotics on your own. Establishing the cause of the disease helps select effective treatment and avoid unjustified use of antibacterial drugs.

The treatment tactics depend on the cause of the disease, its form, the severity of the course and the general condition of the patient. That is why treatment is prescribed by a doctor after an examination and, if necessary, additional examinations.

Treatment of acute tonsillitis may include:

• drug therapy according to the cause of the disease (antibacterial, antiviral or antifungal drugs — according to indications);
• antipyretic and pain-relieving agents to relieve symptoms;
• local preparations to reduce pain and inflammation in the throat;
• sufficient fluid intake, a gentle diet and temporary limitation of physical activity.

If the acute inflammatory process becomes chronic or purulent plugs accumulate in the lacunae of the tonsils, the doctor may recommend sanitation of the tonsils as a component of comprehensive treatment. According to indications, ozone therapy — a physiotherapeutic method that is used as an addition to the main therapy — may also be included in the treatment program.

Doctors of «Oxford Medical» recommend not interrupting the prescribed course of treatment even after improvement of well-being. This helps completely eliminate the infection and reduce the risk of developing complications, because undertreated tonsillitis can lead to serious consequences.

In most cases, tonsillitis passes without consequences. However, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), streptococcal tonsillitis in the absence of timely treatment can lead to local and systemic complications.

Possible complications include:

• peritonsillar abscess — accumulation of pus in the tissues around the palatine tonsil;
• spread of infection to adjacent tissues — progression of the inflammatory process beyond the tonsils;
• acute otitis media — inflammation of the middle ear, which may be accompanied by pain and hearing loss;
• inflammation of the paranasal sinuses — development of maxillary sinusitis or other sinusitis;
• rheumatic fever — inflammatory damage to the heart, joints and other organs after streptococcal infection;
• kidney damage (post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis) — inflammation of the renal glomeruli, which can develop after streptococcal tonsillitis.

Doctors of «Oxford Medical» recommend not postponing a visit to a doctor in case of severe throat pain, high temperature or worsening of well-being. Timely diagnosis and correctly selected treatment help reduce the risk of developing complications.

It is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of developing tonsillitis, however, following simple preventive measures helps reduce the likelihood of the disease and its repeated episodes.

For the prevention of acute tonsillitis, it is recommended:

• to timely treat infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract;
• to maintain proper hand hygiene and use individual dishes during illness of family members;
• to avoid close contact with people who have signs of an acute infection;
• to strengthen immunity with the help of complete nutrition, sufficient sleep and regular physical activity;
• to timely consult a doctor when throat pain or other symptoms of inflammation of the tonsils appear.

Doctors of «Oxford Medical» recommend not engaging in self-treatment for throat pain. Early consultation with a doctor helps establish the cause of the disease faster, start treatment and reduce the risk of developing complications.

If you are concerned about throat pain, elevated temperature or other symptoms of acute tonsillitis, consult an otolaryngologist. You can familiarize yourself with the cost of the consultation here. To make an appointment, leave a request through the online appointment form or call the contact center.

The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor's consultation.

Sources:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• NICE
• US National Library of Medicine