Tonsillitis is associated with a severe sore throat making it difficult to swallow, weakness and a fever. Preparations used in the treatment of tonsillitis should, on the one hand, relieve severe pain, and, on the other hand, have anti-inflammatory properties. Find out what causes tonsillitis and how to effectively deal with its symptoms.

Tonsillitisis an inflammation of the small organs in the human throat. These are clusters of lymphoid tissue that are responsible for the body's defense and fighting infection.

Tonsils identify the threat and then stimulate the lymphatic system to produce antibodies against pathogenic pathogens. Tonsils are part of the lymphatic system, i.e. a network of vessels located throughout the body that drain harmful substances into the lymph nodes. In this way, the lymphatic system protects the body against infections and diseases.

Almonds also produce the so-called immune memory cells. Thanks to them, once recognized pathogens can be later more effectively combated by the lymphatic system, so the risk of re-infection by the same bacteria or viruses is much lower.

Sometimes, however, the tonsils, instead of playing a defensive role in the body, become a source of inflammation themselves.

The symptoms of tonsillitis usually appear 2-5 days after contact with the disease agent. Tonsillitis usually lasts for about a week (5 to 7 days).

Tonsillitis - symptoms

Acute tonsillitis is also called angina. Usually it is associated with inflammation of the surrounding pharyngeal mucosa.

The first symptom of tonsillitis is a severe sore throat radiating into the ears, especially when swallowing. Pain is usually accompanied by

  • weakness
  • feeling broken
  • headache
  • high fever (over 38 degrees)
  • chills

The tonsils are enlarged and red (called red angina) or have a yellow-whitish coating (white angina). Moreover, the patient may have enlarged lymph nodes.

Chronic tonsillitis is a bit more difficult to diagnose. The sore throat then lasts a long time, but is much less intense.

Characteristic is a feeling of obstruction in the throat when swallowing and an unpleasant smell from the mouth. It is caused by an abscess in the tonsils, the symptom of which is a yellow coating. The patient may also experience general weakness, lack of appetite, and also have low-grade fever.

Tonsillitis in children and adults

It stands out:

  • palatine tonsils
  • pharyngeal tonsil (also called third)
  • language tonsil
  • trumpet tonsils
  • so-called Walderey's protective ring - these are single lumps scattered in the back wall of the throat.

In adolescence, the tonsils disappear. The pharyngeal tonsil usually disappears completely, so problems with it only appear in children and adolescents.

In turn, in adults, the problems are caused primarily by the palatine tonsils.

Tonsillitis - causes

Although the tonsils protect the body against disease, they themselves quite often undergo inflammation and become a source of infection. Usually, the cause of tonsillitis is a viral or bacterial infection. The most common pathogens causing infection are streptococciStreptococcus pyogenes .

Tonsillitis can also occur due to the multiplication of bacteria that live naturally in the throat and do not normally cause infections. However, in special situations, a rapid growth of harmful bacterial flora may occur, e.g. during the period of reduced immunity.

Also, eating very cold products, e.g. ice cream, chilled drinks can cause tonsillitis, because under the influence of the cold, the blood vessels in the throat contract and the mucosa becomes more susceptible to microbial penetration.

It is worth mentioning that tonsillitis as a result of viral infection is more common in young children (up to 5 years of age), while in older children, adolescents and adults, the infection is usually caused by bacteria.

Tonsillitis and chronic tonsillitis

Once diagnosed, tonsillitis has a tendency to recur. When its symptoms last longer than 3 months, it is called chronic tonsillitis.

The specific structure of the tonsils contributes to the recurring inflammation of the tonsils. There are longitudinal gaps in their tissue, the so-called crypts.

Crypts are often clogged with food debris, exfoliated epithelium, bacterial cells, and lymphocytes. The retention plug formed in this way is an excellent environment for the development of pathogenic microorganisms.

Moreover, each subsequent inflammation only makes things worse becauseThe discharge from the tonsils begins to causethe formation of microclysters .

The infection penetrates deep into the tissue and the pathogens causing it enter the bloodstream. From there, they can travel to many organs, including the kidneys, heart, and joints, causing them to become inflamed.

Tonsillitis - is it contagious?

Tonsillitis is caused by bacteria and viruses that spread by airborne droplets. This means that they can be transferred from a sick person to a he althy person as a result of coughing, sneezing, kissing, using the same cutlery and plates.

This is why the most cases of tonsillitis are observed in children, who become infected easily while in a group together. The more frequent occurrence of this disease in the youngest is also associated with their reduced immunity.

Tonsillitis and angina

Angina is an acute inflammation of the tonsils and the throat mucosa.

If the tonsils are enlarged and red, it is called red angina.

If there is a yellowish whitish coating on the tonsils, it is white angina.

Tonsillitis - treatment

Treatment of tonsillitisdepends on whether it is acute or chronic.

Drug treatment

In acute bacterial tonsillitis, antibiotic therapy is the primary treatment. The antibiotic should be taken for the entire 10 days and the treatment should be continued, even if the symptoms improve sooner.

If you stop taking the drug too early, the bacteria will start multiplying again and the acute inflammation will turn into chronic inflammation.

In the case of a viral basis of inflammation, which is often seen in children, treatment with paracetamol preparations and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will be effective.

In both cases, it is recommended to use topical preparations that reduce pain, moisturize the mucosa and facilitate swallowing.

Treatment treatment

In the case of chronic pharyngitis, surgical treatment, i.e. tonsillectomy (tonsillectomy), should be considered.

Surgery is performed when episodes of strep throat occur three or more times a year and five or more times in the last two years.

The indication for tonsillectomy is:

  • their permanent overgrowth
  • persistent bad breath
  • unpleasant aftertaste
  • difficulty swallowing
  • recurrent peritonsillar abscesses

Tonsillitis - complications

Ignoring the symptoms of inflammationtonsils, especially chronic ones, can lead to very serious complications. Relatively the least serious are abscesses that may appear around the tonsils, behind the throat, or in the mouth.

Much more dangerous is when the tonsillitis spreads to other organs. These complications can happen when the bacteria or viruses that infect the throat enter the bloodstream. Then the following may appear:

  • myocarditis
  • nephritis
  • arthritis
  • neuritis
  • rheumatic fever
  • otitis media and sinusitis
  • sepsa

Category:

ENT