What are the main symptoms of acute bronchitis. How is acute bronchitis diagnosed. What are the most effective treatments for acute bronchitis. Who is at higher risk of developing complications from bronchitis. How long does acute bronchitis typically last. What lifestyle changes can help prevent recurrent bronchitis.

Understanding Acute Bronchitis: An Overview

Acute bronchitis is a common respiratory condition characterized by inflammation of the bronchi, the main airways in the lungs. This inflammation leads to increased mucus production and other changes that can cause discomfort and breathing difficulties. While acute bronchitis can affect people of all ages, it is particularly common in young children under five years old and tends to occur more frequently during winter months.

Typically developing after a cold, sore throat, or flu, acute bronchitis is one of the top five reasons for GP visits. Understanding its symptoms, causes, and treatment options is crucial for managing this condition effectively.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Acute Bronchitis

The primary symptom of acute bronchitis is a persistent cough, which may be accompanied by other signs. These include:

• Production of yellow-grey mucus (phlegm)
• Sore throat
• Wheezing
• Fatigue
• Mild fever and chills
• Chest discomfort

How long do symptoms of acute bronchitis typically last? Most symptoms persist for up to two weeks, although the cough can linger for up to eight weeks in some cases. If symptoms persist beyond three weeks or are particularly severe, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider.

Causes and Risk Factors of Acute Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is primarily caused by viral infections, often the same viruses responsible for colds and flu. However, other factors can contribute to its development:

• Bacterial infections (less common)
• Exposure to irritants like dust, allergens, and strong fumes
• Chemical cleaning compounds
• Tobacco smoke

Are certain individuals more susceptible to developing acute bronchitis? Yes, some people are at higher risk, including:

• Young children and elderly adults
• Smokers and those exposed to secondhand smoke
• People with weakened immune systems
• Individuals with chronic lung conditions like asthma or COPD

Diagnosing Acute Bronchitis: When to See a Doctor

While most cases of acute bronchitis can be managed at home, certain situations warrant medical attention. Consult your GP if:

• Your cough is severe or lasts longer than three weeks
• You have a persistent high fever (38°C or above) for more than three days
• You cough up blood-streaked mucus
• You have an underlying heart or lung condition

How do healthcare providers diagnose acute bronchitis? Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and review of symptoms. In some cases, additional tests may be necessary:

• Chest X-ray to rule out pneumonia
• Sputum tests to check for bacterial infections
• Pulmonary function tests to assess lung capacity and check for underlying conditions

Treatment Options for Acute Bronchitis

Most cases of acute bronchitis resolve on their own within a few weeks. However, several measures can help alleviate symptoms and promote recovery:

Home Remedies and Self-Care

• Rest and adequate sleep
• Increased fluid intake to thin mucus and facilitate its expulsion
• Use of a humidifier to moisten the air and ease breathing
• Avoiding irritants like smoke and strong fumes

Over-the-Counter Medications

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and fever relief
• Cough suppressants for nighttime use
• Expectorants to help loosen mucus

Prescription Treatments

In some cases, your doctor may prescribe:

• Inhaled bronchodilators to open airways
• Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Antibiotics (only if a bacterial infection is suspected)

What is the most effective approach to treating acute bronchitis? The best treatment plan often combines rest, hydration, and symptom management. Antibiotics are usually not necessary unless a bacterial infection is present.

Preventing Acute Bronchitis and Reducing Recurrence

While it’s not always possible to prevent acute bronchitis, certain lifestyle changes and precautions can reduce your risk:

• Practicing good hand hygiene
• Avoiding close contact with people who have respiratory infections
• Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke
• Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine to boost immunity
• Staying up-to-date with vaccinations, including annual flu shots

How can you reduce the likelihood of recurrent bronchitis? Addressing underlying factors such as smoking, allergies, or chronic conditions can significantly decrease the frequency of bronchitis episodes.

Complications of Acute Bronchitis: What to Watch For

While acute bronchitis is generally a self-limiting condition, complications can occur, especially in high-risk individuals. The most common complication is pneumonia, which develops in approximately 1 in 20 cases of bronchitis.

Who is at increased risk for complications from acute bronchitis? The following groups should be particularly vigilant:

• Elderly individuals
• Smokers
• People with chronic health conditions (heart, liver, or kidney disease)
• Those with weakened immune systems

What signs indicate that bronchitis may be progressing to pneumonia? Watch for:

• High fever that persists or worsens
• Increased shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Coughing up blood

If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention promptly. Early intervention can prevent more serious complications and promote faster recovery.

Chronic Bronchitis: A Long-Term Concern

While acute bronchitis is a temporary condition, chronic bronchitis represents a more persistent problem. Chronic bronchitis is defined as a productive cough that lasts for at least three months, with recurring bouts occurring for at least two consecutive years.

What distinguishes chronic bronchitis from its acute counterpart? The key differences include:

• Duration: Chronic bronchitis persists for months or years, while acute bronchitis typically resolves within weeks.
• Cause: Chronic bronchitis is often linked to long-term irritant exposure, particularly tobacco smoke, whereas acute bronchitis is usually triggered by infections.
• Treatment approach: Management of chronic bronchitis focuses on long-term symptom control and preventing exacerbations, while acute bronchitis treatment aims at short-term symptom relief.

Who is most affected by chronic bronchitis? In the UK, an estimated 2 million people suffer from chronic bronchitis, with the majority being adults over 50 years old. Smoking is the primary risk factor for developing this condition.

Managing Chronic Bronchitis

Unlike acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis requires ongoing management. Key strategies include:

• Smoking cessation: This is the most crucial step in slowing the progression of the disease.
• Bronchodilators: These medications help open airways and improve breathing.
• Corticosteroids: Inhaled or oral steroids can reduce airway inflammation.
• Pulmonary rehabilitation: This program combines exercise, education, and support to improve lung function and quality of life.
• Oxygen therapy: In advanced cases, supplemental oxygen may be necessary.

Can chronic bronchitis be reversed? While the damage caused by chronic bronchitis is generally irreversible, proper management can slow its progression and significantly improve symptoms and quality of life.

Bronchitis in Special Populations

While bronchitis can affect anyone, certain groups may experience unique challenges or require special considerations in their treatment approach.

Bronchitis in Children

Acute bronchitis is particularly common in young children, especially those under five years old. In children, bronchitis often develops following a viral respiratory infection and can be exacerbated by environmental factors such as secondhand smoke exposure.

How does bronchitis in children differ from adults? Key differences include:

• More frequent occurrence due to smaller airways and developing immune systems
• Increased risk of bronchiolitis, particularly in infants
• Greater likelihood of wheezing as a symptom
• Potential for impacting growth and development if recurrent

Treatment for bronchitis in children focuses on symptom relief and may include humidifiers, nasal suctioning for infants, and in some cases, inhaled medications. Antibiotics are generally not recommended unless a bacterial infection is confirmed.

Bronchitis in the Elderly

Older adults are at higher risk for complications from bronchitis due to age-related changes in lung function and potential comorbidities. They may experience more severe symptoms and a longer recovery period.

What special considerations are necessary for managing bronchitis in the elderly?

• Closer monitoring for progression to pneumonia
• Careful medication management to avoid interactions with existing prescriptions
• Emphasis on hydration and nutrition to support recovery
• Consideration of home health services or short-term care if needed

Vaccination against influenza and pneumococcal disease is particularly important for this age group to prevent respiratory infections that could lead to bronchitis.

The Role of Environmental Factors in Bronchitis

Environmental factors play a significant role in both the development and exacerbation of bronchitis. Understanding and mitigating these factors can be crucial in managing and preventing bronchitis episodes.

Air Quality and Bronchitis

Poor air quality, both indoor and outdoor, can irritate the airways and increase susceptibility to bronchitis. Key environmental triggers include:

• Air pollution (particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide)
• Occupational exposures (dust, chemicals, fumes)
• Indoor allergens (dust mites, mold spores, pet dander)
• Tobacco smoke

How can you reduce environmental risk factors for bronchitis? Consider these strategies:

• Use air purifiers in your home, especially in bedrooms
• Maintain proper ventilation and control humidity levels
• Avoid outdoor activities during high pollution days
• Use protective equipment in occupational settings with airborne irritants
• Implement a strict no-smoking policy in your living spaces

Climate and Seasonal Factors

Bronchitis tends to be more common during winter months. This increased incidence is attributed to several factors:

• Higher prevalence of respiratory viruses
• Increased time spent indoors, leading to greater exposure to indoor air pollutants
• Cold air, which can irritate airways
• Lower humidity levels, which can dry out mucous membranes

How can you protect yourself from bronchitis during high-risk seasons? Consider these tips:

• Practice good hand hygiene to reduce viral transmission
• Use a scarf or mask to warm the air you breathe when outdoors in cold weather
• Maintain indoor humidity levels between 30-50%
• Stay up-to-date with flu vaccinations

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Bronchitis Management

As our understanding of bronchitis evolves, new research continues to shape treatment approaches and prevention strategies. Several areas of study show promise for improving bronchitis management in the future.

Microbiome Research

Recent studies have focused on the role of the respiratory microbiome in bronchitis. The balance of microorganisms in the airways may influence susceptibility to infections and inflammatory responses.

How might microbiome research impact bronchitis treatment? Potential applications include:

• Development of probiotics specifically for respiratory health
• Personalized treatment approaches based on individual microbiome profiles
• New strategies for preventing recurrent bronchitis by maintaining a healthy airway microbiome

Anti-inflammatory Therapies

Given the central role of inflammation in bronchitis, researchers are exploring novel anti-inflammatory treatments. These include:

• New classes of medications that target specific inflammatory pathways
• Natural compounds with anti-inflammatory properties
• Inhaled gene therapies to modulate airway inflammation

Precision Medicine Approaches

The future of bronchitis management may lie in more personalized treatment strategies. This approach takes into account individual genetic factors, environmental exposures, and specific pathogens involved.

What benefits could precision medicine offer for bronchitis patients? Potential advantages include:

• More accurate prediction of which patients are likely to develop chronic bronchitis
• Tailored treatment plans based on individual risk factors and biomarkers
• Improved ability to distinguish between viral and bacterial infections, reducing unnecessary antibiotic use

As research in these areas progresses, we can anticipate more effective and targeted approaches to preventing and treating both acute and chronic bronchitis. Staying informed about these developments can help patients and healthcare providers make the best decisions for respiratory health.

Bronchitis | NHS inform

Bronchitis is an infection of the main airways of the lungs (bronchi), causing them to become irritated and inflamed.

The main symptom is a cough, which may bring up yellow-grey mucus (phlegm). Bronchitis may also cause a sore throat and wheezing.

Read more about the symptoms of bronchitis.

When to see your GP

Most cases of bronchitis can be treated easily at home with rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and plenty of fluids.

You only need to see your GP if your symptoms are severe or unusual – for example, if:

• your cough is severe or lasts longer than three weeks
• you have a constant fever (a temperature of 38°C – 100.4°F – or above) for more than three days
• you cough up mucus streaked with blood
• you have an underlying heart or lung condition, such as asthma or heart failure

Your GP may need to rule out other lung infections, such as pneumonia, which has symptoms similar to those of bronchitis. If your GP thinks you may have pneumonia, you will probably need a chest X-ray, and a sample of mucus may be taken for testing.

If your GP thinks you might have an undiagnosed underlying condition, they may also suggest a pulmonary function test. You will be asked to take a deep breath and blow into a device called a spirometer, which measures the volume of air in your lungs. Decreased lung capacity can indicate an underlying health problem.

Treating bronchitis

In most cases, bronchitis will clear up by itself within a few weeks without the need for treatment. This type of bronchitis is known as “acute bronchitis”. While you are waiting for it to pass, you should drink lots of fluid and get plenty of rest.

In some cases, the symptoms of bronchitis can last much longer. If symptoms last for at least three months, it is known as “chronic bronchitis”. There is no cure for chronic bronchitis, but there are several medications to help relieve symptoms. It is also important to avoid smoking and smoky environments, as this can make your symptoms worse.

Read more about treating bronchitis.

Why do I have bronchitis?

The bronchi are the main airways in your lungs, which branch off on either side of your windpipe (trachea). They lead to smaller and smaller airways inside your lungs, known as bronchioles.

The walls of the bronchi produce mucus to trap dust and other particles that could otherwise cause irritation.

Most cases of acute bronchitis develop when an infection causes the bronchi to become irritated and inflamed, which causes them to produce more mucus than usual. Your body tries to shift this extra mucus through coughing.

Smoking is the most common cause of chronic bronchitis. Over time, tobacco smoke can cause permanent damage to the bronchi, causing them to become inflamed.

Read more about the causes of bronchitis.

Complications

Pneumonia is the most common complication of bronchitis. It happens when the infection spreads further into the lungs, causing air sacs inside the lungs to fill up with fluid.  1 in 20 cases of bronchitis leads to pneumonia.

People at an increased risk of developing pneumonia include:

• elderly people
• people who smoke
• people with other health conditions, such as heart, liver or kidney disease
• people with a weakened immune system

Mild pneumonia can usually be treated with antibiotics at home. More severe cases may require admission to hospital.

Read more about the treatment of pneumonia.

Who is affected

Acute bronchitis is one of the most common types of lung infection, and is one of the top five reasons for GP visits.

Acute bronchitis can affect people of all ages, but is most common in younger children under the age of five. It is more common in winter, and often develops following a cold, sore throat or flu.

It is estimated that there are around 2 million people in the UK affected by chronic bronchitis. Most of these are adults over the age of 50.

Acute Bronchitis | Johns Hopkins Medicine

What is acute bronchitis?

Bronchitis is inflammation of the breathing tubes. These airways are called bronchi. This inflammation causes increased mucus production and other changes. Although there are several different types of bronchitis, the most common are acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis may also be called a chest cold.

Most symptoms of acute bronchitis last for up to 2 weeks. The cough can last for up to 8 weeks in some people. Chronic bronchitis lasts a long time. It is more common among smokers.

What causes acute bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection. This is most often the same viruses that cause colds and the flu. It may also be caused by a bacterial infection, or by physical or chemical agents that are breathed in. These may include dusts, allergens, and strong fumes, including those from chemical cleaning compounds or tobacco smoke.

Acute bronchitis may come after a common cold or other viral infections in the upper respiratory tract. It may also occur in people with chronic sinusitis, allergies, or those with enlarged tonsils and adenoids. It can be serious in people with lung or heart diseases. Pneumonia is a complication that can follow bronchitis.

What are the symptoms acute bronchitis?

The following are the most common symptoms of acute bronchitis. However, each person may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• Back and muscle pain
• Cough, first dry (non-productive), later, a lot of mucus is produced
• Chest soreness
• Chills
• Feeling tired and achy
• Headache
• Runny nose
• Slight fever
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat
• Watery eyes
• Wheezing

The symptoms of acute bronchitis may look like other conditions or medical problems. Talk with a healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is acute bronchitis diagnosed?

Healthcare providers can often diagnose acute bronchitis by taking a medical history and doing physical exam. Tests may be done to rule out other diseases, such as pneumonia or asthma. Any of these tests may be used to help confirm a diagnosis:

• Chest X-rays. A test that uses invisible radiation beams to make images of internal tissues, bones, and organs, including the lungs.
• Arterial blood gas. This blood test is used to analyze the amount of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood.
• Pulse oximetry. An oximeter is a small machine that measures the amount of oxygen in the blood. To get this measurement, a small sensor is taped or clipped on a finger or toe. When the machine is on, a small red light can be seen in the sensor. The sensor is painless and the red light does not get hot.
• Cultures of nasal discharge and sputum. Testing the sputum you cough up or swab from your nose may be done to find and identify the microorganism causing the infection.
• Pulmonary function tests. These are tests that help to measure the ability of the lungs to move air in and out of the lungs. The tests are usually done with special machines that you breathe into.

How is acute bronchitis treated?

Acute bronchitis is usually mild and does not cause complications. The symptoms often resolve on their own and lung function goes back to normal.

In most cases, antibiotics are not needed to treat acute bronchitis. That’s because most of the infections are caused by viruses. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses. If it has progressed to pneumonia, then antibiotics may be necessary.

Treatment is aimed at treating the symptoms, and may include:

• Avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke
• Cough medicine
• Humidifying the air
• Increased fluid intake
• Pain relievers and fever reducers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Quitting smoking

Avoid antihistamines because they dry up the secretions and can make the cough worse.

What are the complications of acute bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis can worsen and progress to chronic bronchitis or pneumonia. If this happens, a different treatment may be necessary.

Can bronchitis be prevented?

Acute bronchitis can’t always be prevented. However, there are shots you can get to prevent its complications, such as pneumonia.

Check with your healthcare provider about getting the flu and pneumococcal shots. Getting a flu shot every year can help prevent both the flu and pneumonia. The pneumococcal shot can protect you from a common form of bacterial pneumonia.

Anyone can get pneumococcal disease. However, children younger than age 2, adults ages 65 and older, people with certain medical conditions, and smokers are at the highest risk.

When should I call my health care provider?

Most often, bronchitis resolves on its own. If your symptoms worsen or don’t get better over time, call your healthcare provider.

Key points

• Bronchitis is inflammation of the breathing tubes. These airways are called bronchi. There are several different types of bronchitis. The two most common are acute and chronic.
• Acute bronchitis is usually caused by the same viruses that cause colds and the flu. It may also be caused by a bacterial infection, or by physical or chemical agents that are breathed into the lungs.
• The most common symptoms for acute bronchitis include cough, chest soreness, runny nose, feeling tired and achy, headache, chills, slight fever, and sore throat.
• Healthcare providers can often diagnose acute bronchitis by taking a medical history and doing physical exam. Blood tests, breathing tests, and imaging tests may also be used.
• In most cases, antibiotics are not needed to treat acute bronchitis. If it progresses to pneumonia, then antibiotics may be necessary. Treatment is aimed at managing the symptoms.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:

• Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
• Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your healthcare provider tells you.
• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your healthcare provider gives you.
• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
• Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
• Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
• If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
• Know how you can contact your healthcare provider if you have questions.

Tonsillitis: features, classification, symptoms, treatment

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Tonsillitis is an inflammatory process in the palatine tonsils, which is characterized by hyperemia, redness and pain, in some cases, the appearance of purulent contents in the lacunae or all of the tonsils. The palatine tonsils are peripheral organs of the immune system and are designed to protect the body from the penetration of various bacteria and viruses into the human body. When a pathological agent penetrates to neutralize it, active production of leukocytes begins in the tonsils, but with a strong infection, the immune system cannot cope and inflammation occurs.

Symptoms

Types of tonsillitis

Causes

Complications

• Discomfort or sore throat that worsens when swallowing, sometimes it can radiate to the ear.
• Stinging, burning in the tonsils, dryness and sensation of a foreign body in the throat.
• An increase in body temperature, sometimes significantly (up to 39-40 ° C), sometimes tonsillitis occurs without fever.
• Bad putrid odor from the mouth.
• Obsessive dry cough.
• Enlargement of regional lymph nodes.
• The development of purulent inflammation can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, convulsions.
• General deterioration of health: weakness, pain in muscles and joints, headaches, excessive sweating, fatigue, decreased performance.

Tonsillitis occurs in acute (tonsillitis) and chronic forms.

Acute tonsillitis (tonsillitis) or primary inflammation can occur in catarrhal, lacunar, follicular, less often necrotic form. Secondary acute inflammation of the palatine tonsils most often occurs against the background of existing inflammatory or infectious diseases – scarlet fever, diphtheria, typhoid fever, mononucleosis, and leukemia,

Chronic tonsillitis is a long-term inflammatory process in the tonsils, with rare or constant relapses of the disease. Exacerbations can be caused both by viruses or bacteria, and against the background of SARS, dental diseases, and a general decrease in immunity.

Tonsillitis occurs due to a weakened immune defense and in the presence of provoking factors. The causative agents of inflammation of the palatine tonsils are most often adenoviruses, coccal flora (streptococci, staphylococci), chlamydia, rhinoviruses, herpes viruses, parainfluenza.

Development of the disease is promoted by:

• hypothermia;
• bad habits smoking and alcohol abuse;
• hypo and beriberi;
• throat injuries;
• chronic inflammatory diseases of the cavities of the nose and throat, paranasal sinuses;
• uncontrolled intake of hormonal drugs;
• hereditary predisposition in diseases of the throat;
• hypoplasia of lymphoid tissues and other causes.

Exacerbations of chronic tonsillitis occur annually (up to 2-3 times a year). Constant relapses of the disease can provoke the development of complications: tonsil abscess, sepsis, as well as the transfer of purulent inflammation to other organs: sinusitis, otitis media, mastoiditis, meningitis, pneumonia. Purulent inflammation of the palatine tonsils often contributes to the development of serious and dangerous complications: rheumatism, polyarthritis, glumerulonephritis, acquired heart disease, inflammation of the heart membranes, etc.

Also, the disease can provoke a violation of nasal breathing and concomitant somatic diseases of various organs and systems that affect the overall reactivity of the body.

Diagnosis of the disease

Diagnosis is made on the basis of patient complaints, physical examination data and instrumental studies. During the examination, the doctor identifies the causative agent of the disease, for this a swab is taken from the throat, the presence of complications, the cause of the disease.

Treatment of tonsillitis in the Gaide clinic

Comprehensive treatment of tonsillitis is carried out under the supervision of an otorhinolaryngologist, self-treatment in this case is unacceptable. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs are used to treat tonsils. To free the tonsils from accumulated pus, lacunae are washed using the Tonsilor apparatus. Also used are injections into the tonsils, the introduction of medicinal substances into the lacunae, and the lubrication of the tonsils with antiseptics.

According to the doctor’s decision, physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed: ultraviolet radiation on the tonsils, laser and magneto-laser therapy, electrophoresis, UHF, ultrasound, oil and alkaline inhalations.

Surgical removal of the tonsils is used in the absence of positive dynamics in the treatment, or if the pathology has led to serious complications. During the operation, the tonsil is removed completely or only part of it. New methods of operations are used: laser lacunotomy or tonsillectomy, using a surgical laser.

symptoms and treatment in adults

Chronic tonsillitis is a disease characterized by prolonged inflammation of the tonsils. It develops after an untreated acute tonsillitis (tonsillitis) or an inflammatory process of the structures of the nasopharynx and oropharynx. As a rule, pathogenic bacteria on the tonsils are in a “dormant” state, but when the whole body or the oral cavity becomes cold, with injuries of the oral cavity, a decrease in immunity, or due to other factors, they are activated and cause an acute inflammatory process.

Contents

1. Causes of chronic tonsillitis in adults
2. Symptoms of chronic tonsillitis
3. Complications of chronic tonsillitis
4. Diagnosis of chronic tonsillitis
5. Tests for chronic tonsillitis
6. Treatment of chronic tonsillitis

Causes of chronic tonsillitis in adults

1. Frequent pharyngitis . If you have a sore throat, we also recommend that you do not self-medicate, and make an appointment with a doctor, especially if you have pharyngitis several times a year.
2. Allergy . It can also cause damage, as it affects the immune system and reduces the body’s ability to resist infections.
3. Diseases of the dental system . Caries, periodontitis and other diseases of the teeth and gums are characterized by the development of infection in the oral cavity. If left untreated, the infection can affect other organs and tissues.
4. Low immunity . The body’s ability to resist infection decreases after an illness (for example, measles, scarlet fever, etc.) or in other stressful situations for the body (for example, hypothermia, overwork, malnutrition, regular stressful situations, long-term use of certain medications).
5. Inflammation in the nasal sinuses, adenoids, sinusitis, polyps, etc. We recommend not to ignore even a frequent runny nose and consult a doctor in a timely manner.
6. Deviated septum . Such a violation can lead to a violation of the ventilation of the nasopharynx and the accumulation of pathogenic bacteria.
7. Heredity . In about 3% of cases, tonsillitis is not caused by external factors, but is inherited from close relatives.

Symptoms of chronic tonsillitis

• persistent sore throat;
• discomfort during meals and after sleep;
• sensation of a foreign object in the throat;
• white or yellowish patches on tonsils;
• frequent cough;
• increased body temperature without other causes;
• pustular formation of tonsils;
• decreased performance, increased fatigue;
• Bad smell from the mouth.

Chronic tonsillitis can cause complications due to the spread of infection from the tonsils throughout the patient’s body, for example, damage to the kidneys or joints. The disease affects the functioning of the immune system and partly affects the occurrence of collagen pathologies, for example, eczema, psoriasis.

Chronic tonsillitis occurs with periodic exacerbations, that is, transitions into an acute form. The cause of exacerbations can be SARS, the use of cold water, food, as well as hypothermia and other reasons. In this case, there are signs of acute tonsillitis, for example, fever, severe pain when swallowing, an increase in regional lymph nodes.

Complications of chronic tonsillitis

The most common complication is a paratonsillar (near-tonsillar) abscess. It is initially similar to a sore throat, since at the initial stage it is characterized by an increase in body temperature and a severe sore throat. But in the absence of timely treatment, the tonsil swells, and the pain becomes stronger: often patients cannot not only swallow, but even sleep or open their mouths. An abscess requires inpatient treatment.

But this is not the only complication. The infection can easily spread throughout the patient’s body, which is fraught with a variety of pathologies and lesions of internal organs. The most common complications include skin diseases (eczema, psoriasis, etc.), diseases of the genitourinary system, changes in thyroid function, arthritis (inflammation of the tissue of the joints), inflammation of the heart tissue (endocarditis, myocarditis).

Tonsillitis diagnostics

The doctor makes a diagnosis not only on the basis of complaints, the medical history and the general condition of the patient, but also taking into account the results of the tests – this is the only way to be sure of its correctness.

First of all, the specialist performs palpation of the lymph nodes and a visual examination under special lighting (pharyngoscopy). If the tonsils are enlarged, their tissue is loosened, reddened, there are thickenings, swelling, scar tissue, grooves, pus (especially with an unpleasant odor), curd-like discharge, etc. , this may indicate the presence of chronic tonsillitis.

Tests for chronic tonsillitis

1. General and biochemical blood tests. They show the level of leukocytes, ESR, etc., tell the doctor about the degree of the inflammatory process and the reaction of the immune system.
2. Throat swab. As a rule, pus has a mucous structure and smells unpleasant. The analysis also allows you to determine the type of microbes – usually it is a streptococcal infection or staphylococcus aureus. The study also provides information about the general condition of the throat – a long-term chronic disease can provoke the development of other diseases, and it is important to identify them in a timely manner.
3. Urinalysis. It shows the level of lymphocytes, ESR and protein, helps to determine the activity of parasitic microorganisms and clarify whether they have penetrated into other tissues and organs or not.

Three days before the examination, it is recommended to stop drinking alcohol, and two hours – from smoking and treating the throat with local medicines.

Treatment of chronic tonsillitis

The simplest and most popular method of treatment is washing the tonsils. This is not a one-time procedure, it is carried out in a course, and the doctor selects the number of sessions individually. Washing does not always contribute to complete recovery, but even in this case it has a positive effect: it normalizes the patient’s well-being and condition, gives the body strength and reserves for recovery, and avoids surgical intervention and relapses.

Some doctors use a syringe flush. But practice shows that this method does not always allow you to completely clear the affected area from the infection, and some bacteria remain, which means that the disease can return. In the Rehabilitation Clinic in Khamovniki, washing is carried out using the Tonsilor apparatus. It uses vacuum and low-frequency ultrasonic action and works pointwise: with its help, the doctor can treat only the affected tissues (palatine tonsils), without touching healthy areas.

Benefits of flushing with Tonsilor:

1. High efficiency . The device allows you to completely wash the tonsil.
2. Active action . Low-frequency ultrasound exposure inactivates pathogenic bacteria and starts recovery processes.
3. Complexity . Several antiseptics act on the tissue of the tonsil at once.
4. Safety . Ulcers, pathogenic bacteria and microbes do not come into contact with the patient’s oral cavity.

At the first stage of treatment, Tonsilor washes the tonsils, further ultrasound exposure to tissues allows:

• improve blood microcirculation at the site of exposure;
• reduce the formation of scar tissue of the tonsils;
• to improve the reparative regeneration of the tonsil parenchyma.

All this ensures fast healing.

If necessary, the doctor may also prescribe medications. They allow you to normalize body temperature, have an analgesic effect, reduce swelling, increase immunity, etc. In some cases, physiotherapy is indicated: electrophoresis, laser therapy, UHF, UVI, magnetic therapy, etc.

Full recovery is possible only if the cause of the disease is eliminated, for example, caries, pharyngitis, etc. Proper nutrition, hardening of the body, quitting smoking and drinking alcohol, and moderate physical activity help to improve immunity and avoid the recurrence of the disease.

Contraindications to the procedure of washing the tonsils on the device “Tonzilor”

Any medical intervention, including washing on the Tonsilor apparatus, has a number of contraindications. Therefore, before treatment, each patient is examined by a doctor. He studies the medical history, concomitant diseases, the general condition of the patient, the presence of indications and contraindications, and only then selects the optimal treatment program, the most suitable and effective method for washing the tonsils in each case.

Rehabilitation clinic in Khamovniki

Treatment of chronic tonsillitis in Moscow is carried out by various clinics.