How long does it take for tonsillitis to heal. What are the main symptoms of tonsillitis. What causes tonsillitis and who is at risk. How is tonsillitis diagnosed and treated. When is tonsillectomy recommended for tonsillitis.

Understanding Tonsillitis: An Overview of the Condition

Tonsillitis is an infection that affects the tonsils, two masses of tissue located at the back of the throat. These structures play a crucial role in the body’s immune system by trapping germs and producing antibodies to fight infections. However, sometimes the tonsils themselves become overwhelmed by bacteria or viruses, leading to inflammation and swelling.

There are three main types of tonsillitis:

• Acute tonsillitis: Symptoms typically last 3-4 days but can persist for up to 2 weeks
• Recurrent tonsillitis: Multiple episodes occurring within a short period
• Chronic tonsillitis: A long-term tonsil infection

Tonsillitis is particularly common in children but can affect individuals of all ages. Understanding the nature of this condition is essential for proper management and treatment.

Recognizing Tonsillitis Symptoms in Adults and Children

Tonsillitis manifests through various symptoms, which can vary in severity. In adults, the primary indicators include:

• Inflamed and swollen tonsils
• Throat pain or tenderness
• Fever
• Red tonsils with white or yellow coating
• Painful blisters or ulcers on the throat
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Ear pain
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swollen glands in the neck or jaw
• Bad breath
• Scratchy or muffled voice

Children may experience additional symptoms such as:

• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Drooling
• Refusal to eat or drink

Can tonsillitis symptoms differ between adults and children? While many symptoms overlap, children are more likely to experience gastrointestinal issues and may have difficulty expressing their discomfort, making it crucial for parents and caregivers to be vigilant.

Causes and Risk Factors of Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis can be caused by both bacterial and viral infections. The most common bacterial cause is Streptococcus (strep) bacteria, which is also responsible for strep throat. Other common causes include:

• Adenoviruses
• Influenza virus
• Epstein-Barr virus
• Parainfluenza viruses
• Enteroviruses
• Herpes simplex virus

Several factors can increase an individual’s risk of developing tonsillitis:

1. Age: Children between 5 and 15 years old are more susceptible to bacterial tonsillitis, while viral tonsillitis is more common in younger children. Elderly adults also face an increased risk.
2. Exposure to germs: Children in school or camp settings are more likely to spread infections. Adults who work closely with children, such as teachers, may also have a higher risk.
3. Weakened immune system: Individuals with compromised immune functions may be more vulnerable to tonsillitis.

Why are children more prone to tonsillitis than adults? Children’s immune systems are still developing, making them more susceptible to infections. Additionally, their frequent close contact with peers in school or daycare settings facilitates the spread of infectious agents.

Diagnostic Approaches for Tonsillitis

Accurate diagnosis of tonsillitis is crucial for appropriate treatment. Healthcare providers typically follow these steps:

1. Physical examination: The doctor will inspect the tonsils for redness, swelling, or the presence of pus. They will also check for fever and examine the ears and nose for signs of infection.
2. Throat swab: A sample is taken from the throat to test for strep bacteria. Results are usually available within 10-15 minutes, though some cases may require a lab test that takes a couple of days.
3. Blood test: A complete blood cell count (CBC) can help determine whether the infection is bacterial or viral based on the presence of certain blood cells.
4. Rash check: The doctor will look for scarlatina, a rash associated with strep throat infections.

How does a doctor distinguish between viral and bacterial tonsillitis? While a physical examination can provide clues, a throat swab and blood test are often necessary to definitively determine the cause of the infection. This distinction is crucial for selecting the appropriate treatment approach.

Treatment Options for Tonsillitis

The treatment for tonsillitis depends on its underlying cause:

Bacterial Tonsillitis

If bacteria are identified as the cause, antibiotics are prescribed. These may be administered as:

• A one-time injection
• Oral pills taken over several days

It’s crucial to complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve within 2-3 days.

Viral Tonsillitis

Antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections. Instead, the body’s immune system will fight the infection. Home remedies can help manage symptoms:

• Plenty of rest
• Drinking warm or very cold fluids
• Consuming smooth foods like ice cream or applesauce
• Using a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier
• Gargling with warm salt water
• Sucking on throat lozenges

How long does it typically take for tonsillitis to heal? The healing time varies depending on the cause and severity of the infection. Viral tonsillitis usually resolves within 7-10 days, while bacterial tonsillitis treated with antibiotics often improves within 24-48 hours of starting medication. However, complete recovery may take up to two weeks.

Surgical Intervention: When is Tonsillectomy Necessary?

In some cases, surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) may be recommended. This procedure is typically considered when:

• Tonsillitis recurs frequently (more than 7 times in one year or 5 times per year for two consecutive years)
• Enlarged tonsils cause breathing difficulties or sleep apnea
• An abscess develops around the tonsils that doesn’t respond to other treatments
• Cancer is suspected

Is tonsillectomy a major surgery? While tonsillectomy is a common procedure, it is considered a major surgery as it requires general anesthesia and carries some risks. The recovery period typically lasts 10-14 days, during which patients may experience pain and difficulty swallowing.

Complications and Long-term Effects of Tonsillitis

While most cases of tonsillitis resolve without incident, complications can occur, particularly with bacterial infections. Potential complications include:

• Peritonsillar abscess: A collection of pus around the tonsil
• Middle ear infection
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Tonsillar cellulitis: Deep infection of nearby tissues

Untreated strep infections can lead to more serious conditions:

• Rheumatic fever
• Scarlet fever
• Sinusitis
• Glomerulonephritis (a kidney infection)

Can tonsillitis have long-term effects on overall health? While most cases of tonsillitis resolve completely with proper treatment, recurrent or chronic tonsillitis can impact quality of life and potentially lead to complications if left untreated. Regular medical follow-ups are essential for individuals prone to frequent tonsil infections.

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Adjustments for Tonsillitis

While it’s not always possible to prevent tonsillitis, certain measures can reduce the risk of infection:

1. Practice good hygiene: Wash hands frequently, especially before eating and after using the bathroom.
2. Avoid sharing utensils, food, or drinks with others, particularly during cold and flu season.
3. Replace your toothbrush after a bout of tonsillitis to prevent reinfection.
4. Boost your immune system through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.
5. Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke and other irritants that can inflame the throat.
6. Stay hydrated to keep the throat moist and help flush out toxins.

How effective are natural remedies in preventing tonsillitis? While some natural remedies like gargling with salt water or consuming honey may help soothe symptoms, they are not proven to prevent tonsillitis. The most effective prevention strategies involve maintaining good overall health and hygiene practices.

Understanding tonsillitis, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options is crucial for managing this common condition effectively. By recognizing the signs early and seeking appropriate medical care, individuals can minimize discomfort and reduce the risk of complications. Whether dealing with a single episode or recurrent infections, a combination of medical treatment and self-care measures can help expedite healing and improve overall throat health.

Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, Surgery, and Remedies

Written by Mary Anne Dunkin

Medically Reviewed by Poonam Sachdev on May 09, 2023

• What Is Tonsillitis?
• Tonsillitis Symptoms
• Tonsillitis Symptoms in Children
• Tonsillitis Causes and Risk Factors
• Tonsillitis Diagnosis
• Tonsillitis Complications
• Tonsillitis and Strep Infection
• Tonsillitis Treatments
• Tonsillitis Prevention
• More

Tonsillitis is an infection of your tonsils, two masses of tissue at the back of your throat.

Your tonsils act as filters, trapping germs that could otherwise enter your airways and cause infection. They also make antibodies to fight infection. But sometimes, they get overwhelmed by bacteria or viruses. This can make them swollen and inflamed.

Tonsillitis is common, especially in children. It can happen once in a while or come back again and again in a short period.

There are three types:

• Acute tonsillitis. These symptoms usually last 3 or 4 days but can last up to 2 weeks.
• Recurrent tonsillitis. This is when you get tonsillitis several times in a year.
• Chronic tonsillitis. This is when you have a long-term tonsil infection.

The main symptoms of tonsillitis are inflamed and swollen tonsils, sometimes severe enough to make it hard to breathe through your mouth. Other symptoms include:

• Throat pain or tenderness
• Fever
• Red tonsils
• A white or yellow coating on your tonsils
• Painful blisters or ulcers on your throat
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Ear pain
• Trouble swallowing
• Swollen glands in your neck or jaw
• Fever and chills
• Bad breath
• A scratchy or muffled voice
• Stiff neck

In children, symptoms may also include:

• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Drooling
• Not wanting to eat or swallow

Bacterial and viral infections cause tonsillitis. A common cause is Streptococcus (strep) bacteria, which can also cause strep throat. Other common causes include:

• Adenoviruses
• Influenza virus
• Epstein-Barr virus
• Parainfluenza viruses
• Enteroviruses
• Herpes simplex virus

Some things may put you at greater risk of getting tonsillitis:

• Age.Children tend to get tonsillitis more than adults. Kids who are between the ages of 5 and 15 are more likely to get tonsillitis caused by bacterial infections. Tonsillitis from viral infections are more common in very young children. Elderly adults are at higher risk for tonsillitis too.
• Germ exposure.Children also spend more time with other kids their age in school or camp, so they can easily spread infections that lead to tonsillitis. Adults who spend a lot of time around young children, such as teachers, may also be more likely to pick up infections and get tonsillitis.

Your doctor will do a physical exam. They’ll look at your tonsils to see if they’re red or swollen or have pus on them. They’ll also check for a fever. They may look in your ears and nose for signs of infection and feel the sides of your neck for swelling and pain.

You might need tests to find the cause of your tonsillitis. They include:

• A throat swab. Your doctor will test saliva and cells from your throat for strep bacteria. They’ll run a cotton swab along the back of your throat. This might be uncomfortable but won’t hurt. Results are usually ready in 10 or 15 minutes. Sometimes, your doctor will also want a lab test that takes a couple of days. If these tests are negative, a virus is what caused your tonsillitis.
• A blood test. Your doctor may call this a complete blood cell count (CBC). It looks for high and low numbers of blood cells to show whether a virus or bacteria caused your tonsillitis.
• Rash.Your doctor will check for scarlatina, a rash linked to strep throat infection.

Complications usually happen only if bacteria caused your infection. They include:

• A collection of pus around your tonsil (peritonsillar abscess)
• Middle ear infection
• Breathing problems or breathing that stops and starts while you sleep (obstructive sleep apnea)
• Tonsillar cellulitis, or infection that spreads and deeply penetrates nearby tissues

If you have strep bacteria and don’t get treatment, your illness could lead to a more serious problem, including:

• Rheumatic fever
• Scarlet fever
• Sinusitis
• A kidney infection called glomerulonephritis

Your treatment will depend in part on what caused your illness.

Medication

If your tests find bacteria, you’ll get antibiotics. Your doctor might give you these drugs in a one-time injection or in pills that you’ll swallow for several days. You’ll start to feel better within 2 or 3 days, but it’s important to take all of your medication.

Home remedies

If you have a virus, antibiotics won’t help, and your body will fight the infection on its own. In the meantime, you can try some home remedies:

• Get lots of rest
• Drink warm or very cold fluids to help with throat pain
• Eat smooth foods, such as flavored gelatins, ice cream, and applesauce
• Use a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier in your room
• Gargle with warm salt water
• Suck on lozenges with benzocaine or other medications to numb your throat
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen

Tonsillectomy surgery

Tonsils are an important part of your immune system, so your doctor will try to help you keep them. But if your tonsillitis keeps coming back or won’t go away, or if swollen tonsils make it hard for you to breathe or eat, you might need to have your tonsils taken out. This surgery is called tonsillectomy.

Tonsillectomy used to be a very common treatment. But now, doctors only recommend it if tonsillitis keeps coming back. That means you or your child has tonsillitis more than seven times in one year, more than four or five times a year for the past two years, or more than three times a year for the past three years.

Usually, your doctor uses a sharp tool called a scalpel to take out your tonsils. But other options are available, including lasers, radio waves, ultrasonic energy, or electrocautery to remove enlarged tonsils.

Discuss your options with your doctor to decide the best treatment for you.

Tonsillectomy recovery

Tonsillectomy is an outpatient procedure, meaning you won’t need to stay in the hospital. It usually lasts less than an hour. You can probably go home a few hours after surgery.

Recovery usually takes 7 to 10 days. You may have some pain in your throat, ears, jaw, or neck after the surgery. Your doctor can tell you what drugs to take to help with this.

Get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids while you’re recovering. But don’t eat or drink any dairy products for the first 24 hours.

You might have a low fever and see a little blood in your nose or mouth for several days after the surgery. If your fever is over 102 or you have bright red blood in your nose or mouth, call your doctor right away.

The best way to prevent tonsillitis is through good hygiene, including:

• Washing your hands often
• Not sharing food, drink, utensils, or personal items like toothbrushes with anyone
• Staying away from someone who has a sore throat or tonsillitis

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Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, Surgery, and Remedies

Written by Mary Anne Dunkin

Medically Reviewed by Poonam Sachdev on May 09, 2023

• What Is Tonsillitis?
• Tonsillitis Symptoms
• Tonsillitis Symptoms in Children
• Tonsillitis Causes and Risk Factors
• Tonsillitis Diagnosis
• Tonsillitis Complications
• Tonsillitis and Strep Infection
• Tonsillitis Treatments
• Tonsillitis Prevention
• More

Tonsillitis is an infection of your tonsils, two masses of tissue at the back of your throat.

Your tonsils act as filters, trapping germs that could otherwise enter your airways and cause infection. They also make antibodies to fight infection. But sometimes, they get overwhelmed by bacteria or viruses. This can make them swollen and inflamed.

Tonsillitis is common, especially in children. It can happen once in a while or come back again and again in a short period.

There are three types:

• Acute tonsillitis. These symptoms usually last 3 or 4 days but can last up to 2 weeks.
• Recurrent tonsillitis. This is when you get tonsillitis several times in a year.
• Chronic tonsillitis. This is when you have a long-term tonsil infection.

The main symptoms of tonsillitis are inflamed and swollen tonsils, sometimes severe enough to make it hard to breathe through your mouth. Other symptoms include:

• Throat pain or tenderness
• Fever
• Red tonsils
• A white or yellow coating on your tonsils
• Painful blisters or ulcers on your throat
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Ear pain
• Trouble swallowing
• Swollen glands in your neck or jaw
• Fever and chills
• Bad breath
• A scratchy or muffled voice
• Stiff neck

In children, symptoms may also include:

• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Drooling
• Not wanting to eat or swallow

Bacterial and viral infections cause tonsillitis. A common cause is Streptococcus (strep) bacteria, which can also cause strep throat. Other common causes include:

• Adenoviruses
• Influenza virus
• Epstein-Barr virus
• Parainfluenza viruses
• Enteroviruses
• Herpes simplex virus

Some things may put you at greater risk of getting tonsillitis:

• Age.Children tend to get tonsillitis more than adults. Kids who are between the ages of 5 and 15 are more likely to get tonsillitis caused by bacterial infections. Tonsillitis from viral infections are more common in very young children. Elderly adults are at higher risk for tonsillitis too.
• Germ exposure.Children also spend more time with other kids their age in school or camp, so they can easily spread infections that lead to tonsillitis. Adults who spend a lot of time around young children, such as teachers, may also be more likely to pick up infections and get tonsillitis.

Your doctor will do a physical exam. They’ll look at your tonsils to see if they’re red or swollen or have pus on them. They’ll also check for a fever. They may look in your ears and nose for signs of infection and feel the sides of your neck for swelling and pain.

You might need tests to find the cause of your tonsillitis. They include:

• A throat swab. Your doctor will test saliva and cells from your throat for strep bacteria. They’ll run a cotton swab along the back of your throat. This might be uncomfortable but won’t hurt. Results are usually ready in 10 or 15 minutes. Sometimes, your doctor will also want a lab test that takes a couple of days. If these tests are negative, a virus is what caused your tonsillitis.
• A blood test. Your doctor may call this a complete blood cell count (CBC). It looks for high and low numbers of blood cells to show whether a virus or bacteria caused your tonsillitis.
• Rash.Your doctor will check for scarlatina, a rash linked to strep throat infection.

Complications usually happen only if bacteria caused your infection. They include:

• A collection of pus around your tonsil (peritonsillar abscess)
• Middle ear infection
• Breathing problems or breathing that stops and starts while you sleep (obstructive sleep apnea)
• Tonsillar cellulitis, or infection that spreads and deeply penetrates nearby tissues

If you have strep bacteria and don’t get treatment, your illness could lead to a more serious problem, including:

• Rheumatic fever
• Scarlet fever
• Sinusitis
• A kidney infection called glomerulonephritis

Your treatment will depend in part on what caused your illness.

Medication

If your tests find bacteria, you’ll get antibiotics. Your doctor might give you these drugs in a one-time injection or in pills that you’ll swallow for several days. You’ll start to feel better within 2 or 3 days, but it’s important to take all of your medication.

Home remedies

If you have a virus, antibiotics won’t help, and your body will fight the infection on its own. In the meantime, you can try some home remedies:

• Get lots of rest
• Drink warm or very cold fluids to help with throat pain
• Eat smooth foods, such as flavored gelatins, ice cream, and applesauce
• Use a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier in your room
• Gargle with warm salt water
• Suck on lozenges with benzocaine or other medications to numb your throat
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen

Tonsillectomy surgery

Tonsils are an important part of your immune system, so your doctor will try to help you keep them. But if your tonsillitis keeps coming back or won’t go away, or if swollen tonsils make it hard for you to breathe or eat, you might need to have your tonsils taken out. This surgery is called tonsillectomy.

Tonsillectomy used to be a very common treatment. But now, doctors only recommend it if tonsillitis keeps coming back. That means you or your child has tonsillitis more than seven times in one year, more than four or five times a year for the past two years, or more than three times a year for the past three years.

Usually, your doctor uses a sharp tool called a scalpel to take out your tonsils. But other options are available, including lasers, radio waves, ultrasonic energy, or electrocautery to remove enlarged tonsils.

Discuss your options with your doctor to decide the best treatment for you.

Tonsillectomy recovery

Tonsillectomy is an outpatient procedure, meaning you won’t need to stay in the hospital. It usually lasts less than an hour. You can probably go home a few hours after surgery.

Recovery usually takes 7 to 10 days. You may have some pain in your throat, ears, jaw, or neck after the surgery. Your doctor can tell you what drugs to take to help with this.

Get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids while you’re recovering. But don’t eat or drink any dairy products for the first 24 hours.

You might have a low fever and see a little blood in your nose or mouth for several days after the surgery. If your fever is over 102 or you have bright red blood in your nose or mouth, call your doctor right away.

The best way to prevent tonsillitis is through good hygiene, including:

• Washing your hands often
• Not sharing food, drink, utensils, or personal items like toothbrushes with anyone
• Staying away from someone who has a sore throat or tonsillitis

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How to treat chronic tonsillitis: an effective method of treatment

Shustov Kirill Igorevich – otolaryngologist, talks about an effective method of treating chronic tonsillitis.

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the palatine tonsils. It is divided into chronic and acute.

1. Acute tonsillitis is treated. As a rule, the treatment of acute tonsillitis does not cause any problems.

2. Chronic tonsillitis has two forms: one form is a simple toxic-allergic form, and the second, which is treated exclusively by surgery, is the removal of the tonsils, and this usually does not cause any problems.

But with the first, toxic-allergic form, there are a lot of problems.

Often there is inflammation of the tonsils, giving a relapse more than 2-3 times a year.

To treat this disease in our clinic, ablation of the palatine tonsils is used. It is carried out by radio wave method.

It is performed using a nozzle that does not cause much discomfort in the mouth. Manipulation does not cause any special pain during its implementation. After the procedure, the patient goes home.

After the procedure, it is recommended to take ordinary painkillers, rinse the oral cavity with solutions, after which all pain subsides, and the patient quickly returns to a normal, normal life. Exacerbations of this disease in 99% of cases no longer occur.

The average remission period is more than 10 years.

Return to the list of publications

• Acoustic impedancemetry
• Audiometry
• Vasomotor rhinitis
• Intranasal blockade
• Calling a children’s lore at home
• Call Laura (otolaryngologist) at home
• Behind the ear blockade
• Foreign body in the throat of a child
• Treatment of chronic tonsillitis (ablation of palatine tonsils)
• ENT operations
• Swab from the nasal cavity
• Pneumomassage of the tympanic membrane
• Pneumomassage of the eardrums for a child
• Cauterization of the nasal mucosa
• Blowing the auditory tubes according to Politzer
• Washing the lacunae of the tonsils
• Washing the lacunae of the tonsils for children
• Washing the paranasal sinuses through the fistula
• Ear washing
• Puncture of paranasal (maxillary) sinuses
• Nasal packing
• Tympanometry
• Tympanometry in children
• Removal of a foreign body from the nose
• Removal of a foreign body from the ear
• Removing a foreign body from a child’s ear
• Removal of foreign bodies from the nose of a child
• Ear polyp removal
• Sulfur Plug Removal
• Removal of sulfur plugs in children
• Endoscopy of ENT organs
• Endoscopy of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx

Treatment of chronic tonsillitis in adults and children

Chronic tonsillitis is one of the most common diseases in adults, the severity and significance of which is often underestimated.

A significant part of patients pays attention to this problem only during the period of exacerbation, deciding to visit a doctor only if home treatment is ineffective. This approach is fraught with the addition of complications, the consequences of which can remain for life.

The term “tonsillitis” comes from the Latin name for palatine tonsils or tonsils. These are special paired round-almond-shaped formations located on both sides between the palate and the root of the tongue, on the border of the oral cavity and pharynx. Their basis is lymphoid tissue, it is responsible for the maturation of lymphocytes (immunocompetent cells) and the development of an immune response with their help.

The palatine tonsils belong to the peripheral immune organs and, together with other tonsils, form the Pirogov-Waldeyer protective lymphopharyngeal ring. Their task is the recognition and subsequent destruction of pathogens, the creation of an immune barrier at the level of the pharynx. Such protection works both against infectious agents penetrating from the outside, and against its own opportunistic flora.

In most cases, this process is asymptomatic. But sometimes it is not possible to quickly destroy the pathogens, they begin to multiply in the natural recesses (crypts and lacunae) of the tonsils and provoke inflammation. This condition is called tonsillitis.

There are 2 forms of the disease:

• Acute tonsillitis or tonsillitis, the duration of the disease usually does not exceed 10-14 days. The nature of the inflammation can be catarrhal, follicular or lacunar. After the destruction of the pathogen, all the symptoms of the disease are leveled, and the tonsils are cleared and returned to their previous state.
• Chronic tonsillitis characterized by prolonged inflammation of the tonsils. The tonsils are enlarged, a purulent-microbial (caseous) substrate is constantly preserved in their recesses.

Chronic form of tonsillitis, why the tonsils become inflamed

Infection is the main cause of inflammation of the tonsils. The acute form of the disease in 70% of cases is caused by viruses, the remaining 30% are bacterial and fungal flora. Therefore, angina most often accompanies acute respiratory infections and is seasonal.

The defeat of the tonsils in chronic tonsillitis in 80% of cases is of a bacterial nature. The main causative agents of the disease:

• β-hemolytic streptococcus.
• Streptococcus group A.
• Staphylococcus aureus.
• Haemophilus influenzae.
• Rare bacteria: mycoplasmas, chlamydia, etc.

Viruses in the chronic form of the disease have a predominantly provoking, destabilizing effect. Acute and chronic recurrent viral infections weaken the immune defense, which creates conditions for the activation of the bacterial flora. Hypothermia, acute intoxication, and the intake of cold or irritating food lead to the same result.

Features of the chronic form of the disease

Chronic inflammation of the palatine tonsils can have several clinical variants:

• Latent form, when the patient does not experience significant discomfort in the throat and does not face signs of exacerbation of the disease. Such people consider themselves healthy and are unaware of the dormant infectious-inflammatory focus in their throat.
• Periodically relapsing type of disease. Indolent exacerbations and episodes of clearly defined inflammation of the tonsil itself, the adjacent palatine arches and the pharyngeal wall are possible. Between periods of exacerbation, the inflammatory process subsides, but is not completely eliminated.

In chronic tonsillitis, drainage and natural self-purification of crypts (folds) and lacunae (depressions) are disturbed in the tonsils, pus, living and dead bacteria, and toxins are constantly stored in their depths. This maintains constant inflammation, overstimulates sentinel immune cells, and provokes toxic-allergic reactions.

The immune response formed in chronic tonsillitis is not sufficient for the final suppression of the infectious process, it only restrains the activity of pathogens. Violation of this delicate balance leads to an exacerbation of the disease or triggers immune disorders.

Why treat chronic tonsillitis

Chronically inflamed tonsils become a constant source of infection. With a decrease in immunity, it can spread to other tonsils and peripharyngeal tissue, capture the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, and descend into the underlying sections of the respiratory tract.

But the inflammatory reaction of the tonsils is not the main problem of chronic tonsillitis. Constant irritation of the immune forces not only weakens the protective response, but also creates the preconditions for the attachment of abnormal reactions. Antibodies appear in the body, which are initially produced against β-hemolytic streptococcus, but show aggression towards the connective tissue.

This secondary pathology is called rheumatism or Sokolsky-Bujo disease. It is a systemic acquired disease with an autoimmune mechanism, with the valves of the heart and synovial membranes of small joints being favorite targets for antibodies.

Inflamed palatine tonsils are the key focus of streptococcal infection and the site of primary formation of rheumatic autoantibodies. Therefore, competent treatment of chronic tonsillitis is an effective prevention of rheumatism and its complications.

How to treat correctly

Competent treatment of chronic tonsillitis includes a set of measures to eliminate infectious inflammation and deep sanitation (cleansing) of the tonsils. This is necessary to prevent recurrence of the disease, suppress allergic and autoimmune processes, restore the protective function of the pharyngeal lymphadenoid ring.

Common mistakes in the treatment of tonsils:

• Use only local medicine for sore throat, with the refusal of the recommended systemic antibiotic therapy.
• The drug is selected by the patient independently, without taking into account the nature of inflammation, the composition and sensitivity of the microflora.
• Drugs for the treatment of chronic tonsillitis are taken haphazardly or instead of the recommended drugs, a folk remedy for the disease is used.
• Early discontinuation of treatment, therapy ends soon after the sore throat subsides and other symptoms of the exacerbation decrease.
• Avoidance of treatment between periods of exacerbation, refusal of the proposed operation.
• Late visit to the doctor, at the stage of complications.

This approach is the main reason for the protracted and complicated course of the disease, the formation of drug resistance (resistance) of pathogens. Treatment of chronic tonsillitis in adults should be carried out comprehensively, under the supervision of a physician.

Treatment without surgery

Conservative treatment includes general and local drug therapy, physiotherapy, lacunae washing and other tonsil cleansing methods. Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, immunomodulating agents are prescribed.

Conservative therapy is widely used in modern otorhinolaryngology. But it does not always allow you to completely cure tonsillitis. The tonsils may remain enlarged even after drug suppression of the infection and deep cleansing, and the risk of recurrence and complications remains. Approximately 1/3 of patients need to treat the disease surgically.

Operations for tonsillitis: from traditional methods to modern techniques

Indications for surgical treatment:

• The presence of 2 or more times a year episodes of exacerbation of the disease, with a predominance of purulent inflammation.
• Frequent (more than 4 times a year) exacerbations of tonsillitis, even if they occur without complications.
• Exacerbations are rare, but there are signs of complications from the heart, joints, kidneys or other organs.
• The disease proceeds latently (hidden), but has become the cause of the development of rheumatism and other systemic diseases.

For a long time it was believed that chronically inflamed tonsils are subject to total removal. This operation is called a tonsillectomy. It allows you to eliminate the focus of infection, but breaks through an uncorrected gap in the protective lymphoid ring of the pharynx.

Currently, tonsillectomy is rarely performed, mainly in case of severe purulent-destructive changes in the tonsils. In all other cases, ENT doctors prefer organ-preserving operations, trying to leave an island of functionally active tissue of the tonsils.

But resection (partial cutting off of the tonsils) is associated with the risk of recurrence of the disease. After all, such a procedure does not guarantee the elimination of all inflamed and infected tissue. The use of a laser improves the result due to the additional disinfecting and immunomodulatory effect in the surgical area, but still does not completely solve the problem of relapses. Nevertheless, laser technologies are recognized as a priority in the treatment of tonsillitis.

Intratonsillar laser destruction: the optimal treatment option

See also
Treatment of ENT diseases
Treatment of viral tonsillitis in children
Cough in a child
Treatment of tonsillitis in adults

In 1994 in the Russian Federation by Professor Koren chenko patented a new highly effective method of treatment tonsillitis – intratonsillar laser destruction of inflamed tonsils. This minimally invasive technique allows you to eliminate inflammatory foci while maintaining intact lymphoid tissue and the integrity of the tonsil.

During laser destruction, targeted destruction of the purulent contents of lacunae and the adjacent area of ​​inflammation occurs with the help of a laser. The radiation used is detrimental to bacteria and altered cells, but safe for healthy lymphoid tissue and mucous membranes. Therefore, this procedure allows you to deeply disinfect the tonsils without destroying them and without causing scarring. After laser destruction, regeneration processes are activated, the work of the immune system is restored.

Intratonsillar laser destruction is a highly effective, progressive and well tolerated type of treatment.

Intratonsillar laser destruction

Endoscope-guided laser surgery

Local anesthesia

Intervention time 10-20 minutes

Hospital stay – 1 hour

Free observation – 1 year (annual tariff)

Cost 29,900 rubles

Appointment

Chronic tonsillitis is an insidious disease that can lead to serious complications even with minimal symptoms of tonsillitis.