Chr tonsillitis symptoms treatment. Chronic tonsillitis in adults: symptoms and treatment

Chronic tonsillitis is a disease of the upper respiratory tract, characterized by a long-term inflammatory process of the tonsils. The cause of the development of chronic tonsillitis is most often an ineffective or incomplete course of treatment for acute tonsillitis. A long-term decrease in local immunity leads to the formation of foci of inflammation of the tonsils, in which pathogenic organisms are activated at the onset of exacerbation of the disease.

Prevalence and danger of the disease

The prevalence of chronic tonsillitis is quite high: according to some data, up to 10% of the population of European countries and Russia are affected by the disease. The disease can affect both adults and children. In addition to the discomfort experienced by a patient with chronic tonsillitis, this infection dangerous due to the presence of a constant focus of inflammation and infection in the body, which leads to complications of tonsillitis such as rheumatism, pyelonephritis, rheumatic carditis, polyarthritis, development autoimmune diseases and so on. That is why anyone should know everything about chronic tonsillitis, treatment and symptoms of this disease.

Causes of development of chronic tonsillitis

The palatine tonsils (in common parlance – tonsils), consisting of lymphoid tissue, are part of the body’s general immune system. Their main purpose is to combat infectious agents penetrating a person's throat. Normally, the human microflora consists of non-pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microorganisms, in a state of natural balance due to the combined work of all organs immune system. When the balance is disturbed and pathogenic organisms penetrate, the tension of local immunity leads to the destruction of viruses, fungi and bacteria. With frequent immune strain, a large amount of pathogenic flora, general decline Due to the body's resistance, lymphoid tissues become unable to produce sufficient amounts of interferons, lymphocytes, and gamma globulins to resist infectious agents.

With frequent and/or prolonged inflammatory processes in the pharynx, the palatine tonsils lose their ability to express resistance to pathogenic organisms, cleanse tissues and themselves become a source of infection, which leads to the development of chronic tonsillitis. Usually the tonsils become inflamed due to the presence of lacunae in them. Gland lacunae are reservoirs for the accumulation of epithelial cells and various microorganisms. Based on the results of microflora analysis, about 30 different pathogenic microorganisms are isolated on the surface of the tonsils in patients with tonsillitis; bacterial analysis of the contents of the lacunae most often reveals the presence of a high concentration of streptococci and staphylococci.

Most often, the chronic form of the disease develops precisely after an acute inflammatory process, sore throat. Occasionally, in 3 cases out of 100, a focus of chronic inflammation forms without an acute form in immediate retrospect. The development of the chronic form of the disease is facilitated by the following pathologies and diseases of bacterial and viral etiology:

  • purulent sinusitis, sinusitis, adenoiditis, as well as any inflammatory processes and pathologies of the structure of the nasal passages that disrupt nasal breathing;
  • caries, gingivitis and other foci of concentration pathogenic microflora in the oral cavity;
  • presence in the immediate medical history of measles, scarlet fever, current tuberculosis and other infections that reduce general immunity, especially when hidden, severe forms or improper treatment of diseases.

The role of hereditary predisposition to chronic tonsillitis and a number of factors that contribute to a decrease in local immunity in the nasopharynx are also highlighted:

  • insufficient, monotonous diet, lack of vitamins and minerals;
  • insufficient fluid intake, poor water quality;
  • severe and/or prolonged hypothermia of the body, frequent sharp changes ambient temperatures;
  • severe and/or prolonged psycho-emotional stress, mental exhaustion, depressive states;
  • unfavorable living and working conditions, gas pollution, exceeding permissible concentrations of harmful substances;
  • bad habits: smoking, alcohol abuse.

In the presence of a chronic focus of inflammation, lymphoid tissue is replaced by connective tissue, scar formation, narrowing of the external opening of the lacunae, which causes the formation of lacunar and purulent plugs, purulent plaques. All this enhances general inflammation organ. Lacunar accumulations of pathogenic microorganisms, food particles, and purulent secretions lead to penetration into the bloodstream and the spread of bacteria, the toxins they secrete, and destruction products throughout the body, causing chronic intoxication. The sensitivity of tissues and organs to irritants and foreign proteins increases, allergic, autoimmune processes, and severe complications of tonsillitis occur.

Types, symptoms of chronic tonsillitis and complications of the disease

When making a diagnosis, local and systemic symptoms, anamnesis is collected, the patient’s complaints and the general clinical picture of tonsillar syndrome are analyzed. Local tonsillitis symptoms that are important in diagnosis are manifestations of any inflammatory processes in tissues palatine tonsils. In the chronic form, symptoms characteristic of the entire body (systemic) are explained by the effects of cytokines and tissue breakdown products spreading from the infectious focus through the bloodstream. The impact should also be taken into account toxic substances, released due to pronounced microbial invasion of the lymphoid tissue of the palatine tonsils. Depending on the nature, frequency of exacerbations and the general reaction of the body, several types of chronic tonsillitis are distinguished:

  • Simple recurrent chronic tonsillitis, with frequent acute tonsillitis.
  • Simple protracted tonsillitis, with signs of a constant sluggish inflammatory process.
  • Simple compensated, with long periods of remission and rare relapses.
  • Toxic-allergic tonsillitis.

The toxic-allergic form of the disease includes two types. With the first type, a number of symptoms are observed that indicate an increase in the level of allergization and intoxication of the body. These are hyperthermia, pain in the heart, increased fatigue, joint pain. Signs are not accompanied functional disorders organs and systems.
At the second stage, signs of intoxication are confirmed during examinations: cardiac abnormalities are detected, test results confirm inflammatory processes in joints and organs genitourinary system, kidneys, liver.

Common symptoms of chronic tonsillitis include:

  • frequent exacerbations of tonsillitis in the form of sore throats (in the simple form - 3-5 times a year) against the background of hypothermia, overwork, starvation, viral or bacterial infection;
    dryness of the pharyngeal mucosa, pain, sensations foreign body during swallowing;
  • periodic (in the toxic-allergic form of the second type - constant) increase in temperature to subfebrile levels;
    presence of bad breath;
  • enlargement, soreness of the mandibular lymph nodes;
  • general fatigue, headaches, decreased body resistance;
  • When examining the pharynx, hyperemia, thickening, swelling of the palatine arches, tonsils are revealed, the presence of translucent mucous plaque and lacunar plugs is possible.

Exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis is also sometimes called purulent tonsillitis. Exacerbation occurs in the form of bacterial or viral tonsillitis. Depending on the type of pathogen, it can be herpetic tonsillitis, streptococcal or adenoviral tonsillitis. The disease is accompanied by local manifestations (sore throat, severe swelling, redness of the tonsils and palatine arches, the presence of purulent foci), a sharp increase in temperature, signs of general intoxication of the body (fever, headaches, aches in the muscles, joints, nausea, weakness, etc. .).

When chronic tonsillitis worsens, symptoms and treatment may vary due to individual characteristics the patient, the etiology of the disease, which requires consultation with a doctor to differentiate the diagnosis and prescribe a course of therapy.

Chronic tonsillitis is more typical for children, although it is often observed in adults, characterized by a predominance local symptoms over the general signs of the disease. Chronic tonsillar symptom in adulthood is most often a consequence of self-treatment acute illness, tonsillitis, adenoviral infection. The cause may also be the presence of an infectious focus in the oral cavity: gingivitis, caries, etc.

In older people, there is a natural process of reducing the volume of lymphoid tissues and a decrease in the concentration of immunocompetent cells, and therefore acute and chronic tonsillitis occur with erased symptoms; the clinical picture rarely shows febrile body temperature and severe pain, giving way to prolonged hyperthermia in the subfebrile range and signs of general intoxication of the body.

The disease is dangerous due to the presence of a permanent source of infection in the body, which contributes to the development of severe disturbances in the functioning of organs and systems. The most common consequences of the rheumatic type are:

  • rheumatic carditis;
  • rheumopolyarthritis (with damage to the synovial membrane of the joint);
  • rheumochorea, affecting nervous system body;
  • inflammatory lesions skin rheumatic in nature.

Rheumatism develops under the influence of two factors: the influence of toxins secreted by pathogenic microorganisms on the heart tissue and the similarity of the antigens of some strains of streptococcus with those inherent in the human body. The second factor causes a pathological systemic autoimmune response, in which immune cells begin to attack a person’s own cells, perceiving them as foreign. In addition to the general health effects inflammatory process can also develop locally, causing paratonsillitis, the formation of retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscesses.

Chronic tonsillitis: treatment

Treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis or at home. The following methods can be used:

Combinations of various conservative treatment methods are often used.

Chronic tonsillitis: treatment with medications

In the chronic form, treatment with medications is considered the most effective. Correct selection medications helps to carry out effective conservative treatment of tonsillitis in adults and children. Medicines used for the disease are aimed at systemic and local effects, depending on the medical history, clinical picture of inflammation, the presence of complications and test results.

The group of first-choice drugs for exacerbation of chronic forms are antibacterial agents. Their purpose is maximum possible removal bacteria from the oral cavity. Precise selection of antibiotics is carried out based on the results of assessing the concentration of pathogenic microorganisms in the contents of the lacunae of the palatine tonsils and their sensitivity to various groups antibiotics. In 70% of cases, the disease occurs due to damage to the tissues of the tonsils by hemolytic streptococcus, and therefore drugs are most often prescribed for its treatment penicillin series. In case of individual intolerance to drugs of the penicillin group, antibiotics are prescribed wide range actions. When determining another causative agent of an inflammatory disease, a choice is necessary antibacterial action targeted impact.

Self-treatment with antibacterial drugs is dangerous not only due to its low efficiency, but also due to the development of tolerance in pathogenic microorganisms to the active substance of the antibiotic, which can significantly complicate subsequent treatment of the disease.

Antibacterial therapy is not used for latent forms of the disease and during remission. The duration of antibiotic treatment is determined by a specialist. With prolonged therapy with antibacterial agents, broad-spectrum drugs, high doses of medications, in the presence of diseases gastrointestinal tract, digestive disorders, it is advisable to combine the use of antibiotics with probiotic preparations to restore the intestinal microflora.

It is also possible to use local antibiotics in the form of sprays for mild exacerbations, but the selection active substance should be based on the results of the analysis bacterial culture. Application of this type medication is not a basic method of therapy, since superficial irrigation of the tonsils with an antibacterial composition has a temporary effect and does not contribute to the accumulation of the active substance in the lymphoid tissue. Frequent rinsing with antibacterial agents in the chronic form of the disease on this moment are recognized as an unjustified method of treatment: local exposure is not effective, but can contribute to the formation of antibiotic-resistant flora.

For chronic tonsillitis, it does not make much sense to take antiviral drugs, since in most cases the causative agent of the disease is bacteria.

If chronic tonsillitis is detected, treatment should include other groups of drugs. For severe pain in the throat, local and local painkillers are prescribed. general action. Tablet forms of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (nimesulide, ibuprofen, paracetamol, ibuclin) are used for exacerbations of the chronic form of the disease.

Effective therapy is carried out using antiseptic drugs: sprays, solutions for lubricating the throat, gargling. Antihistamines used systemically help reduce the severity of swelling of the palatine arches and tonsils, as well as reduce the overall allergization of the body.

To reduce the discomfort associated with inflammation of the mucous membrane of the tonsils and the surface of the pharynx, local, local emollients are used. Most ready-made forms of medications used for tonsillitis combine antiseptic, emollient, and anti-inflammatory effects. It is possible to use self-made saline solutions, herbal decoctions with antiseptic effect for rinsing, alternative medicine methods (herbal oils, herbal infusions) with the recommendation of a specialist and the absence of contraindications.

Because important in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases has the restoration of the level of general and local immunity, it is possible to prescribe immunostimulant drugs, as well as mandatory management healthy image life, with long-term remission - healing the body by hardening methods, playing sports, complete diet, timely rest, exclusion of harmful factors.

Chronic tonsillitis: treatment with conservative methods

Conservative therapy methods offer a wide range of procedures included in the overall treatment of the chronic form of the disease. In most cases, conservative therapy methods, subject to treatment rules, are sufficient for the patient’s recovery.

When diagnosed with chronic tonsillitis, treatment often includes a method such as washing the lacunae of the palatine tonsils with aseptic solutions. It is considered the most common and widely available method of conservative therapy for tonsillitis. The goal is to remove plaque, lacunar plugs, accumulations of dead epithelium, leukocytes and other tissues and particles retained inside the lacunae due to sclerotic changes in the tissues that prevent the self-cleaning of the tonsils. The procedure is carried out using various instruments: the most commonly used, although less effective, is the use of a medical syringe with a curved cannula. More modern special nozzles make it possible to supply an aseptic solution under increased pressure and achieve complete cleansing gaps. Along with rinsing, it is possible to combine the introduction of medications into the lacunae in the form of a solution through a syringe, a nozzle for rinsing, or ultrasound machine, creating a suspension of an antiseptic solution. To achieve the necessary therapeutic effect a rinsing course of an average of 10-12 procedures is prescribed in combination with treating the surface of the tonsils with Lugol's solution.

Physiotherapy in the treatment of tonsillitis is one of the well-known and effective methods in the composition complex therapy diseases. Most often they resort to ultraviolet irradiation of the tonsils and pharynx in order to sanitize the surface using physical methods, as well as warming the throat. Methods of physical influence include the use of therapeutic laser therapy to reduce swelling and the severity of inflammatory processes in the mucous membrane and vibroacoustic effects, which improve microcirculation and blood supply in the tissues of the tonsils.

Previously used methods of squeezing and suctioning the contents of lacunae have proven low efficiency and increased danger trauma, causing both the spread of inflammation and the acceleration of scar tissue formation. At the moment, these methods are used solely for the purpose of removing content for research.

Complex treatment aimed at reducing the severity of the inflammatory process, tissue regeneration and restoration of the microflora of the palatine tonsils is carried out in courses. A combination of drug and conservative treatment should be carried out during the period of remission, in the absence of signs of exacerbation. To achieve clinical recovery, therapy is carried out 2 to 4 times a year, depending on the individual response of the patient.

Chronic tonsillitis: treatment with surgical methods

Surgical methods can also be used for treatment, which include radical surgical removal palatine tonsils. Since in this case the body is deprived of one of the organs of the immune system, it is resorted to in cases where the disease progresses and conservative methods do not have the desired effect.

Indications for surgical treatment are:

  • obstruction of the airways during sleep, interference with nasal breathing, swallowing due to constant swelling of the mucous membrane or tissue proliferation of the tonsils;
    replacement of most of the lymphoid tissue of an organ with connective tissue, which leads to a significant decrease in its functionality;
  • progression of the pathology during regular courses of therapy for a year or more;
  • severe toxic-allergic forms of the disease;
  • severe complications: acute rheumatic fever, rheumatic carditis, glomerulonephritis and others;
  • frequent exacerbations of the disease (more than 5 per year) during conservative therapy;
  • abscesses in the tissues of the tonsils.

Surgical removal of the tonsils eliminates tissues with inflammatory foci, removes the substrate of the disease and leads to a radical cure. However, when lymphoid tissue capable of regeneration and healing is removed, the body loses one of the “barrier” organs that resist infection at the entrance to the Airways, therefore, the presence of indications for surgical intervention must be strictly assessed by specialists.

Some other chronic diseases and dysfunctions of organs and systems that have high risk decompensation, for example:

  • hypertonic disease;
  • functional disorders of the kidneys, etc.

Some diseases of all patients and physiological conditions of women are considered temporary contraindications to the operation:

  • any sharp forms diseases of the nasopharynx and upper respiratory tract and exacerbation of other diseases (sinusitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, etc.);
  • caries;
  • gingivitis, inflammatory processes bacterial etiology in the oral cavity;
  • menstruation period;
  • pregnancy.

The surgery is performed under the influence of local anesthetics in a clinical setting. The total duration of the tonsil removal procedure takes from several minutes to half an hour, depending on the age of the patient, the duration of the preparatory stage, and the stage of tissue proliferation. The recovery period after surgery lasts from 3-4 days to 7. Modern techniques used for instrumental intervention, Basic recommendations recovery period are eating and drinking in a temperature range of 25-30 ° C, preparing a diet in the first days after surgery from mucous porridges, soft, pureed soups, purees, excluding spicy, salty, sour foods that irritate the mucous membrane of the throat, as well as increased load on the vocal cords, smoking, any irritating effects on the wound surface of the pharynx until it is completely healed.

There are 7 places in our body where they accumulate lymphoid tissues, including a ring near the pharynx with tonsils (tonsils).

This is the part of the immune system that protects the body from the penetration of microorganisms, getting into the mouth. Under the influence of favorable factors, pathogenic microflora begins to attack the tonsils, causing their inflammation and deterioration of the person’s condition.

This is how tonsillitis begins - a disease with unpleasant symptoms, so its treatment in adults should begin as quickly as possible.

What is tonsillitis?

Macrophages are also located in the cellular-fibrous basis of lymphoid tissue, which includes the tonsils. are on their way to lymphatic vessels, and become lymph filter for pathogenic organisms.

When bacteria, viruses or fungi settle on the epithelium of the tonsils, they can increase in size and become inflamed. This the beginning of the development of tonsillitislocal inflammation tonsils

The photo shows an advanced stage of tonsillitis in adults.

If treatment is not started, the lymphoid tissue gradually begins to be replaced by connective tissue, and lacunae form. They scar, and purulent follicles appear. Frequent relapses lead to the development of chronic tonsillitis, death of lymphoid tissue, decrease in the protective function of the tonsils.

Find out more about the chronic form from the video:

Acute form of tonsillitis– sore throat, which can occur in adults at any age. Chronic tonsillitis is rarely diagnosed for the first time in adulthood. The problem usually begins in childhood and continues into adulthood.

Only a doctor knows how to effectively treat tonsillitis without making it chronic.

Reasons for appearance

Infection of the tonsils with bacteria, viruses, fungi and other pathogenic microflora can lead to the development of tonsillitis in adults. You can get infected from a sick person, which, when sneezing, coughing or talking, releases particles of the pathogen into the air.

Pathogenic agents can also reach the tonsils exogenously, if there foci of infection inside the body(otitis, conjunctivitis, caries, etc.).

Most often, inflammation of the tonsils is caused by bacteria (90% of cases):

  • hemolytic streptococcus;
  • Staphylococcus aureus;
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa;
  • enterococcus;
  • Pneumococcus.

Less commonly, the disease is associated with exposure to viruses:

  • rhinoviruses;
  • influenza and parainfluenza;
  • adenoviruses;
  • herpes;
  • enterovirus;
  • measles, etc.

Secondary acute tonsillitis occurs against the background of infections: measles, influenza, diphtheria, blood diseases, etc. Purulent form Acute tonsillitis is most often diagnosed before the age of 20 and may be accompanied by pharyngitis.

The following factors may contribute to the development of tonsillitis in adults:

  • being in large groups and crowded places;
  • hypothermia;
  • bad ecology;
  • stress;
  • poor nutrition;
  • failure to comply with hygiene rules;
  • weakened immunity.

Symptoms

The rapid development of inflammation is diagnosed as acute tonsillitis (tonsillitis). A protracted, sluggish process of inflammation, with periodic exacerbations, is called chronic tonsillitis.

The focus of infection is constantly located in the lymphoid gland. This leads to her growth and compaction, decreased immunity.

Common symptoms for different forms of the disease in adults are:

  1. expansion of the tonsils in volume, hyperemia;
  2. pain when swallowing, which may radiate to the ears;
  3. swelling of the palate;
  4. sore throat and discomfort;
  5. characteristic plaque on the tonsils;
  6. bad smell from the oral cavity;
  7. increased body temperature, fever;
  8. (lymphadenopathy);
  9. headache;
  10. general malaise.

Severe course of the disease may be accompanied by clouding of consciousness.

Viral tonsillitis occurs more often as secondary disease against the background of influenza or ARVI. In addition to changes in the tonsils, it is characterized by liquid discharge from the nose, sneezing, swelling of the nasal mucosa, conjunctivitis. No characteristic of bacterial form white plaque on tonsils, purulent plugs.

At fungal tonsillitis A cheesy coating appears on the tonsils. The temperature may remain normal. A blood test may not show the presence of an inflammatory process.

In most cases, 3-5 days after the start of treatment acute symptoms are relieved. Sometimes, despite therapeutic measures, symptoms persist for up to 2 weeks.

Diagnostics

To identify the causative agent of tonsillitis in adults, it is carried out microbiological analysis of the flora of a tonsil smear sample. Without this it is impossible effective treatment, since different forms of pathogenic organisms have their own methods of combating them.

Additionally, instrumental methods can be used for diagnosis:

  • Radiography.

Treatment

Any form of tonsillitis requires timely and complete therapy. It should be aimed at destroying pathogenic microflora, reducing the impact of their breakdown products on the body, and relieving the symptoms of the disease.

During treatment, the patient must maintain bed rest, drink plenty of fluids to quickly flush toxins from the body. In order not to irritate the epithelial cells, you need to eat warm, gentle food. Avoid soda, sour juices, and spicy foods. It is better to cook food by steaming or boiling.

Only a doctor will decide how to treat tonsillitis in your case, after conducting a thorough diagnosis.

Pharmacy products

The doctor prescribes medications depending on the type of pathogen.

The main component for bacterial tonsillitis is antibiotics. They are prescribed if the symptoms of the disease progress and the high temperature lasts for a long time. They reduce the likelihood of complications.

Antibiotics are selected depending on sensitivity to them bacterial microflora sick. If sensitivity cannot be determined, broad-spectrum agents are taken.

More often they resort to penicillin group of antibiotics. If the patient is allergic to them, sulfonamides, macrolides, and cephalosporins are prescribed. The duration of antibiotic treatment is 10-14 days. You should not stop taking them prematurely, even if the symptoms have disappeared.

The causative agent of tonsillitis is also affected local means in the form of solutions, aerosols, sprays, which have an antiseptic effect, wash away bacteria, dead epithelial cells, and pus from the tonsils.

Antiseptics for adults with tonsillitis:

  • Fukortsin;
  • Ambassador;
  • Bioparox;
  • Gramicidin;
  • Aqualor;
  • Orasept;
  • Tonsilotren;
  • Givalex and others.

To lubricate the throat, use solutions:

  • Lugol;
  • Chlorophyllipt.

To strengthen the overall resistance of the body, prescribe immunomodulators and vitamins.

For sore throat, fever and other manifestations of tonsillitis, symptomatic therapy is carried out.

To avoid an allergic reaction, it is additionally recommended to apply antihistamines(Cetirizine, Erius, Suprastin).

If the cause of the disease is a virus, then taking antibiotics is ineffective. Within a few days, the immune system can cope with the virus on its own. He needs help with this in order to prevent the possibility of a secondary bacterial infection.

It is recommended to take antiviral drugs:

  • Arbidol;
  • Groprinosin;
  • Amiksin;
  • Rimantadine.

To relieve inflammation of the tonsils, eliminate discomfort, irrigate the throat with antiseptics:

  • Inhalipt;
  • Hexaspray;
  • Kameton;
  • Hyaludent;
  • Chlorhexidine.

Traditional methods

You can resort to alternative medicine methods at home, how to additional measure primary treatment to relieve symptoms of the disease.

Effective remedies for tonsillitis in adults:

  1. Gargling with a decoction of chamomile, calendula, sage, oak bark.
  2. Take chamomile tea with honey orally.
  3. Lubricate the tonsils with sea buckthorn oil.
  4. Take propolis oil an hour before meals for 2 weeks.
  5. Do steam bath(in the absence of temperature) with plantain, linden, sage, eucalyptus.
  6. Infuse 5 cloves in 0.3 liters of water. Take throughout the day.

Surgical intervention

In case of regular recurring attacks of tonsillitis with complications that interfere with a person’s normal life, they may offer tonsillectomy. It is performed under general or local anesthesia.

Indications for surgery:

  1. more than 4 exacerbations of tonsillitis per year;
  2. peritonsillar abscess;
  3. joint damage as a complication of the disease;
  4. complete blocking of the larynx by inflamed tonsils;
  5. suspicion of oncology.

Today, the classic method of excision of tonsils with a scalpel is used less and less. More modern methods removal of tonsils– laser and cold plasma surgery, electrocoagulation.

Prevention

To minimize the likelihood of developing tonsillitis in adults, it is necessary to begin strengthening the body’s defenses and immunity as early as possible.

Preventive measures:

  • to harden;
  • eat properly and balanced;
  • ensure proper sleep;
  • walk in the fresh air more often;
  • carefully monitor oral hygiene;
  • promptly sanitize foci of infection and treat teeth.

Tonsillitis in adults – serious illness, which is needed start treatment as early as possible. If you take action in the early stages of the disease, you can recover quickly and prevent relapses and complications.

Tonsillitis is caused by various pathogens. Therefore it is required thorough diagnosis in order to correctly prescribe treatment. Self-medication for this disease is unacceptable and can lead to undesirable consequences.

It is a chronic inflammatory process that occurs in the area of ​​the palatine tonsils. In the human body, the tonsils are considered one of the the most important organs, which takes an active part in the formation of immune defense.

The palatine tonsils are most at risk in childhood, and their active work helps to shape strong immunity. It will be useful for many patients to know how to cure tonsillitis forever, what reasons provoke its development in the human body and what recipes traditional medicine considered the most effective?

When a bacterial infection enters the human body, an inflammatory process begins to develop in the area. This causes inhibition of the process of developing immunity, and the result is the appearance. In some cases, problems with the formation of the body's protective functions can arise when the treatment is not carried out correctly, as well as when taking antipyretic drugs at a not very high temperature.

In some cases, the cause of tonsillitis is various problems with nasal breathing, occurring with the following pathologies:

  • in childhood
  • in the nasal cavity

Often the cause of local tonsillitis is foci of infection localized in nearby organs.

Pathology can develop in the presence of either chronic adenoiditis.

Not the least role in the course of chronic tonsillitis belongs to a decrease in the protective functions of the body, namely allergic reactions. This means that they can be both the cause of the development of the disease and just a consequence of a chronic disease.

Acute tonsillitis is characterized by a pronounced onset with a syndrome of general intoxication of the body:

  • body temperature rises to 40 degrees
  • increased sweating
  • severe weakness of the whole body
  • reduction or complete absence appetite
  • pain and aches in muscles and joints
  • development of chills

Simultaneously with such symptoms or after some time, the patient begins to feel the occurrence of pain in the throat, which gradually intensify. Over time, the pain becomes so severe that the patient cannot swallow anything, and sleep problems arise. The reaction of the lymphatic system to the inflammatory process in the throat is an enlargement of the lymph nodes and their increased soreness.

Useful video - Main symptoms of acute tonsillitis:

Chronic tonsillitis is characterized by periods of remission followed by exacerbation of the disease. The most characteristic symptoms of such tonsillitis are a slight rise in body temperature, discomfort in the throat when swallowing and a slight cough. The diagnosis at this stage of the disease is made based on the results of a visual examination of the patient’s throat.

Against the background of respiratory viral diseases, which arise when the protective functions of the human body decrease, the stage of remission is replaced by exacerbation:

  • body temperature rises to 39 degrees
  • there is a feeling of a foreign body in the throat, discomfort and pain
  • symptoms of body intoxication appear
  • the secretion released from the tonsils causes the patient to constantly cough

It is accompanied by the appearance of vivid symptoms, so it is quite difficult to miss it. If such signs occur, you should contact a specialist who will examine the patient and select the most effective treatment.

Drug treatment of the disease

When a patient is diagnosed with acute tonsillitis, in most cases hospitalization is required. It should be remembered that treatment of such a disease should be carried out only under the supervision of a doctor, which avoids the development undesirable consequences and complications.

Tonsillitis is considered, so isolation of the patient from others is required. In a medical institution, the patient is placed in a box of an infectious diseases hospital, and when treated at home, he needs to be allocated a separate room.

Throughout the entire period of treatment, you must follow a gentle diet and drink as much as possible. warm drink. In addition, in acute period illness requires bed rest.

Drug therapy includes the following areas:

  • Lollipops and sprays with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects: Trachisan, Decathylene, Theraflu, Ingalipt.
  • Rinsing the mouth with antiseptic solutions: , .
  • Treatment of the tonsil area with antiseptic drugs: Solution, .
  • Prescription of antipyretic drugs when body temperature rises: Paracetamol, Ibuprofen.
  • Reception antihistamines with increased swelling of the tonsils:, Loratadine.
  • For lymphadenitis, apply compresses with Dimexide and anti-inflammatory components to the lymph node area.

Inhalations for the treatment of tonsillitis are prescribed quite rarely, since they have been proven to be ineffective for this disease. The choice of one or another method of therapy for tonsillitis is determined by the form of the disease, that is, treatment can be either conservative or surgical.

Antibiotics for illness

When diagnosing acute tonsillitis, antibacterial treatment is required, and medications are usually discontinued 3-5 days after body temperature normalizes. When treating children and adults, the same medications, and the difference is only in the dosage.

Despite the fact that treatment with antibacterial drugs for tonsillitis is considered quite effective, it is possible to finally get rid of this pathology only by removing the tonsils.

If the ongoing antibacterial therapy does not bring the desired result, the specialist may decide to perform surgery to remove the tonsils.

What kind of groups antibacterial drugs may be prescribed for the treatment of acute tonsillitis:

  • Cephalosporins: Cefodox, Cefix.
  • Penicillins: , .
  • Macrolides: Clarithromycin, Josamycin, Azitral, Hemomycin.

In addition, local antibacterial treatment is prescribed and the most effective drug counts . It should be remembered that when taking antibiotics for the treatment of tonsillitis, it is necessary to simultaneously drink drugs to maintain the microflora of the digestive tract.

When a patient is diagnosed with a simple form of the disease, conservative treatment is usually carried out, which includes taking medications and physiotherapeutic procedures. To carry out surgical treatment tonsillitis is resorted to only when conservative therapy becomes ineffective.

A bilateral operation is performed, during which the palatine tonsils are removed. With this treatment, complete or partial removal of lymphoid tissue is possible, and the operation takes place quite quickly. The patient goes home the very next day, and his work capacity is restored after 10-12 days.

Another method of surgical treatment of tonsillitis is lacunotomy, which does not remove the tonsils. This type of surgery is performed using a laser and the patient’s well-being improves over the next 5-7 years. The tonsils significantly decrease in size and begin to perform their functions, and the risk of exacerbation of acute respiratory pathologies is reduced.

Efficient and safe procedure, which is used in the treatment of tonsillitis, is considered cryotherapy.

Nitrogen is used to freeze damaged tissues and stimulate the immune system. The only drawback of this method of treatment is the appearance of unpleasant sensations in the patient’s throat. With cryotherapy, the development of bleeding is completely eliminated and scars are not formed.

Traditional therapy against illness

Treatment of tonsillitis can be carried out both with the help of drug therapy and surgery, and folk remedies. The most common folk remedy is gargling a sore throat. various decoctions and infusions.

For this purpose, you can use plants that have antibacterial and healing properties:

  • chamomile
  • St. John's wort
  • Oak bark

You can gargle with tonsillitis with a solution

Tonsillitis is an infectious-allergic disease in which the inflammatory process is localized in the palatine tonsils. Nearby lymphoid tissues of the pharynx are also involved - laryngeal, nasopharyngeal and lingual tonsils.

Chronic tonsillitis is a fairly common disease, which may be due to the fact that many people simply do not consider it a serious illness and easily ignore it. This tactic is very dangerous, because a constant source of infection in the body will periodically take shape acute sore throat, will reduce performance, worsen general well-being.

Since this disease can serve as an impetus for the development dangerous complications, the symptoms of chronic tonsillitis, as well as the basics of treatment in adults, should be known to everyone (see photo).

Causes

What it is? Tonsillitis in adults and children occurs when the tonsils become infected. Most often, bacteria are “to blame” for the appearance of this disease: streptococci, staphylococci, enterococci, pneumococci.

But some viruses can also cause inflammation of the tonsils, for example, adenoviruses and the herpes virus. Sometimes the cause of inflammation of the tonsils is fungi or chlamydia.

Promote the development of chronic tonsillitis may be a number of factors:

  • (acute inflammation tonsils);
  • dysfunction of nasal breathing as a result of curvature of the nasal septum, the formation of polyps in the nasal cavity, with hypertrophy adenoid vegetations and other diseases;
  • the appearance of foci of infection in nearby organs (purulent, etc.);
  • decreased immunity;
  • more frequent allergic reactions, which can be both a cause and a consequence of the disease, etc.

Most often, chronic tonsillitis begins after a sore throat. In this case, acute inflammation in the tissues of the tonsils does not undergo complete reverse development, the inflammatory process continues and turns into chronic form.

There are two main forms of tonsillitis:

  1. Compensated form– when there are only local signs of inflammation of the tonsils.
  2. Decompensated form– when there are both local and general signs chronic inflammation of the tonsils: abscesses, paratonsillitis.

Chronic tonsillitis compensated manifests itself in the form of frequent colds and, in particular, with sore throat. To prevent this form from developing into a decompensated form, it is necessary to extinguish the source of infection in a timely manner, that is, not to let the cold take its course, but to engage in comprehensive treatment.

Signs in adults

The main signs of chronic tonsillitis in adults include:

  • (moderate to very strong);
  • pain in the tonsils;
  • swelling in the nasopharynx;
  • plugs in the throat;
  • inflammatory reactions in the throat to food and cold liquids;
  • body temperature does not decrease for a long time;
  • weakness and fatigue.

Also a sign of the disease may be the appearance of nagging pain and aches in the knee and wrist joint, in certain cases there may be shortness of breath.

Symptoms of chronic tonsillitis

The simple form of chronic tonsillitis is characterized by scanty symptoms. An adult is concerned about the sensation of a foreign body or awkwardness when swallowing, tingling, dryness, bad breath, possibly. The tonsils are inflamed and enlarged. Beyond exacerbation general symptoms are missing.

Characterized by frequent sore throats (up to 3 times a year) with a protracted period of recovery, which is accompanied by fatigue, malaise, general weakness and a slight increase in temperature.

In the toxic-allergic form of chronic tonsillitis, tonsillitis develops more often than 3 times a year, often complicated by inflammation of neighboring organs and tissues (, etc.). The patient constantly feels weak, tired and unwell. The body temperature remains low-grade for a long time. Symptoms from other organs depend on the presence of certain associated diseases.

Consequences

At long term and the absence of specific treatment for chronic tonsillitis, consequences arise in the body of an adult. The loss of the ability of the tonsils to resist infection leads to the formation of peritonsillar abscesses and infection in the respiratory tract, which contributes to the occurrence of pharyngitis and.

Chronic tonsillitis plays a large role in the occurrence of collagen diseases such as periarthritis nodosa, polyarthritis, dermatomyositis, scleroderma, etc. Also, persistent sore throats lead to heart diseases such as endocarditis, myocarditis and acquired heart defects.

The human urinary system is most susceptible to complications from infectious diseases, therefore it is serious consequence chronic tonsillitis. In addition, polyarthritis develops and the musculoskeletal system is disrupted. With a chronic focus of infections, glomerulonephritis, minor chorea, peritonsillar abscess, septic endocarditis, etc. develop.

Exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis

The lack of preventive measures and timely treatment for chronic tonsillitis leads to various exacerbations of the disease in adults. The most common exacerbations of tonsillitis are tonsillitis (acute tonsillitis) and paratonsillar (peritonsillar) abscess.

Sore throat is characterized elevated temperature(38-40˚ and above), severe or moderate sore throat, headaches, general weakness. Aches and pains often appear severe pain in the joints and lower back. Most types of sore throat are characterized by enlarged lymph nodes located under lower jaw. Lymph nodes are painful on palpation. The disease is often accompanied by chills and fever.

At proper treatment the acute period lasts from two to seven days. Complete rehabilitation requires a long time and constant medical supervision.

Prevention

To prevent this disease, it is necessary to ensure that nasal breathing It has always been normal 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% Gramicidin-Glycerin, 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 with high content vitamins

Treatment of chronic tonsillitis

Today in medical practice There are not many methods for treating chronic tonsillitis in adults. Drug therapy is used surgical treatment and physical therapy. As a rule, methods are combined in different versions or alternately replace each other.

For chronic tonsillitis, treatment is applied locally; regardless of the phase of the process, it includes the following components:

  1. Rinsing the lacunae of the palatine tonsils to remove purulent contents, and rinsing the pharynx and oral cavity with copper-silver or physiological solutions with the addition of antiseptics (miramistin, chlorhexidine, furatsilin). The course of treatment is at least 10-15 sessions.
  2. Taking antibiotics;
  3. : Hilak forte, Linex, Bifidumbacterin to prevent dysbacteriosis, which can develop while taking antibiotics.
  4. Medicines that have a softening effect and eliminate symptoms such as dryness, sore throat, sore throat. Most effective means is a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide, which you need to gargle 1-2 times a day. In addition, a propolis-based preparation in the form of a spray (Proposol) can be used.
  5. In order to correct general immunity, Irs-19, Bronchomunal, Ribomunil can be used as prescribed by an immunologist.
  6. Conducting physiotherapy (UHF, tubos);
  7. Sanitation of the oral cavity, nose and paranasal sinuses.

To increase the body's defenses, vitamins, aloe, vitreous, and FIBS preparations are used. To cure chronic tonsillitis once and for all, you should adhere to integrated approach, and listen to the doctor’s recommendations.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapeutic procedures are always prescribed against the background of conservative treatment and a few days after surgery. Several decades ago, the main emphasis was placed on these methods: they tried to treat chronic tonsillitis using ultrasound or ultraviolet light.

Physiotherapy really demonstrates good results, but it cannot be a basic treatment. As an auxiliary therapy, its effect is undeniable, therefore physiotherapeutic methods of treatment for chronic tonsillitis are used all over the world, and are actively used.

Three methods are considered the most effective: ultrasound, UHF and ultraviolet radiation. They are the ones who are mainly used. These procedures are almost always prescribed in the postoperative period, when the patient is already discharged from the hospital to home and begins outpatient treatment.

Removal of tonsils for chronic tonsillitis: reviews

Sometimes doctors perform surgery to remove the diseased tonsils, a procedure called tonsillectomy. But such a procedure requires evidence. Thus, tonsillectomy is performed in cases of recurrent peritonsillar abscess and in some concomitant diseases. However, it is not always possible to cure chronic tonsillitis with medication; in such cases, it is worth considering surgery.

Within 10-15 minutes under local anesthesia, the tonsils are removed with a special loop. After the operation, the patient must remain in bed for several days, taking only cold, liquid or pasty, non-irritating food. In 1-2 weeks postoperative wound is healing.

We have selected some reviews from tonsil removal for chronic tonsillitis that were left by users on the Internet.

  1. I had my tonsils removed 3 years ago and I don’t regret it one bit! The throat sometimes hurts (pharyngitis), but very rarely and not at all like before! Bronchitis often occurs as a complication of a cold (But this is not at all the same compared to the torment that tonsils brought me! I had a sore throat once a month, constant pain, pus in the throat, high temperature, tears! There were complications in the heart and kidneys. If everything is not so neglected for you, then maybe there is no point in just going to the ENT specialist a couple of times a year for a rinse and that’s all...
  2. Delete and don't think about it. As a child, I was sick every month, with a high temperature, heart problems began, and my immune system weakened. Removed after 4 years. The pain has stopped, sometimes only without fever, but my heart is weak. The girl, who also constantly suffered from sore throats and who never had surgery, developed rheumatism. She is now 23 and walks with the help of crutches. My grandfather had the removal at the age of 45, more severely than in childhood, but inflamed tonsils give serious complications, so find good doctor and delete.
  3. I had the operation in December and have never regretted it. I forgot what it was like to have a constant temperature, constant congestion in the throat and much more. Of course, we must fight for the tonsils to the last, but if they have already become a source of infection, then we definitely need to part with them.
  4. I had it removed at the age of 16. Under local anesthesia, in the old-fashioned way, they tied me to a chair, covered my eyes so that I couldn’t see anything, and cut me off. The pain is terrible. Then my throat hurt wildly, I couldn’t speak, I couldn’t really eat either, and I was also bleeding. Now it probably doesn’t hurt as much and is done more professionally. But I forgot about the sore throat, only recently I started to get a little sick. But it's her own fault. We need to take care of ourselves.
  5. I had my tonsils cut out at the age of 35, after for long years continuous painful sore throats, rinses and antibiotics. I got to the point where I asked for surgery from an otolaryngologist. It was a bit painful, but not for long and – voila! No sore throat, no sore throat, just in the first year after surgery, try not to drink cold things and take immunostimulants. I am pleased.

People tend to worry that having their tonsils removed may weaken their immune system. After all, the tonsils are one of the main protective gates when entering the body. These fears are justified and justified. However, it should be understood that in a state of chronic inflammation, the tonsils are not able to do their job and become only a hotbed of infection in the body.

How to treat chronic tonsillitis at home

When treating tonsillitis at home, it is important to boost your immunity first. The sooner there is no opportunity for the infection to develop, the faster you can bring your health back to normal.

How and with what to treat the disease at home? Let's look at common recipes:

  1. For chronic inflammation of the tonsils, take fresh leaves coltsfoot, wash three times, chop, squeeze out the juice, adding equal amounts of onion juice and red wine (or diluted cognac: 1 tablespoon per 0.5-1 glass of water). Place the mixture in the refrigerator and shake before use. Take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day, diluted with 3 tablespoons of water.
  2. Crush two large cloves of garlic that have not yet sprouted, boil a glass of milk and pour the garlic pulp over it. After the infusion has stood for some time, it must be strained and gargled with the resulting warm solution.
  3. Propolis tincture with alcohol. Prepare as follows: grind 20 grams of the product and pour 100 ml of pure medical alcohol. The medicine should be infused in a dark place. Take 20 drops three times a day. The tincture can be mixed with warm milk or water.
  4. All you need is 10 sea buckthorn fruits every day. You will need to take them 3-4 times, each time rinsing your throat thoroughly before doing so. Slowly chew and eat the fruits - and tonsillitis will begin to go away. Treatment should be carried out for 3 months, and the method can be used by both children and adults.
  5. Chop 250 g beets, add 1 tbsp. vinegar, let sit for about 1-2 days. You can remove the sediment. Rinse with the resulting tincture oral cavity and throat. One or two tbsp. Recommended to drink.
  6. Yarrow. You need to brew 2 tablespoons of herbal raw materials in a glass of boiling water. Cover with a lid and leave to steep for an hour. Then filter. Use the infusion when treating chronic tonsillitis with folk remedies during its exacerbation. Gargle 4-6 times a day.
  7. Mix one tablespoon of lemon juice with one tablespoon of sugar and take three times a day. This tool will help improve health and also help get rid of tonsillitis. In addition, for gargling with tonsillitis, it is recommended to use cranberry juice with honey, warm carrot juice, a 7-9-day infusion of kombucha, and a decoction of St. John's wort.

How should chronic tonsillitis be treated? Strengthen your immune system, eat right, drink a lot of water, gargle and lubricate your throat if your condition allows, do not rush with antibiotics and, especially, do not rush to cut out your tonsils. They may still be useful to you.

Tonsillitis is a very common disease that affects both adults and children over 5 years of age. Maximum amount cases of this disease are registered in the autumn-winter period, and both exacerbations and exacerbations are not uncommon. We will talk about what tonsillitis is, what its symptoms are, whether tonsillitis can be cured and how to cure tonsillitis forever. So…


What is tonsillitis and the causes of its occurrence?

The term "tonsillitis" means acute or chronic illness infectious-allergic nature, affecting the tissues of the tonsils. As can be seen from the definition, the cause of this disease is infection: the causative agent of acute tonsillitis in the vast majority of cases is β-hemolytic streptococcus, and in the chronic form of the disease, several types of pathogenic microflora are sown from the surface of the tonsils, among which may be viridans and hemolytic streptococci, staphylococcus, enterococcus, adenoviruses, as well as opportunistic and non-pathogenic flora of the oral cavity.

In the case of acute tonsillitis, the main provoking factor is hypothermia (both general and local - the throat area). In its chronic form, the immune status of the body as a whole is important: it often occurs when infection spreads to the tonsils from nearby chronic foci of infection (caries, sinusitis), as well as due to the activation of opportunistic flora of the oral cavity - these causes become possible precisely with reduced immune status of a person. Also one of the main causal factors Chronic tonsillitis is considered to be a common acute form of this disease. Other factors that contribute to the development of tonsillitis are:

  • sudden changes in ambient temperature (during the transition, for example, from frost to a very hot office room);
  • bad habits, especially smoking;
  • low air humidity;
  • long-term frequent stay in dusty, gas-filled rooms.


Classification

Chronic tonsillitis is characterized by an undulating course with alternating periods of exacerbation and remission.

As mentioned above, tonsillitis is usually divided into 2 forms - acute and chronic. Acute tonsillitis (or tonsillitis) can also occur in different forms. The main ones are:

  • catarrhal;
  • lacunar;

Main clinical forms chronic tonsillitis are:

  • compensated (essentially a dormant chronic focus of infection of the palatine tonsils; exacerbations only occasionally, there is no reaction from the body);
  • subcompensated (the overall reactivity of the body is generally reduced, frequent mild exacerbations are noted);
  • decompensated (frequent severe exacerbations, local and general complications(peritonsillitis, tonsillar sepsis, cardiotonsillar syndrome), tonsillogenic infectious and allergic diseases (rheumatic damage to the heart, joints, kidneys).

According to another classification, chronic tonsillitis has 2 forms:

  • simple (cases of the disease occurring only with local symptoms, subjective complaints of the patient and objective signs of the disease; with or without frequent exacerbations);
  • toxic-allergic (in parallel with local changes there are violations general(low-grade fever, signs of tonsillogenic intoxication, tonsillocardiac syndrome; since these manifestations can be expressed in different ways, it is customary to distinguish between their 2 degrees).


Symptoms of tonsillitis

Acute tonsillitis is characterized by an acute onset with a pronounced syndrome of general intoxication of the body: the patient’s body temperature rises to 39–40 ºC, severe general weakness, chills, sweating, pain or aches in the joints and muscles appear, and appetite decreases or completely disappears. Simultaneously or shortly after the onset of the first symptoms, the patient notices the appearance of a sore throat, the intensity of which gradually increases. At the peak of the disease, the pain is severe, it interferes with swallowing and prevents sleep, and bothers you both day and night. The lymphatic system responds to inflammation in the throat with enlargement and soreness.

Chronic tonsillitis is characterized by constantly alternating periods of remission and exacerbation. During remission of the compensated and subcompensated form of the disease, the condition of the patients is satisfactory, they have practically no complaints. Most often they are worried about a constant low-grade fever (slight increase in temperature - usually up to 37.1–37.3 ºС), a feeling of discomfort in the throat when swallowing, and coughing. At this stage of the disease, the diagnosis is made primarily on the basis of visual examination of the throat, in particular the tonsils. In the decompensated form of tonsillitis, the condition of patients suffers even in the period between exacerbations - its severity is usually due to tonsillogenic complications. Against the background of acute respiratory viral infections or other diseases caused by decreased immunity, the remission stage of chronic tonsillitis is replaced by an exacerbation stage:

  • body temperature rises to an average of 38 ºС;
  • signs of intoxication of the body appear - weakness, lethargy, fatigue, palpitations, sweating;
  • there is a feeling of a foreign body, discomfort, sore throat, usually of moderate intensity;
  • The secretion released from the inflamed tonsils causes the patient to constantly cough.

It is worth saying that the symptoms of exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis are similar to the manifestations of its acute form, however clinical picture the first, as a rule, is not so pronounced and the patient’s condition is not disturbed sharply, but moderately.

Complications


Streptococcal infection(which is predominantly tonsillitis) is dangerous due to complications. The most common of them are post-treptococcal endocarditis and glomerulonephritis.

The following complications of tonsillitis are common:

  • acute rheumatic fever;
  • poststreptococcal endocarditis;
  • poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis.

Diseases associated with chronic tonsillitis also include:

  • collagenoses (systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), dermatomyositis, scleroderma, periarteritis nodosa);
  • thyrotoxicosis;
  • skin diseases (polymorphic exudative erythema, eczema, psoriasis);
  • diseases of peripheral nerves (radiculitis, plexitis);
  • thrombocytopenic purpura;
  • hemorrhagic vasculitis.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of acute tonsillitis is not difficult. The doctor will suspect the disease based on the patient’s complaints, medical history and life history. To confirm the diagnosis, the specialist will perform a pharyngoscopy (examination of the oropharynx) and, if necessary, prescribe some other additional methods examinations. During pharyngoscopy, one or both palatine tonsils are enlarged, sharply swollen, and clearly hyperemic. Depending on the form of acute tonsillitis, pus-filled lacunae, numerous purulent follicles, dirty green or even stains may be visualized on the mucous membrane. gray, hemorrhages. A general blood test will reveal signs of a bacterial infection, namely, an increase in the number of white blood cells (leukocytosis) with a shift leukocyte formula to the left, increased ESR (in some cases up to 40–50 mm/h). In order to determine the type of pathogen, the patient is prescribed a throat swab followed by a bacteriological examination. The pharyngoscopic picture of acute and exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis is very similar, so it is advisable to diagnose the chronic form of this disease during the period of remission. The presence of 2 or more signs listed below confirms the diagnosis of chronic tonsillitis:

  • the edges of the palatine arches are hyperemic and thickened like a ridge;
  • there are scar adhesions between the palatine arches and the palatine tonsils;
  • the palatine tonsils are enlarged in size, loose, compacted, with cicatricial changes on them;
  • in the lacunae of the tonsils - liquid pus or caseous-purulent masses;
  • enlarged anterior cervical and/or submandibular lymph nodes.

Less important for diagnosing chronic tonsillitis are a general blood test (during an exacerbation, signs of inflammation of a bacterial nature will be detected; during a period of remission, changes may be absent at all) and a bacteriological examination of a smear taken from the oropharynx.

Treatment of tonsillitis

Acute tonsillitis in most cases requires hospitalization of the patient in an infectious diseases hospital. Treatment of this disease should be carried out by a doctor - Self-medication is unacceptable! A patient with acute tonsillitis, or sore throat, is advised to:

  • since this disease is very contagious - isolation from others in the isolation ward of an infectious diseases hospital or, if treatment is carried out at home, then in a separate room;
  • bed rest for the acute period of the disease;
  • a gentle diet, plenty of warm drinks;
  • antibiotic therapy ( treatment of tonsillitis with antibiotics it must be carried out in a course - the drug is discontinued 3-5 days after the body temperature has normalized; Broad-spectrum antibiotics from the groups of cephalosporins (Cefodox, Cefix), protected penicillins (Flemoclav, Amoxiclav), macrolides (Erythro-, Azithromycin) are usually used);
  • local antibacterial therapy - the drug Bioparox is most effective in this case;
  • analgesic (painkillers) and anti-inflammatory lozenges (Neo-angin, Decathylene, Trachisan) and sprays (Tantum verde, Tera-flu, Givalex, Ingalipt and others);
  • rinsing with antiseptic solutions (Chlorophyllipt alcohol, Furacilin, Chlorhexidine);
  • treatment of the tonsil area with antiseptics (Lugol's solution, oil solution Chlorophyllipt);
  • antihistamines (Loratadine, Cetrin, etc.) for severe swelling of the tonsils;
  • antipyretics (Ibuprofen, Paracetamol) when the temperature rises above 38.5–39 ºС;
  • compress with Dimexide and anti-inflammatory components on the area of ​​the lymph nodes for lymphadenitis.

They are not effective enough, so they are prescribed by doctors very rarely. The tactics of treating chronic tonsillitis is determined by its form - treatment can be either conservative or surgical. A simple form of the disease is subject to conservative treatment, including medications and physiotherapeutic procedures. It is carried out in courses of 10 days, repeated 2-3 times throughout the year. If there is no effect from triple treatment, carry out. The toxic-allergic form of chronic tonsillitis of the 1st stage is also treated first conservatively - the treatment regimen is similar to that for the simple form of the disease, but tonsillectomy is recommended if there is no expected effect from 2 courses of conservative treatment. At stage 2 of the toxic-allergic form of the disease, conservative therapy does not make sense - it is recommended. In the treatment of chronic inflammation of the tonsils, the key point is adequate treatment of chronic foci of infection and other diseases against which it worsens. The most commonly used medications for chronic tonsillitis are:

  • natural “medicines” that increase protective forces body: daily routine, balanced diet, healthy sleep, regular physical activity, resort climatic factors;
  • immunity correctors and vaccines (IRS-19, Ribomunil, Bronchomunal, Levamisole) - after consultation with an immunologist;
  • vitamins B, C, E, K;
  • hyposensitizing agents (antihistamines, calcium supplements, low doses of allergens).

To sanitize the tonsils, they are carried out with solutions of antiseptics (dioxidin, furatsilin), antibiotics (Ceftriaxone), enzymes (Lidaza), antihistamines and immunostimulating drugs. In the treatment of chronic tonsillitis important role Physiotherapy is also provided:

  • UHF, laser for the submandibular area;
  • UV irradiation on the area of ​​the tonsils and regional lymph nodes;
  • ultrasonic aerosols using a suspension of Hydrocortisone, a solution of dioxidine, Lysozyme;
  • ozokerite and therapeutic mud in the form of applications to the area of ​​the lymph nodes.

Any of these procedures should ideally be carried out in a course of 10–12–15 sessions. As mentioned above, if conservative treatment methods are ineffective or in the case of a severe form of the disease, surgery To remove the tonsils - tonsillectomy. The operation is performed only in the stage of stable remission of the disease and in the absence of contraindications to it. Absolute contraindications are:

  • severe diabetes mellitus with symptoms of ketonuria;
  • pulmonary tuberculosis – open form;
  • heart disease with symptoms of chronic heart failure of the 2nd–3rd degree;
  • high-grade renal failure;
  • diseases of the hematopoietic system accompanied by hemorrhagic diathesis(hemophilia).

Relative contraindications:

  • caries;
  • acute inflammatory diseases;
  • late stages of pregnancy;
  • menstruation.

After the operation, the patient is treated in a hospital for 4–5 days; in addition, physical activity is contraindicated for him for the next 3 weeks.

Forecast

The prognosis of acute tonsillitis is relatively favorable: in some cases the disease ends in recovery, but it often becomes chronic. Chronic tonsillitis is practically incurable - the goal of treatment is not recovery, but the introduction of the disease into a stage of stable remission. Forecast simple shapes This disease is also relatively favorable, as for its decompensated form, it is unfavorable, since even in the period between exacerbations the patient’s condition can be sharply impaired.