Chronic tonsillitis plugs in the tonsils. Purulent and caseous plugs in the tonsils: causes, symptoms and treatments

Purulent plugs in the tonsils (tonsillolitis) are small formations that form in depressions (lacunae and crypts) with tonsillitis.
Angina is an acute infectious disease of the body, which occurs with the phenomena of acute inflammation of the structures of the pharyngeal lymphoid ring. The disease is one of the most common after influenza and acute respiratory infections. Children are more often ill, less often - adults under the age of 40 years. The seasonal nature of the disease is noted. The infection is transmitted by airborne droplets and through household items. Angina is caused by viruses, bacteria and fungi.

Rice. 1. In the photo there are purulent plugs and pus in the gaps.

Where do plugs form? Causes of the disease

The pharyngeal lymphoid ring is a peripheral organ of immunity, which is located at the entrance to the pharynx. It is a lymphoid tissue, the largest accumulations, of which are called tonsils.
In the palatine tonsils there are gaps that turn into crypts penetrating the thickness of the tonsils to the full depth. Both lacunae and crypts are covered with epithelium through which lymphocytes easily penetrate. The surface of lacunae and crypts has a large area, so everything that enters from the outside (antigens) is in contact with the lymphoid tissue of the tonsils for a long time, stimulating the latter to produce antibodies. This is especially active at a young age. In lacunae and crypts with tonsillitis, purulent plugs are formed.

Up to 70% of cases of inflammation of the tonsils are caused by viruses. Among bacteria, up to 80 - 90% are β-hemolytic streptococci of group A. Pyogenic bacteria streptococci and staphylococci are the main cause of the formation of plugs in the tonsils.

The cause of the disease can also be an infection that is localized in the gums and in places. When due to the development of connective tissue, the free exit from the lacunae is disturbed. Microbes multiply and become a source of autoinfection (self-infection from local foci). With all types of sore throats that occur with the formation of purulent plugs in the throat, the same symptoms occur, the severity of which depends on the form of the disease. This is:

• Symptoms of intoxication.
• Increased body temperature.
• Purulent plugs in the throat.
• Enlarged lymph nodes.

Rice. 2. The structure of the palatine tonsil. 1 - lacunae, in which purulent plugs are formed, 2 - follicles, 3 - capsule, 4 - trabeculae, which form the skeleton of the organ.

The most common culprits of angina are group A β-hemolytic streptococci (up to 80% of cases), staphylococcal infection, yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida and Candida albicans. Less often - viruses (adenoviruses, Coxsackie, herpes). Even less often - Vincent's spirochete in combination with a spindle-shaped stick. Very often, sore throats are caused by combined flora.

Rice. 3. Photo of the causative agent of angina β-hemolytic streptococci.

What are purulent plugs. Reasons for education

Tonsilloliths are formed in the tonsils and are small formations that accumulate in the lacunae (recesses) of the organ with tonsillitis and chronic tonsillitis. Their formation begins in lacunae, where leukocytes and neutrophils come to grips with pathogenic, pyogenic microbes. Desquamated epithelium, leukocytes, microbes and their decomposition products, protein masses and mucus accumulate in the gaps of the lacunae. This is how pus is formed. At the beginning of the disease, pus is poured onto the surface of the tonsils. But soon the pus thickens and takes on the form of films that are easily removed with a spatula.

Caseous plugs are separate yellowish formations that are located at the mouths of lacunae. Their composition is identical to the composition of pus. Due to the deposition of minerals (including calcium salts), purulent areas thicken. A similar picture is often found in chronic tonsillitis and is the reason for immediate medical attention.

Traffic jams sometimes form in healthy people. They are dense, do not cause bad breath. Due to the ability of the organ to self-cleanse, treatment is not required in this case.

Pus and purulent plugs in the tonsils are often the cause of unpleasant
putrid odor from the mouth

Rice. 4. In the photo there are purulent plugs in the tonsils.

Rice. 5. The photo shows purulent plugs extracted from the lacunae of the tonsils.

Purulent plugs with different forms of angina

Catarrhal angina is more common than other angina. It has a relatively easy flow. Follicular angina is severe. Inflammation develops in the mucous membrane of the tonsils and its deeper layers. With catarrhal and follicular tonsillitis, tonsillitis is not formed.

Rice. 6. The photo shows acute catarrhal sore throat. Hyperemia of the area of ​​the lateral ridges and larynx is noted. The tonsils are swollen, without purulent plugs and raids.

Lacunar angina

Lacunar (purulent tonsillitis) occurs with inflammation, which is associated with the effect of pyogenic bacteria on the tissues of the tonsils and the action of neutrophils, leukocytes and lymphocytes that oppose them. The main role in the development of lacunar tonsillitis is played by streptococci. Defeat is always two-sided. Sometimes the patient may have signs of both lacunar and follicular tonsillitis.

As a result of inflammation, the surface of the tonsils becomes hyperemic. Pus accumulates in the lacunae. With a large amount of pus, you can see how it flows from the gaps. On the surface of the tonsils, pus merges in places and forms raids of a light yellow color. Plaques are easily removed with a spatula. The underlying layer is not damaged. Purulent plugs are separate yellowish formations that are located at the mouths of lacunae. Their composition is identical to the composition of pus.

Rice. 7. In the photo, lacunar tonsillitis.

Quinsy

Phlegmonous tonsillitis develops in individuals with chronic tonsillitis. Initially, lacunar angina develops. In the lacunae, pus and tonsillitis are formed. Further, the inflammatory process passes from the lymphoid tissue to the perialmond tissue. The focus of inflammation in the perialmond tissue displaces the amygdala in the opposite direction. Against the background of severe hyperemia, there is a significant swelling of the soft palate. There is a putrid smell from the mouth. Lymph nodes are enlarged and sharply painful.

Rice. 8. Inflammatory focus in the perialmond tissue on the right. Visible pus and purulent plugs in the tonsils.

Chronic tonsillitis

Chronic tonsillitis develops as a result of constant inflammation of the tonsils. Initially, the inflammatory process is localized only in the lacunae of the palatine tonsils. Further, as a result of constant exacerbations, the inflammatory process captures the lymphoid tissue. Over time, inflammation during exacerbations develops only in the lymphoid tissue, where connective tissue gradually develops. Tonsils increase in size and become friable, sometimes compacted due to the abundant growth of connective tissue.

Purulent plugs in the tonsils are the main symptom of chronic tonsillitis.

Rice. 9. The photo shows purulent plugs in the tonsils with chronic tonsillitis. The proliferation of connective tissue has changed the normal appearance of the oropharynx.

How to get rid of purulent congestion in the throat at home

Conservative treatment

Solutions with antiseptics helps to improve the patient's condition with tonsillitis and chronic tonsillitis. However, the desired effect is not achieved. Purulent plugs can be located at any depth of lacunae and are not always visible to the naked eye. Their washing out is achieved in a purely mechanical way with the subsequent restoration of the draining function of the tonsils. With self-removal of purulent plugs, the organ is injured, and the plug itself can penetrate far into the gap.

When using a manual or hardware method for extracting plugs, it is possible to succeed, but it is impossible to prevent the appearance of new tonsillolitis. This requires timely and adequate pharmacotherapy.

Only timely and adequate pharmacotherapy will ensure the completion of the pathological process, preserve the protective function of the mucous membrane and the activity of the pharyngeal lymphoid ring, which provides local and systemic immunity.

There are two ways to remove purulent plugs:

• tonsil washing technique,
• a technique for removing plugs using a vacuum apparatus.

Manual method for removing plugs

Hardware way to remove traffic jams

Purulent plugs from the tonsils are removed using the Tonsillor apparatus. The introduction of this technique into practice doubled the efficiency. The number of operations to remove the tonsils has decreased by 4 times.
The operation of the device is based on the extraction of the contents of the lacunae by creating a vacuum in the tonsil area and subsequent deep washing of the tonsils using ultrasound and phonophoresis.
Low-frequency ultrasound used in the device is capable of:

• create a high concentration of drugs in the lesions,
• cause bacteria to die
• soften the contents of the gaps,
• improve blood circulation in the lesions,
• reduce the formation of scar tissue.

The presence of a large number of applicators allows the device to be used both in adults and children.

Rice. 11. In the photo, the Tonsillor apparatus.

It is recommended to spend up to 10 sessions. If necessary, the procedure is repeated after six months. If, after the procedure, the patient is concerned about sore throat, it is recommended to use topical preparations with anesthetics (Strepsils Plus, TheraFlu LAR, etc.).

Rice. 12. Special applicators make it possible to use the Tonsillor apparatus in both adults and children.

Purulent plugs in the tonsils are a constant source of infection in the body.
Only a doctor can choose the right technique individually for each patient.

Plugs in the palatine tonsils (or tonsils) are purulent accumulations in the lacunae of the tonsils. In medicine, you can find other names for this pathology: purulent plugs, caseous plugs.

They are mostly white corks, but may have a yellow, brown or gray tint, depending on their composition.

Plugs in the tonsils can be soft to the touch or harder if they contain a lot of calcium. Their size varies from a few millimeters to a centimeter. Both men and women are equally susceptible to their appearance, regardless of age.

Some patients mistakenly think that this condition does not need to be treated. But this is fundamentally wrong! The presence of purulent accumulations in the palatine tonsils contributes to the development of complications (and not only on the upper respiratory tract, but even on the joints, kidneys and heart!).

Why is there an accumulation of pus in the tonsils? How to treat plugs in the tonsils? And is it possible to carry out treatment at home? You will find answers to all exciting questions in our new article.

Plugs on the tonsils: causes

To find out the etiology of the occurrence of purulent accumulations in the tonsils, you need to understand what role palatine tonsils play in the body.

The tonsils are an important organ of the human immune system, which is the first to stand in the way of bacteria and viruses that enter the body through the mouth. As soon as the "strangers" get to the surface of the tonsils, they begin to increase the production of leukocytes, which come into battle with pathogenic microorganisms. As a result of such "fighting", dead leukocytes, bacteria, and remnants of the epithelium accumulate in the lacunae of the glands. Over time, minerals accumulate here, and the contents of the gaps begin to harden, forming caseous plugs.

The main cause of congestion is chronic tonsillitis. But they can also form in the palatine tonsils for various reasons:

• accumulation of staphylococci, streptococci, pneumococci and other bacteria;
• in people with a weak immune system;
• frequent sore throats;
• the presence in the body of the herpes virus, fungi;
• dental problems (caries);
• viral infections (flu, SARS).

Each of the above causes can provoke inflammation of the palatine tonsils. The risk of accumulation of caseous masses in the lacunae of the glands is increased by malnutrition, smoking, and drinking alcohol.

Just like that, for no reason, traffic jams are not formed. They are a consequence of another disease and signal that an inflammatory process is going on in the body.

Symptoms

Clusters of small size, as a rule, do not cause bright symptoms. With large accumulations, the patient may experience the following symptoms of inflammation:

• bad breath;
• whitish dots are clearly visible on the surface of the tonsils;
• persistent sore throat;
• pain during swallowing;
• body temperature can be increased to 37-37.7 degrees;
• feeling of discomfort in the place of accumulation of purulent masses;
• swollen tonsils;
• weakness, lethargy, general malaise;
• decrease in working capacity;
• loss of appetite;
• enlarged lymph nodes;
• pain may radiate to the ears.

Traffic jams appear gradually, therefore, in the early stages of the development of the disease, the patient experiences only discomfort when swallowing and a sore throat.

This condition is extremely dangerous for pregnant women! In addition to the fact that it adversely affects the general condition of the expectant mother, it can negatively affect the development of the fetus and, in the worst case, provoke a miscarriage. Therefore, it is extremely important to contact an otorhinolaryngologist in time to get competent recommendations on how to effectively treat tonsillitis during pregnancy and avoid complications.

Help yourself?

The biggest mistake most patients make is overconfidence that the removal of caseous plugs can be done at home with improvised means. A whole arsenal of items is used that are absolutely not intended for this: spoons, forks, toothpicks ... At best, such amateur performance simply will not bring results, at worst, it will cause injury to the surface of the tonsils and provoke severe bleeding, swelling and inflammation! This, with a high probability, will be followed by a sore throat! Plus, with improper pressure with a solid object on the accumulation of pus, you can push it even further into the thickness of the tonsil.

Some try to gargle, believing that gargling will bring relief. Yes, the feeling of discomfort in the throat temporarily disappears, but the accumulations of pustules do not disappear, because the rinsing solution contacts only the surface of the tonsils, and it is extremely problematic, or rather impossible, to get inside it. Therefore, this method is also not effective.

The best way to get rid of traffic jams is to consult an otorhinolaryngologist!

Possible Complications

As already mentioned, the presence of accumulations of caseous masses is not as harmless as it might seem at first glance. The danger of this condition lies in the fact that the pathogenic microflora from the lacunae of the tonsils can spread to other organs outside the tonsils and provoke various kinds of complications:

1. Peritonsillar abscess of tissues around the tonsils. In the tissues around the tonsils, a strong inflammatory process is launched. The patient in this condition experiences a sore throat. He does not leave the feeling that a foreign object is stuck in his throat. There are difficulties with swallowing and wide opening of the mouth (lockjaw muscles). Periodically, the patient has a fever, and other unpleasant symptoms of intoxication of the body appear. In this case, only the opening of a paratonsillar abscess will help to improve the patient's condition, sometimes with simultaneous removal of the tonsils (abscess tonsillectomy).
2. Cervical phlegmon is an infection of the tissue of the neck. The patient at the site of inflammation experiences severe pain, body temperature rises to 40 ° C. The danger is that a purulent infection can enter the bloodstream and cause sepsis and purulent damage to other organs. The abscess can also descend into the mediastinum - the case where our heart is located. This inflammation is called mediastinitis. This is a highly lethal disease!
3. Sepsis (blood poisoning) caused by infection in the blood. This condition is extremely dangerous for a person and requires urgent hospitalization.
4. Kidney diseases.
5. Joint diseases.
6. Heart disease.

Treatment of congestion in the tonsils

When contacting an ENT doctor, the patient is offered conservative treatment, which includes washing the tonsils, physiotherapy and drug therapy.

There are two ways of washing: removal of pus with a syringe and hardware washing. The syringe method is used much less frequently if the patient has a strong gag reflex. The most effective washing of the tonsils is by vacuum method using the Tonsillor apparatus. In our ENT clinic, a special vacuum nozzle is used for this, which has no analogues today! With the help of this nozzle, it is possible to effectively and painlessly wash the entire contents of the lacunae of the tonsils, and improve the patient's condition after the first session.

Prevention

To prevent the appearance of new purulent formations, a number of simple recommendations should be followed. It is necessary to pay special attention to oral hygiene and brush your teeth twice a day to avoid the accumulation of pathogenic microflora in the mouth. It is good to treat a sore throat, to fully comply with all the doctor's prescriptions, especially for the duration of taking antibiotics. It is necessary to treat dental diseases and infectious diseases of the nose in time, avoid hypothermia and strengthen the immune system. Then the tonsils will no longer cause problems, but will become a friend.

Plugs in the tonsils must be removed!

And this should only be done by an experienced ENT doctor using good equipment!

Please come and visit us!

We will definitely help you, because the treatment of palatine tonsils is our profile!

In some people, purulent plugs, called tonsillolitis, form on the surface of the tonsils. If they are not accompanied by fever and discomfort, no action is needed. However, when they grow, they must be removed.

How to remove purulent plugs from the tonsils at home. When to remove them you need to see a doctor.

Why are plugs formed on the tonsils

The amygdala has a complex structure. Smooth-looking lymphoid tissue consists of depressions - follicles.

Interesting fact! The tonsils have a large surface, the total area is about 300 cm 2. In the follicles, immune processes of self-purification from clogged food debris, bacteria, viruses, and fungi are constantly taking place. About 500 species of various microorganisms live in the oral cavity.

But the person does not notice any of this. That is why the accumulation does not always indicate a disease of acute tonsillitis, which requires a visit to a doctor and an urgent prescription of antibiotics.

If a person suffers from chronic tonsillitis, stomatitis or dental caries, plugs on the tonsils often form. Tonsillolitis is formed due to the loose structure of the tonsils or poor oral hygiene.

Sometimes they are encountered by healthy people due to the peculiarities of the structure of the tonsils. If the owner of large and loose tonsils forgets to brush his teeth in the morning and evening after eating, pieces of food get stuck in the follicles. Bacteria begin to multiply on them, emitting a putrid odor.

In this case, you can remove plugs from the tonsils yourself at home, below are ways to do this. Such deposits on the tonsils are impregnated with various substances or calcium salts. Therefore, the color is yellowish, white or brown.

The sizes of savings are also different. On average, the value ranges from a few millimeters to 1.5 cm. In exceptionally few cases, it reaches 4 cm and weighs 42 grams.

Are tonsilloliths always removed?

If the lumps are not associated with a sore throat, while the temperature is normal and the state of health is normal, then cleaning the tonsils from traffic jams at home will not be needed at all. But you can stop the formation of tonsillolitis by observing oral hygiene:

1. In the morning and evening after eating, you should regularly clean the inner and outer surfaces of your teeth.
2. The brush does not clean the gaps between them, so you need to use a thread.
3. After lunch or every snack, you should rinse your mouth with a ready-made disinfectant or just saline.

Regular observance of oral hygiene will prevent the formation of plugs on the tonsils, relieve bad breath in the mouth.

Why do tonsilloliths need to be removed?

If tosillolites reach large sizes, they need to be disposed of, there are good reasons for this:

1. Deposits on the tonsils are a potential source of infection in the tonsil itself with the development of severe bacterial tonsillitis. In addition, pathogens can spread to neighboring organs - the ears, paranasal sinuses, larynx, trachea or bronchi.
2. Plugs, made up of bacteria and their decomposition products, are the cause of putrid odor from the mouth.
3. Accumulation leads to enlargement of the tonsils, making it difficult to breathe and swallow food.

To get rid of pustules, you can apply the treatment at home by rinsing.

Attention! If the blockages cannot be removed by flushing, the best option is to consult an otolaryngologist. The doctor cleans the follicles with a conventional syringe or special equipment with washing with disinfectants. Such treatment will provide a lasting result.

How to remove plugs by rinsing

First, you can use an easy and safe way to remove tonsillitis by rinsing. Various disinfectants are used for this:

• A solution of hydrogen peroxide 3% is being prepared at the rate of 1 tbsp. l. per 100 ml of warm boiled water. Oxygen bubbles released during rinsing wash away deposits on the tonsils. The procedure is carried out 3 times a day. After the end of the procedure, the oral cavity is washed with plain water.
• A solution of Chlorophyllipt and Chlorhexidine is used in its pure form 5-6 times a day.
• Soda-salt solution is prepared in a proportion of 1 tsp. salt and sodium bicarbonate in 1 cup of water. Add 5 drops of iodine to the resulting mixture. Rinsing can be done 6-8 times a day.
• Furacilin solution is prepared in the proportion of 2 crushed tablets per glass of hot water. Rinse is done 8 times a day, holding a warm solution in the mouth for 5 minutes.

Getting rid of traffic jams with improvised means

If you decide to clear your throat with tools yourself, you need to know how to clean the tonsils from traffic jams at home and not harm your health. It is safest to use sterile cotton swabs. Otherwise, during the procedure, you can bring the infection.

Attention! You can not try to get rid of traffic jams by pressing on the tonsils with a hard spatula. A lump of pus is easily pressed inward with unpredictable consequences. In addition, the lymphoid tissue of the tonsils is easily injured, which will further aggravate the situation.

In addition, it should be taken into account that the instrument in the oral cavity becomes slippery. During the procedure, a spasm of the pharynx and swallowing of the instrument may occur. Therefore, you need to be careful.

How to remove plugs from the tonsils yourself - step by step:

1. In good light, examine the tonsils, determining the location of tonsillolitis. To see them better, stick your tongue forward and make the sound ah-h-h.
2. Dip the head of a cotton swab into the disinfectant solution of Chlorhexidine or Cholorophyllipt.
3. Gently pressing on the tissue adjacent to the cork, pry off the lump and remove it from the tonsils. Important! For the next manipulation, take a new wand.
4. After the procedure, rinse the oral cavity with a disinfectant solution.

Accumulating saliva must be spit out, and then rinse your mouth. Another important point - you can not put pressure on the cork itself. Otherwise, you can drive a lump deep into the tonsil, which will lead to the formation of an abscess.

What Not to Do

White appear with follicular angina. The disease is accompanied by high fever, sore throat when swallowing. Bacterial inflammation can only be treated with antibiotics.

The local effect on the tonsils consists only in rinsing, lubricating with Iodinol. No other types of mechanical action are carried out. This is fraught with the spread of bacteria throughout the body up to sepsis.

Important! If you see purulent formations in the throat at a high temperature, consult a doctor immediately.

How to permanently get rid of traffic jams with an irrigator

The best way to eliminate blockages in the tonsils is to treat at home with an irrigator. The miniature device operates with a jet of water. The nozzle of the device is installed opposite the cork. Water is supplied until the cork pops out.

It should be noted that inflamed tonsils can be damaged by a jet of water and blood can bleed. It should be used only in cases where the tonsils are in good condition and there is no pain.

After removing each tonsillolitis, the throat is thoroughly washed with a disinfectant liquid.

You can try to remove the plugs yourself if you are sure that they are not associated with acute inflammation of the tonsils. When removing with a stick, care must be taken not to drive the plug into the soft lymphoid tissue.

In order not to harm your own health, use a rinse or irrigator for this purpose.

The occurrence of traffic jams is usually observed at. This is a complication of angina. Tonsillitis develops in a chronic form with self-treatment of tonsillitis and uncontrolled use of drugs.

Many patients do not follow the doctor's instructions and finish taking antibiotics on the 3rd-4th day, when improvement occurs. In most cases, incomplete treatment also causes the development of chronic tonsillitis and the formation of purulent plugs.

Other factors contributing to the development of tonsillitis:

• inflammatory processes in soft tissues
• infections in the sinuses
• adenoids
• deviated septum
• weakening of the immune system
• hypothermia
• palatine tonsil injury

The main causative agents of tonsillitis:, streptococci, enterococci, adenoviruses. The route of transmission of the infection is exogenous, i.e. from the external environment. If there are chronic foci of inflammation (caries, etc.), then the infection can spread to the tonsils. It can be transmitted by airborne droplets or household contact.

Opportunistic bacteria can be present in the oral cavity and, with a weakened immune system, cause an inflammatory process.During pregnancy, the formation of tonsillitis plugs is observed quite often. The reasons for their appearance are as follows: hypothermia, decreased immunity, chronic diseases.

Symptoms

With tonsillitis and the formation of traffic jams, the following symptoms may appear:

• smell from the mouth
• accumulation of purulent plaque on the tonsils
• palatine arch enlargement
• pain when swallowing

The patient also complains of malaise, weakness,. If you have symptoms, you should consult a doctor. These symptoms are usually discovered during the examination.With an exacerbation of tonsillitis, the body may rise, increase.

Traffic jams can appear in different places. They do not touch the auricle, however, due to common nerve endings, pain can radiate to the ear.

Conservative treatment

Drug treatment is aimed at destroying the causative agent of the infection and alleviating the symptoms of the disease:

• Of the antibacterial drugs, Cefalexin, Amoxicillin, Oxacillin, etc. are used. Treatment with drugs is about 10 days.
• When using macrolides (, Erythromycin, etc.), the duration of treatment does not exceed 3 days. These drugs are taken according to a certain scheme, which is determined by the doctor. Before prescribing an antibiotic, a bacterial culture is done to determine sensitivity to antibiotics.
• In case of an inflammatory process in the region of the palatine tonsils, which is accompanied by the formation of traffic jams, it is effective to rinse with antiseptic preparations: Rotokan, Chlorhexidine. Antiseptics are produced not only in the form of solutions, but also in tablets, lozenges: Septolete, Strepsils, Faringosept, etc.
• You can also lubricate the tonsils with a solution, Yoks, Chlorophyllipt,.
• Of the antipyretic drugs, Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Nurofen are prescribed.
• To relieve swelling of the mucous membrane, tonsils, antihistamines are used: Loratadin, etc.

There is also a hardware treatment of tonsillitis plugs. For this purpose, the Tonsilor apparatus is used. First, the lacunae of the tonsils are washed, and then the affected area is treated with ultrasound.

Alternative treatment

You can get rid of tonsillitis plugs using effective folk recipes. There are various methods of treatment:, irrigation. The use of methods in combination facilitates the patient's condition and allows you to cope with the inflammatory process in a short time.

With tonsillitis, it is useful to do rinses. Such procedures relieve inflammation and cleanse the tonsils of accumulated pus. For preventive purposes, it should be taken 2 times a day, and during the period of the disease - every 2-3 hours.

Healing herbs and decoctions prepared on their basis have an antibacterial effect and are successfully used in the treatment of many diseases of the upper respiratory tract.

From plants choose chamomile, St. John's wort, mint, yarrow.

To prepare a decoction, take 20-40 g of dry raw materials and pour a glass of boiling water. Leave to infuse for 20-30 minutes. Then cool and strain. Rinsing should be carried out until the symptoms of the disease disappear.

Small children do not know how to gargle, so they perform irrigation. For the procedure, you will need a syringe or syringe. Put the prepared decoction of chamomile, eucalyptus, sage into a syringe and rinse the tonsils. It is important to ensure that the child does not swallow the decoction, as all pathogenic bacteria will get inside.

Inhalation is no less effective procedure. It can be carried out both at home and in hospitals. The procedure is carried out no earlier than one and a half hours after eating.

Surgical treatment consists in the complete or partial removal of the tonsils. In medical practice, this procedure is called.

An operation is performed with ineffective conservative treatment, with frequent recurrent tonsillitis, respiratory failure, and purulent complications. Tonsillectomy is not performed for blood diseases, disorders of the heart, kidneys, lungs, inflammatory and infectious processes, diabetes mellitus. The procedure can be performed in several ways.

There are the following procedures for the removal of palatine tonsils:

• Extracapsular tonsillectomy. The classic option is the removal of the tonsils under local or general anesthesia using a scalpel, a loop and a needle.
• Using a microdebrider. You can eliminate the infectious focus with a microdebrider. This is a special device that has a rotating cutter. When it rotates, soft tissues are cut off. For this procedure, a strong anesthetic is used.
• Laser removal. Do not use in children under 10 years of age. It is carried out under local anesthesia. The tonsil is grasped with forceps and cut off with a laser. Next, the vessels are closed with a laser beam, which avoids blood loss. Part of the tissue evaporates and the volume of the tonsils decreases.
• Electrocoagulation. With electrocoagulation, cauterization of tissues with current is carried out. During the procedure, a high frequency electric current is used.
• radiofrequency ablation. The procedure by which radio wave energy is converted into heat. Used to reduce tonsils. This avoids their removal.
• Cryodestruction. You can eliminate the focus of inflammation with cold exposure. For this, liquid nitrogen is used. The oral cavity is pre-treated with lidocaine. Due to the low temperature, all pathogenic microorganisms die, and necrosis of the affected tissues occurs.

Useful video - Chronic tonsillitis: signs and treatment

The best antibiotics for tonsillitis and the rules for their use

When choosing an operation, the patient's condition, chronic diseases and the degree of damage to the tissues of the tonsils are taken into account.After the operation, the patient may feel a lump in the throat for some time due to swelling of the tissues. Body temperature may also rise, nausea may appear.

Wounds heal completely 2-3 weeks after surgery.

During this period, you should limit physical activity, use liquid cereals for the first week, gradually adding lean meat for a couple, potatoes, fruits to the diet. After 10 days, you can not adhere to a diet, but it is forbidden to eat foods that irritate the throat.

Possible consequences

With inadequate or untimely treatment, the accumulated pus can spread beyond the tonsils. In the fight against pathogenic microorganisms, protective functions are reduced, which can lead to malfunction of various organs and systems.

Tonsillitis plugs can lead to the following complications:

• Peritonsillar abscess. This is an inflammatory process in which the infection penetrates into the peritoneal tissue. In this case, abscesses are formed on the tissues near the tonsils, inflammation of the loose fiber occurs, expansion of the capillaries due to this, mucosal edema develops. The patient develops a strong, especially when swallowing, which can give into the ear or teeth. The lymph nodes are enlarged, and pain is felt on palpation.
• Phlegmon of the neck. This is one of the dangerous complications that can lead to death. Phlegmon develops when the infection spreads to the tissue area through the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
• The purulent process does not have a clearly defined border and can expand. The patient is concerned not only with pain in the throat, but also in the neck. The skin in the neck becomes reddish, swelling appears, the body rises.
• Sepsis. With the blood flow, pathogens spread to various organs. The cause of sepsis can be the illiterate removal of the tonsils, after which the infection enters the bloodstream through damaged vessels. This condition can lead to serious consequences and requires immediate intervention of specialists and urgent hospitalization of the patient.
• Kidney damage. A late complication that leads to bilateral kidney damage is glomerulonephritis. This disease in a chronic form can cause kidney failure.
• Regeneration of palatine tonsils. When lymphoid tissue degenerates into connective tissue, the tonsils lose their functions. This develops with the progression of the inflammatory process, as a result of which fibroblasts accumulate - connective tissue cells.
• Inflammation of the joints. Rheumatism develops when untreated, when predominantly streptococci penetrate the bloodstream and provoke swelling of the lower extremities, acute pain in the joints.
• Damage to the heart (tonsillocardial syndrome). This is a set of signs of dysfunction. This syndrome develops with the direct influence of pathogenic microorganisms and their toxins on the heart muscle. Against the background of chronic tonsillitis, the patient develops pain in the region of the heart of a stabbing character, noise, tachycardia, etc.

In addition, chronic tonsillitis can cause complications in the liver and lungs. Often, this pathology can cause cerebral complications, the development of neuro-endocrine and endocrine diseases.

In order to avoid the formation of purulent plugs, it is recommended to follow the rules of prevention:

1. After each meal, be sure to rinse your mouth and throat with plain water.
2. It is important to observe personal hygiene: brush your teeth at least 2 times a day. The daily procedure prevents the development and accumulation of pathogenic microorganisms in the oral cavity.
3. Treat promptly. Subject to all the recommendations of the doctor on the use of drugs, swelling and inflammation are eliminated. This reduces the likelihood of developing tonsillitis plugs.
4. It is necessary to treat inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity and nasopharynx in a timely manner: caries, stomatitis, gingivitis, etc.
5. Avoid hypothermia. With hypothermia, protective functions are reduced, which contributes to the development of a recurrence of angina. Patients with chronic tonsillitis should not drink cold drinks, eat ice cream in the cold season.
6. It is important to strengthen the immune system, take vitamin and mineral complexes, and be vaccinated against infections.
7. It is important to lead a healthy lifestyle and eat right.

Chronic tonsillitis is a disease characterized by damage to the lymphoid tissues that form the pharyngeal Pirogov-Waldeyer ring. Most often, it is the palatine tonsils that are affected. It is impossible to cure chronic tonsillitis once and for all, but it is quite possible to achieve a stable remission. The article will discuss how to treat chronic tonsillitis at home, and how to remove purulent plugs in adults and children.

Reasons for the appearance

The causative agent in most cases is b-hemolytic streptococcus A.

A chronic disease can be either compensated - the body copes with the disease on its own, or decompensated - the body cannot cope with the disease. Below are the degrees of compensation and their description:

The compensated form is called simple, and the decompensated form is called toxic-allergic. The second, in turn, is divided into 1 and 2 forms. The following clinical manifestations and symptoms are characteristic:

1. Simple chronic tonsillitis. Mostly local manifestations are of concern - edema and hyperemia (redness), the edges of the arches are thickened, there are purulent-caseous plugs in the lacunae of the tonsils. Bad breath. Regional lymph nodes may be enlarged.
2. Toxic-allergic type 1. Accession to the general manifestations listed above, including weakness and temperature of 37-38 ° C. Systemic manifestations - pain in the joints. Despite complaints of pain in the heart, the results of studies of significant deviations do not show.
3. Toxic-allergic type 2. Systemic functional disorders are noted, which are recorded during objective research methods, for example, electrocardiograms. The body temperature of 37-38 °C is maintained for a long time. The general and systemic complications described above in the table develop.

How to treat

Home treatment of tonsillitis plugs primarily involves local therapy and the use of immunomodulators.

What indicates successful treatment:

• inflammatory processes in the lymphoid tissue are eliminated;
• prevented local and systemic complications;
• The general condition is normalized, appetite has improved.

Basic principles of treatment

Separately, the topic of drug treatment should be highlighted. Firstly, you should not take antibacterial drugs on your own, having found purulent plugs in chronic tonsillitis. The need for such funds appears with angina. Why?

On the one hand, such drugs contribute to a decrease in immunity, and on the other hand, they disrupt the microflora of the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract. A vicious circle closes, and a person begins to get sick even more often.

So, the following treatment strategy will help to quickly and effectively remove purulent plugs in adults and children:

• sanitation of the palatine tonsils by washing with medicinal solutions, as well as the treatment of the tonsils with various drugs;
• ultrasonic physiotherapy, laser, infrared;
• local treatment - rinses, antiseptics;
• taking immunomodulators;
• according to indications - taking antibiotics (if standard treatment for exacerbation has not yielded results).

With the next exacerbation, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

What can be done at home?

Do not buy many drugs. The main thing is a systematic approach. For local treatment of chronic tonsillitis, it is enough to have at home:

1. Oroseptic tablets prescribed by a doctor (Lizobact, for example). Among immunomodulators, an excellent remedy for chronic tonsillitis is Polyoxidonium. For sore throats, a local anesthetic is connected: Strepsils, for example (this is a spray that quickly relieves even severe pain).
2. Chlorhexidine or other antiseptic.
3. Sodium tetraborate in glycerin (borax).
4. Essential oil of eucalyptus.
5. Pharmacy chamomile.
6. Multivitamin complex.

A more systematic, global approach is needed: the problem is not in the tonsils themselves (their acute reaction is only evidence that they work “at full capacity”, without being the cause of constant exacerbations), but in a decrease in general immunity. That is why a competent strategy involves regular treatment of the focus of infection and.