Chronic tonsillitis
Chronic tonsillitis is tonsillitis that occurs several times a year. In the case of chronic disease, the doctor usually uses surgical treatment; there are also conservative treatment methods.
What is chronic tonsillitis?
The doctor speaks of chronic tonsillitis when the patient complains of tonsillitis several times a year. Acute tonsillitis (classic tonsillitis ) is referred to as inflammation of the tonsils.
The tonsils are two small bumps that are where the mouth and throat meet. In this context, the tonsils are part of the immune system . In relation to the disease, children in particular are often affected by chronic tonsillitis.
causes
Chronic tonsillitis is transmitted due to droplet infection . This means that there is a risk of infection through sneezing or exchanging saliva. Viruses are responsible for the infection or inflammation . Tonsillitis can almost always be traced back to group A streptococci .There are also other bacteria and fungi that cause tonsillitis. These include hemophilus influenzae and pneumococci. Another cause is a weakened immune system. Tonsillitis also occurs again and again as a side effect of another disease. Scarlet fever is a classic disease in which the patient also complains of tonsillitis.
When to the doctor?
A doctor should be consulted if bad breath persists. The smell is to be understood as a warning sign of the organism, which should be examined and controlled. If swallowing problems occur continuously over a long period of time, it is advisable for a doctor to examine and diagnose the cause of the problem. If food can no longer be transported into the esophagus as usual and without symptoms despite being sufficiently chopped up in the mouth, a doctor’s visit is necessary. If there are noticeable weight changes or eating disorders , a doctor must be consulted.
If you have a sore throat, fever, tiredness or exhaustion, you should consult a doctor. The build-up of pus in the throat is considered worrisome if it persists for several weeks. The pus can get into the bloodstream and lead to blood poisoning. Therefore, a doctor’s visit is necessary as soon as the tonsils are repeatedly or persistently inflamed.
Pain in the throat, throat, or while chewing should be presented to a doctor. Occurring tooth and jaw problems are symptoms that must be examined and clarified by a doctor. Chronic tonsillitis can lead to problems with phonotony. If the person concerned is no longer able to speak and sing loudly or clearly as usual, a doctor’s visit is necessary.
symptoms and course
Typical symptoms:
The frequency of tonsillitis is a first warning sign of a chronic disease. If the patient suffers from tonsillitis more than three times a year, the doctor speaks of a chronic disease. The symptoms are identical to those of normal tonsillitis.
The patient complains of a sudden sore throat in connection with swallowing difficulties. Patients have a high fever and a reduced general condition. The tonsils are swollen and very red. The coating of the almonds is covered by a yellowish or greyish film. The covering is in the form of strips, continuous or punctiform. The lymph nodes can also swell during tonsillitis; the patient’s way of speaking is also often slurred. Another symptom is bad breath.
Diagnose
In the case of chronic tonsillitis, the doctor first looks at the tonsils. The size, the appearance and the color of the covering play an important role here. It is helpful for the doctor to know whether it is a bacterial or viral tonsillitis. People like to talk about “purulent” tonsillitis or “purulent” angina.
However, there is no defined clinical picture of purulent angina. The only differences are in the “viral” or “bacterial” area. The doctor will determine the difference by taking a throat swab. Laboratory values (or a blood count ) also provide clarification.
In the case of bacterial infection, there is an increased number of white blood cells in the blood (granulocytes). The inflammation value (CRP) is also significantly increased. If the doctor suspects an infection by group A streptococci, he will carry out a rapid test. The creation of a bacterial culture also gives the doctor information about whether and which bacteria triggered the tonsillitis.
complications
Tonsillitis is one of the most common infections in both children and adults and usually heals without any problems. If the disease has already become chronic, this is a complication in itself. Close monitoring by the general practitioner and possible considerations in the direction of an operation are advisable. The reason: Normally, tonsils in the throat act as a barrier against germs that, for example, trigger influenza infections.
However, if the tonsils are already very fissured due to chronic inflammation, exactly the opposite happens. The pathogens migrate past the tonsils and so-called floor changes occur. This means they travel further down into the lower airways and can lead to either bronchitis or, in severe cases, pneumonia . In concrete terms, this means that chronic tonsillitis can result in a significant weakening of the immune system in addition to the local complaints in the throat.
In addition, the typical pathogens that cause chronic tonsillitis can also represent a serious complication in relation to the heart. They get there via the bloodstream and can trigger myocarditis there. Myocarditis not only requires absolute protection of the patient, but sometimes even intensive medical treatment, since it is one of the causes of sudden cardiac death.
treatment and therapy
In the case of chronic tonsillitis, difficulty swallowing or severe sore throat, it is important to drink enough liquid. Children quickly become dehydrated when they refuse to drink because of the pain. Mouthwashes such as lozenges also help against tonsillitis. Medications help relieve pain and bring down fever.The doctor prescribes acetylsalicylic acid (such as aspirin), paracetamol or ibuprofen for chronic tonsillitis . Inflammation caused by streptococci is treated with antibiotics . Taking antibiotics prevents other diseases – including chronic inflammation of the kidneys or rheumatic fever.
Home remedies are also popular for chronic tonsillitis . This includes the envelope with mixed curd cheese or healing earth . Ginger tea with honey and lemon and gargling with chamomile tea, salt water or sage tea are also said to alleviate the symptoms.
Conservative treatment for chronic tonsillitis often only delays the operation. Anyone who has more than five tonsillitis within two years is usually operated on. The symptoms of tonsillitis often intensify, so that patients complain of high fever. The pain also increases and the lymph nodes swell more and more.
During tonsillectomy, the doctor removes the tonsils. There is a risk of bleeding afterwards. Bleeding can occur up to three weeks after the operation. If there is any indication that the patient is bleeding, you must go to the hospital immediately.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.