Tonsillitis, or inflammation of the tonsils

We are all familiar with the disease from childhood, like swollen glands. So, in medicine, this condition is known as tonsillitis . Glands, or palatine tonsils, perform a protective function in our body and prevent the penetration of bacteria into the respiratory tract.

Under certain conditions, tonsils can become inflamed and increase in size. The most common cause of tonsillitis are bacterial or viral infections (usually streptococci, staphylococci and adenoviruses) that spread by airborne droplets. Other possible causes of tonsillitis include various kinds of nasal breathing disorders (for example, adenoids, polyps, curvature of the nasal septum) and infections in neighboring organs (sinusitis, adenoiditis, sinusitis, etc.). Overcooling, malnutrition and reduced immunity also create favorable conditions for the development of the disease.

Acute and chronic tonsillitis

There are two types of tonsillitis: acute and chronic. Acute tonsillitis is more commonly known as angina. The main symptoms of tonsillitis include:

• Pain and sore throat
• Labored breathing
• Pain when swallowing
• Increased body temperature
• Increased tonsils
• Education on tonsils of white or yellowish plaque
• Headache
• Common weakness
• Tonsillitis is often accompanied by other acute respiratory diseases characterized by a runny nose and cough
• Enlargement of lymph nodes
• In children, in addition to the above symptoms, nausea and abdominal pain may occur.

If you do not start on time to treat angina, then it can develop into chronic tonsillitis , which, in turn, can lead to complications in the kidneys, heart and other important organs. The most common of these complications are myocarditis, rheumatism, sepsis and pyelonephritis. That is why it is very important to see a doctor at the first symptoms of tonsillitis.

In chronic tonsillitis, the following symptoms are observed in patients:

• A sore throat
• Unpleasant odor from the mouth
• Feeling of a coma in the throat caused by the formation of a purulent plug
• Coughing of festering plugs.

How to treat tonsillitis?

Treatment of tonsillitis in most cases involves taking antibiotics and other medications to kill the infection. In addition, it is recommended to gargle with antiseptic solutions (manganese, hydrogen peroxide, etc.). In chronic tonsillitis, in addition to the above measures, physiotherapy is performed - irradiation of the tonsils with ultraviolet radiation.

In cases where conservative treatment is ineffective, or if tonsils cease to perform a protective function, surgical treatment is used, which consists in the removal of tonsils. This procedure is also known as tonsillectomy . Other indications for surgery are the risk of complications from important organs, impaired swallowing and nighttime apnea syndrome (intermittent breathing stops during sleep). Previously, tonsillectomy was considered the most effective way to treat tonsillitis and was conducted much more often. However, later, when the protective function of the tonsils was discovered, the tonsils became much less common.

Is it possible to prevent tonsillitis?

Since tonsillitis often occurs against a background of a weak immune system, an important component of prevention of tonsillitis is the general strengthening and improvement of the body. It is recommended to follow a balanced diet and ensure that the body receives a sufficient amount of vitamins and trace elements. Active way of life, hardening and occupation of the port also play an important role in strengthening immunity.

In addition, to prevent infection, you must follow the rules of personal hygiene, regularly ventilate the room and spend enough time in the fresh air.