What to do when the tonsils hurt?

Glands have another name - tonsils, Latin name Tonsillen. From this Latin name comes the name of their main disease - tonsillitis. They are located in the posterior cavity of the pharynx and consist of two pharyngeal, two palatines and one reed tummy. Together with the lymph glands, glands create a lymph glottic ring, which protects our body from infection.

Tonsils, in the first place, neutralize the infection that enters the body in various ways through the oral cavity. This is the immunity of the body, since it contains immune cells that purposely destroy those who are trying to penetrate pathogens. Therefore, healthy tonsils are very important for the normal functioning of the body's immune system. When the human body is weakened, and many bacteria enter the mouth, the tonsils can not cope with their function. Inflammation begins, redness occurs. If the gland is swollen - this is the first sign of angina, or acute tonsillitis.

The palatine glands are most susceptible to diseases, which are clearly visible if you open your mouth. Their outer part faces towards the oral cavity and pharynx. Glands have a porous structure, pierced with lacunae - special "tubules", which are, directly, traps for viruses and microbes. Each amygdala connects its inner part with the pharyngeal tissue and the lymphatic duct, which binds the tonsil to the entire immune system. Thus, the removal of glands is a serious blow to the protection of the human body.

At what diseases are the tonsils sore? What are the reasons?

1. Angina. Acute infectious and allergic disease. Inflammatory processes affect, mainly, the palatine tonsils. The main pathogens are staphylococci and streptococci, as well as bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc. Causes of the disease are general or local hypothermia, overfatigue, beriberi, infectious diseases. The beginning of angina is acute. There is perspiration, dry mouth, sore throat when swallowing food or liquids, and, of course, the tonsils are sore. Depending on the reaction of the body, the body temperature can range from 37C to 40C.
2. Chronic tonsillitis. Inflammation of the glands can develop due to repeated angina, various infectious diseases (diphtheria, measles, scarlet fever). Other causes: chronic inflammation of a local nature, for example, caries and periodontitis. Symptoms are neuralgic pains with recoil in the neck or ear, bad breath, sore throat, a slight increase in temperature in the evening, lethargy, headache.
3. Hygopharyngeal (retrofaringal) abscess. It is formed by suppuration of the pharynx of the pharyngeal space and the lymph nodes. The lymphatic pathway is the penetration of infection from the auditory tube, the middle ear, the nasopharynx and the nasal cavity. Abscess can be a complication of measles, flu, scarlet fever. Symptoms of the disease: a sharp pain in the throat, a violation of nasal breathing, shortness of breath, high fever.
4. Chronic pharyngitis. With prolonged irritation, there is a slow inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa. Manifestation: reddening of the mucous membrane of the pharynx, the accumulation of mucus in it, and, as always, the glands are sore.
5. Infection with influenza viruses and colds. You can get infected from another person when he sneezes or coughs, by inhaling particles with bacteria and viruses.
6. Allergy. It manifests itself in response to various irritants in the form of redness, face swelling, runny nose and sore throat.
7. Dry air. Pain in the glands, perspiration in the throat arise due to low humidity in the room, especially during the heating season.
8. Contaminated air, tobacco smoke. Cause constant irritation of the throat and upper respiratory tract. Passive smoking, while doing much more harm than the active.
9. HIV infection. The causes are not in the HIV infection itself, but in the infection in general, which is a danger to people with impaired immune system.
10. Tumors. Suffer, mainly, smokers and alcoholics. The voice becomes hoarse, swallowing is difficult, pain in the tonsils.

With all the variety of methods of treatment, doctors periodically make decisions about the removal of tonsils. There is a natural question: why remove tonsils?

The main cause here is the spread of infection from the tonsils throughout the body. It is known that tonsils have a connection with about 97 organs, including those with the most important ones - the heart, liver, kidneys ... Chronic tonsillitis can affect the development of serious diseases: cardiac, bronchopulmonary, and it adversely affects blood clotting, metabolism. There may be allergic conditions - bronchial asthma, microbial eczema.

Therefore, in cases where the tonsils are hurting, the attending physician after careful examination, weighing all the pros and cons, takes the only correct decision and, if necessary, prescribes an operation.