Tonsillitis in children is quite common. The disease is observed at the age of 5 to 10 years and in young people from 15 to 25 years. A person can get chronic tonsillitis several times a year.
The tonsils are located at the back of the throat on both sides. They serve as a kind of filter, trapping microbes that can enter the respiratory tract and cause an inflammatory process. The tonsils produce antibodies to fight bacteria, but sometimes the tonsils can also become infected. When infected by bacteria or viruses, the tonsils become enlarged and inflamed. Tonsillitis begins.
Depending on the causes, tonsillitis can be viral or bacterial. Tonsillitis can be acute or chronic, depending on the course of the disease. Sore throat is an acute form of tonsillitis. The disease can be caused not only by bacteria or a virus, but also by hypothermia, physical exertion or low immunity. With insufficient treatment, acute tonsillitis can develop into a chronic form.
In severe forms of chronic tonsillitis, a child may experience complications in the form of rheumatism, damage to the valvular apparatus of the heart, leading to heart disease and the development of heart failure. If the disease is not treated promptly and correctly, it will lead to kidney disease. Other complications of tonsillitis include acute inflammation of the ear and sinuses. Exacerbation of tonsillitis during pregnancy can cause complications on a woman’s body and also negatively affect the development of the baby.
Causes of tonsillitis
The cause of bacterial tonsillitis is the bacteria hemolytic streptococcus group A. The disease can begin due to various herpes viruses, influenza, other types of streptococci, mycoplasmas, and chlamydia. Chronic tonsillitis occurs after suffering from tonsillitis, scarlet fever, measles and other infectious diseases.
Tonsillitis is transmitted from a sick person by airborne droplets and from an infectious carrier. The disease develops against the background of reduced immunity, hypothermia, heavy workload, stress, malnutrition, and others. Tonsillitis can often occur during pregnancy, as the woman’s body’s defense mechanisms are weakened. If you start the process of sore throat or treat it incorrectly, it develops into acute tonsillitis.
Local causes of tonsillitis include conditions in which nasal breathing is impaired. The disease can begin due to a deviated nasal septum, the formation of adenoids or nasal polyps. The chronic form of tonsillitis often occurs against the background of purulent sinusitis and dental caries. Unfavorable climatic conditions, environmental pollution and hazardous production can trigger the development of chronic tonsillitis.
Causes of tonsillitis
Tonsils are lymphoid formations located at the transition of the oral cavity to the pharynx. Their main function is to protect the body from the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms. When an infectious agent enters, the tonsils are the first to take the blow. Against the background of weakened protective functions, lymphoid tissue stops fighting microorganisms, and an inflammatory process develops on their surface.
A decrease in immunity can contribute to:
- frequent respiratory viral diseases;
- poor nutrition;
- bad habits;
- the presence of chronic inflammatory foci;
- sudden climate change;
- poor ecological environment;
- passive lifestyle;
- failure to comply with cleanliness and humidity standards in the premises.
Before starting treatment for tonsillitis at home in adults and children, it is necessary to consult a doctor, identify the causative agent, and schedule the correct therapy. Depending on the type of infectious agent that provoked the pathology, there are three types of sore throat: viral, bacterial, fungal.
Bacterial tonsillitis is the most difficult to treat at home; in terms of its course and possible complications, it is the most dangerous. The pathology is caused mainly by beta-hemolytic streptococci and staphylococcal infections. Delayed seeking help and improper therapy lead to the formation of pustular formations on the tonsils, the disease becoming chronic, and the development of life-threatening complications.
Treatment of tonsillitis in adults and children is carried out comprehensively, including etiotropic and symptomatic drugs. You cannot prescribe therapy on your own, so as not to harm the body and not aggravate the condition.
Bad habits.
Symptoms of tonsillitis
An infectious disease that causes inflammation of the tonsils is tonsillitis. The main signs of the disease are an increase in temperature, possibly up to 40 C, after a recent cold. Patients complain of dry throat mucosa, severe cough (to the point of vomiting), loss of strength, and migraine. Eating becomes unbearable for the patient due to severe pain when swallowing. There is also a change in the size of the lymph nodes. The disease occurs in several forms (chronic and acute).
Symptoms of tonsillitis appear acutely at the initial stage of the disease. The temperature rises quickly, headache, chills and fever, weakness, acute pain in the throat, which gets worse when swallowing and talking. Severe muscle and joint pain may occur. The acute form of tonsillitis in children is most often accompanied by such unpleasant symptoms as nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting, and enlarged lymph nodes.
The disease can last from five days to a week. If no complications arise, the patient recovers and recovers. The lymph nodes may be enlarged for another ten or twelve days.
In the chronic form of tonsillitis in children, the following symptoms are observed:
- slight increase in temperature in the evening;
- weakness and increased sweating;
- unpleasant taste and odor in the mouth;
- sore throat when talking, swallowing and eating;
- burning sensation in the tonsils;
- feeling of a lump in the throat;
- With a strong cough, purulent crumbs are released.
In complex forms of chronic tonsillitis, a child may experience unpleasant sensations in the form of:
- lack of air, suffocation;
- pain in the heart area;
- pain in joints and muscles;
- discharge in the form of liquid pus in the lacunae of the tonsils;
- increased heart rate and shortness of breath.
A pronounced sign of tonsillitis is enlargement of the tonsils, which can be seen during a routine examination of the throat. The acute form of tonsillitis manifests itself as a bright red color of the tonsils, while in the chronic form the tonsils are dark red. Depending on the development of the disease, white plaque, film, pustules and ulcers may accumulate on the tonsils.
Symptoms during exacerbation in adults and children
A person does not always understand that he has chronic tonsillitis. The symptoms of the disease are not sufficiently pronounced; diseased tonsils sometimes do not even increase in size. Is it possible to cure chronic tonsillitis described in this material.
Symptoms of chronic tonsillitis:
- Slight intermittent sore throat;
- Frequent cases of sore throat;
- Neck pain;
- Difficulty swallowing;
- Bad breath;
- Bad taste in the mouth;
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck;
- White or yellowish coating on the tonsils;
- Increased body temperature;
- Reduced immunity.
Provocateurs of exacerbations of chronic tonsillitis:
- Weakened immunity;
- Hypothermia;
- The presence of other foci of infection in the body;
- Inadequate treatment of the disease or lack of prevention.
The main forms of exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis are tonsillitis and paratonsillar abscess.
Symptoms of acute tonsillitis:
- High body temperature (38-40º C);
- Chills;
- A sore throat;
- Difficulty swallowing;
- General weakness;
- Headache;
- Pain in the joints and lower back;
- Enlarged and painful lymph nodes.
Peritonsillar abscess is the second form of exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis, which is characterized by the accumulation of pus in the tissue near the tonsils. The symptoms of this disease in the initial stages are similar to the course of a sore throat. But after a few days, the clinical picture changes: swelling of the pharynx increases, swallowing becomes very difficult, which often leads to the complete inability to take food and water. Due to inflammation of the surrounding tissues, the patient is sometimes unable to even open his mouth.
Exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis
Factors contributing to the exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis: chronic fatigue, frequent nerves and stress, lack of sleep, lack of rest, a large number of “harmful enterprises” near the house, a large amount of radiation, heavy smoke, toxic materials in furniture and chemicals. A large amount of proteins and carbohydrates in food, less than two liters of fluid drunk per day, dirty water with impurities, working in a dusty or gassy place.
With an exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis, the lymphoid tissue becomes rough, and scars form on the lacunae. In these places, purulent foci appear that contain pus, microbes, food debris, these products enter other organs with the blood. Due to the constant inflammatory process, allergies can begin. With an exacerbation of the disease, tonsillitis can progress to the stage of acute tonsillitis (tonsillitis), parotonsillar abscess.
Symptoms of chronic tonsillitis in a simple recurrent form: the edges of the arches swell, pus accumulates in the lacunae, purulent plugs appear, pain when swallowing, enlarged lymph nodes, sensation of a foreign body in the throat, bad breath. With an exacerbation of the symptoms of chronic tonsillitis, this form turns into a sore throat, which can bother the patient up to three times a year. With angina, the body temperature rises to 38 degrees and above, weakness appears, aches in the muscles and body, headache, dizziness, lymph nodes enlarge, pain is felt when palpated, with good treatment the disease goes away in a maximum of a week.
With an exacerbation of the symptoms of chronic tonsillitis in the form of a parotonsillar abscess, the temperature rises to 38 degrees or more, weakness, headache, pain in the body and muscles, soreness and burning of the throat, fever and fever appear. After a few days, the patient has difficulty swallowing due to swelling of the throat, it is difficult or impossible to drink and eat, and open his mouth.
In the toxic-allergic form, in addition to the usual symptoms, others appear: a feeling of intoxication, pain in the joints and heart, severe fatigue, and fever. Diseases in the form of ARVI, colds and flu take quite a long time to be treated. Another option for the development of a toxic-allergic form: due to an infection that accumulates in the tonsils and spreads throughout the body, the functions of the liver, kidneys, and joints deteriorate significantly. Possible heart problems: instability of heart rhythm, heart defects.
Treatment of exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis does not differ from the treatment of sore throat. The patient should be provided with silence, complete rest and bed rest. Food should be crushed; it is best to give the patient liquid food in the form of porridges and purees. You should drink a large amount of warm liquid per day (compotes, milk with butter and honey, water, tea with raspberries). You should definitely call a doctor for further treatment instructions. Usually the doctor prescribes macrolites and penicillin antibiotics. If any drug gives a positive result, it can be used during the next exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis.
Symptoms of the disease
Acute manifestations of a person's sore throat include swelling of the throat and inflammation of the tonsils, and this can lead to blockage of the airways, which has quite serious consequences. There are also the following symptoms of tonsillitis:
- soreness and pain in the throat;
- redness on the tonsils and an increase in the latter’s size, as well as their loose structure;
- plaque formation on the tonsils with a yellowish or white tint;
- the appearance of ulcerative formations and blisters on the pharyngeal mucosa;
- hoarseness and even loss of voice;
- Strong headache;
- complete lack of desire to eat;
- difficulty breathing through the mouth;
- swelling of the glands in the cervical region;
- chills or fever;
- bad breath.
In children, acute tonsillitis is slightly different from the disease in adults and may be accompanied by the following symptoms:
- abdominal pain;
- gagging;
- nausea and vomiting.
In the case of very young children who are not yet able to describe painful sensations, it is important for parents to focus special attention on the following signs accompanying the disease:
- increased saliva production caused by problems swallowing;
- refusal to eat;
- not quite the usual behavior of a child.
The chronic form of tonsillitis appears in children due to frequent sore throats (more than once a year), with prolonged high temperature (up to 37.5°C), which cannot be lowered for a long time (sometimes up to 30 days), as well as with plugs in the tonsils, which are accompanied by an unpleasant odor from the mouth.
I would like to note that in the case of tonsillitis, the symptoms accompanying the disease are pronounced. In turn, chronic tonsillitis occurs almost unnoticed and many simply do not seek help from doctors. However, in no case should you leave the disease to chance, as this can lead to problems with the heart, kidneys and many other complications.
Also, due to the fact that the tonsils are in close proximity to the thyroid gland and they share a common lymphatic system, chronic inflammatory processes have a detrimental effect on the thyroid gland and lead to serious problems with it.
Diagnosis of tonsillitis
Chronic tonsillitis is not diagnosed during an exacerbation (sore throat), since all factors will reflect the acute course of the process, but not its chronic course. The most reliable signs of chronic tonsillitis are purulent contents in the crypts and anamnesis indicating very frequent sore throats.
Exacerbations of chronic tonsillitis occur about 2-3 times a year, rarely - up to 6 times a year. Even sore throats that occur once a year are considered frequent. However, non-anginal forms are not excluded, when the patient has no more angina, but at the same time has pronounced pharyngoscopic signs. Similar signs are typical for 4% of patients with chronic tonsillitis.
An important sign of chronic tonsillitis is an increase in regional lymph nodes (often accompanied by pain) at the angle of the lower jaw and along the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Chronic tonsillitis is almost impossible to determine using laboratory diagnostic methods (blood tests, bacteriological and cytological studies).
The best method for diagnosing chronic tonsillitis is to analyze a group of general and local symptoms and objective signs. The disease can be suspected based on the purulent contents in the crypts and frequent sore throats.
Treatment of a chronic disease
Chronic tonsillitis occurs in two stages - remission and exacerbation. When carrying out treatment, it is necessary to perform procedures that will prolong the remission stage and protect against various complications.
Products for internal use
Use the following home remedies effectively:
- You can strengthen the body's defenses with the help of propolis-based products. For example, during the treatment of chronic tonsillitis, it is necessary to chew a small piece of propolis. You can do this procedure even at night, placing the product behind your cheek. But how pharyngitis is treated with propolis, and how to properly prepare the remedy, is described in the article.
In the photo - propolis for tonsillitis
- You can strengthen your immune system with onion juice. Combine it in equal proportions with honey. Take 3 times a day.
In the photo - onion juice
- Eliminate the symptoms of the disease and strengthen the immune system with the power of aloe juice. To do this, cut a leaf of the plant, squeeze out the juice and consume 10 ml every day for 10 days. After a month, the course can be repeated. But this information will help you understand how to use aloe juice for a runny nose.
In the photo - aloe juice for tonsillitis
- Garlic solution can be used to rinse the throat or for oral administration. You need to take 5 cloves of the vegetable, combine it with 40 g of sage and pour 1 liter of boiling water. Set the mixture on fire and simmer for 15 minutes. After 1 hour, filter and take 200 ml per day in 3 doses. You can also use a throat rinse. It will also be interesting to know how bronchitis is treated with garlic.
In the photo - garlic solution
Throat treatment
The throat can not only be gargled, but also lubricated with the following effective means:
- Take an aloe leaf and extract juice from it. Combine it with honey in a ratio of 1:3. Use the resulting mixture to treat tonsils. Conduct such events within 14 days.
- Squeeze the juice from the garlic cloves and mix it in equal quantities with water. Treat the tonsils with the mixture throughout the day. Perform similar actions every other day.
- Finely chop the herb St. John's wort in an amount of 100 g. Pour it with a glass of a mixture of the following oils: almonds, flax and olives. Leave the composition for 3 weeks, then filter and treat the tonsils 3 times a day.
Here you will find more information about the treatment of tonsillitis in adults.
Cold inhalation
This procedure is excellent for treating tonsillitis at home. To perform the manipulation you need to use only a few drops of ether and natural fabric. Drop oil onto it and inhale the healing aroma from it. You can perform cold inhalation without cloth. Just breathe over the bottle with ether for 5-10 minutes.
Cold inhalations can be carried out using an aroma lamp. Determine the dosage of oils according to your own feelings, but preferably add 3-7 drops of oil. Using an aroma lamp, the procedure lasts about 2-3 hours.
It is quite possible to treat tonsillitis at home, but only if the disease proceeds as usual and there is no deterioration. All recommendations for the procedure must be discussed with the attending physician. Well, that’s it, you can get the desired result provided that all manipulations are performed regularly.
Treatment of tonsillitis
Treatment methods for tonsillitis include conservative therapy, local and general. Removal of tonsils for tonsillitis is performed if conventional treatment does not help and this can cause complications in other organs.
How to treat tonsillitis? General methods of conservative treatment include hardening procedures: gymnastics and other outdoor sports, hardening and wiping with water, regular moderate physical activity. They play a big role in supporting the immune system, but they cannot be used for acute or chronic forms of tonsillitis and in the period in between. General therapy includes various physiotherapeutic procedures: irradiation with short-wave ultraviolet light, laser therapy, phonophoresis, diathermy. They can be carried out for general or local symptoms of tonsillitis in the interval between its acute forms.
Local treatment of tonsillitis involves lubricating the tonsils and their lacunae with solutions of iodine tincture, Lugol, iodine glycerin and others. The main effect of the solutions is not an antibacterial effect, but an anti-inflammatory, soothing and astringent property. They help relieve acute pain and normalize food and water intake.
How to treat chronic tonsillitis? The main method of treatment is taking antibiotics. They are selected taking into account the fact that tonsillitis is characterized by the presence of a large number of bacteria and microbes on diseased tonsils, and many viruses can easily destroy penicillin. Therefore, most often the patient is prescribed protected aminopenicillins. Treatment of the chronic form of tonsillitis can be complicated by the fact that the resorption capacity of the palatine tonsils decreases and sclerotic processes occur around the lacunae.
Antibiotics for tonsillitis
Treatment of tonsillitis with antibiotics is prescribed by a doctor, who takes into account the sensitivity of the microorganism to a specific drug. It is worth remembering that if the causative agent of tonsillitis is a viral infection, then in such a situation antibiotics will simply be ineffective.
The drug most often prescribed for the treatment of this disease is Amoxicillin. It is a bactericidal penicillin antibiotic. This drug is completely and quickly absorbed from the intestines. Before its appointment, a smear must be taken in order to determine the type of pathogen. Amoxicillin is prescribed with caution during pregnancy.
Antibiotics for chronic tonsillitis are prescribed during an exacerbation of the disease. There are two types of antibiotics:
- First-line drugs are penicillins. Their functions include both the treatment of exacerbations of the disease and the prevention of rheumatism and glomerulonephritis, which are caused by hemolytic stretococci;
- second-line drugs - macrolides.
As for penicillins, semi-synthetic drugs in tablet form are now most often prescribed: amoxcillin, oxacillin, ticarcillin. Although, of course, the most effective are inhibitor-protected penicillins, which are resistant to microbial enzymes due to the addition of clavulanic acid.
If the causative agent of the disease is Staphylococcus aureus, then antibiotics for tonsillitis for adults are prescribed - aminoglycosides. These antibiotics have fewer kidney side effects.
The method of surgical treatment of tonsillitis cannot always eliminate a chronic infection completely, since it spreads not only to the tonsils, but also to the surrounding tissue, lymph nodes and other areas. If chronic tonsillitis continues for a long time, it can lead to the development of a pronounced infectious and allergic process.
Recently, cryotherapy has been used in the treatment of chronic tonsillitis. The tonsils and back wall of the pharynx are exposed to low temperatures. Thanks to this, the altered surface layers of tissue are destroyed and pathogenic microflora is eliminated. After cryotherapy, the pharyngeal mucosa returns to normal and is restored, the tonsils fully retain their functions. The advantage of this method compared to surgery is the absence of pain, bleeding and complete tissue restoration.
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Treatment of acute tonsillitis
In case of acute tonsillitis, the patient must be hospitalized in the infectious diseases department with strict bed rest. Patients are advised to follow a gentle diet and drink plenty of warm drinks. The disease is treated conservatively using medications and physical therapy.
Etiotropic treatment is antibiotic therapy. The choice of drug is determined by the result of microbiological examination of the throat discharge.
Patients are prescribed broad-spectrum antibiotics:
- cephalosporins - Cefaclor, Cefixime,
- inhibitor-protected penicillins - “Augmentin”, “Panklav”,
- macrolides - Clarithromycin, Sumamox.
Uncomplicated forms of tonsillitis can be treated with topical antimicrobials. "Bioparox" is a drug that has a local antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect. This medicine will help get rid of non-streptococcal tonsillitis. Dosage - 4 injections every 4 hours for 10 days.
Symptomatic therapy is aimed at reducing the signs of the disease and alleviating the patient’s condition. For this, patients are prescribed:
- Antihistamines - Loratadine, Cetrin.
- Antipyretics - Ibufen, Nurofen.
- Sprays and lozenges - “Septolete”, “Strepsils”, “Kameton”, “Stopangin”, “Hexoral”.
- Gargling with antiseptic solutions - “Chlorophyllipt”, “Chlorhexidine”.
- Treatment of tonsils with antiseptic agents - Lugol's solution or Chlorophyllipt.
- Immunostimulating drugs - “Ismigen”, “Imunorix”, “Polyoxidonium”.
- Mineral and vitamin complexes - “Vitrum”, “Centrum”.
- Sanitation of the palatine tonsils by washing the lacunae and aspirating the contents with the “Tonsilor” apparatus.
Physiotherapeutic treatment of tonsillitis is carried out only after the symptoms of acute inflammation have reduced. The tonsils are exposed to laser, ultraviolet, Vitafon vibroacoustic device, and high-frequency electromagnetic field. Mud applications and ozokerite are placed on the area of enlarged lymph nodes.
Aromatherapy - use of essential oils of lavender, fir, eucalyptus, thyme, tangerine, sandalwood for inhalation and rinsing.
If after three courses of conservative treatment the expected effect does not occur, the tonsils are removed.
Treatment of exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis is carried out similarly to the treatment of the acute form of the disease. Decompensated chronic tonsillitis does not respond to conservative therapy. In this case, surgical treatment is performed immediately.
Surgical treatment of tonsillitis
If conventional treatment methods do not help and complications occur in other organs, the patient is prescribed surgery to remove the tonsils. First of all, for such complications as: rheumatism, nephritis, endocarditis and cholangiohepatitis. In most cases, removal of the affected tonsils significantly improves the patient's condition and reduces the extent of pathological complications in the affected organs. But the surgical method does not help in all cases.
It may happen that treatment of acute tonsillitis with standard methods does not bear fruit. The tonsils can swell so much that it will be extremely difficult for the patient to breathe any further. Then they are simply removed surgically. No one disputes that tonsils are an important part of the body's immune system throughout life and that everything should be done to avoid having them removed. But such a procedure is still better than the prospect of constantly suffocating from lack of oxygen. There are also nuances here. Most operations are performed using a scalpel. However, there are many alternatives to this traditional method. Many countries practice removal of tonsils using lasers, radio waves, ultrasound energy or electrocoagulation. These methods are much less painful than using a scalpel.
Like all surgical procedures, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here you need to consult a doctor to choose the best option.
Treatment of chronic tonsillitis at home
The principles and approaches to home treatment are influenced by the patient’s age, the frequency of manifestations of chronic tonsillitis and other factors. In general, there are three important factors that must be performed at home.
The most important thing is to cleanse the mouth and throat and cleanse the body. Chronic tonsillitis (if the tonsils are not removed) provides a slow negative effect on the body, provoking a number of serious diseases over time. Therefore, you need to pay close attention to the health of the liver, kidneys, heart, and gastrointestinal tract. The doctor will tell you what preventive measures to take based on a study of your medical history.
Physiotherapy, rinsing, and the use of traditional medicine are important in the home treatment of chronic tonsillitis. It should be noted that this is not a panacea - it only supports and increases the effectiveness of conservative treatment prescribed by the doctor. In addition, strengthening the body's protective functions makes it possible to reduce the number of transitions of tonsillitis into acute phases.
Rinse for tonsillitis
The goals and objectives of rinsing are as follows:
- wash away purulent deposits, therefore, remove viral, bacterial and fungal agents that provoke inflammation from the throat;
- remove purulent plugs, destroying the breeding ground for bacteria;
- create an environment unacceptable for the life of infectious agents;
- soften and moisturize the mucous membrane of the pharynx, reducing discomfort and pain;
- accelerate the healing process of the mucous membrane, promote epithelial repair.
Rinse solutions for tonsillitis
Most ready-made solutions that are sold in pharmacies are capable of destroying infection in the mucous membrane: Furacilin, Chlophyllipt oily or alcoholic, Miramistin, Lugol's solution, Iodinol, Hexoral, Chlorhexidine, Rivanol.
In addition, you can use folk remedies:
- baking soda solution – creates an alkaline environment. Proportion – 1 teaspoon per 1 glass of water. Effective, has virtually no side effects, does not cause allergic reactions;
- chamomile decoction - restores mucous membranes and relieves inflammation. Chamomile should be boiled in a water bath, strained, left to stand in an earthenware or enamel bowl for up to 40 minutes, strained, and gargled once a day;
- table salt solution - washes out the purulent contents of the lacunae. Can be used in combination with soda solution;
- sage decoction - acts like chamomile decoction;
- A decoction of celandine is one of the most effective remedies. Rinsing with celandine for tonsillitis should be done by preparing tea from the celandine herb at the rate of 1 tablespoon of herb per 1 glass of boiling water. You can use it after 15 minutes of infusion. For each rinse, you need to prepare a fresh solution.
For chronic tonsillitis with frequent exacerbations, you should gargle with sea salt purchased at the pharmacy. The recipe for the solution is also simple - 1 teaspoon of salt per 1 glass of water. Rinse can be repeated 2-4 times a day.
Honey is also suitable for gargling with chronic tonsillitis: add 2 teaspoons to a glass of warm water and stir until completely dissolved. Repeat rinsing 4-5 times a day. With the help of honey, you can treat abscesses and reduce the degree of inflammation of the tonsils. You can add 1 tablespoon of beet juice and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to the solution to enhance the effect.
It is recommended to alternate rinses throughout the day - this will provide diverse protection for the throat, as well as get rid of possible negative consequences (for example, when rinsing with soda more than 2 times a day, excessive drying of the mucous membrane may occur).
When treating tonsillitis at home, you can lubricate the throat to enhance the effect of treatment. Lubrication is carried out with sea buckthorn oil, propolis infusion (if there is no allergy), Lugol's solution, fir oil, aloe juice with honey (1:3).
Inhalations for the treatment of tonsillitis at home
You can effectively perform inhalations at home. It is important to note that they are contraindicated at high body temperature and severe signs of general intoxication. It is better to carry out inhalations for children after consultation with a doctor. To carry out inhalations, you can use a compact device - an inhaler, which can be purchased at a fairly affordable price.
For inhalations, decoctions of plants that have antibacterial and antiseptic effects are used (peppermint, eucalyptus, sage, pine buds, coltsfoot). You can also use an alcohol solution of propolis, an oil solution of chlorophyllipt. Garlic inhalations are very effective (crush 100g of garlic and stir in 1 liter of boiling water). Inhalations from infusions of eucalyptus, chamomile flowers, and walnuts have a good effect.
Folk remedies for internal use
Conventionally, remedies for folk treatment of chronic and acute tonsillitis by oral administration are divided into decoctions (herbal teas) and tinctures (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), as well as vegetable juices.
Herbal decoctions that provide a certain effect in the treatment of tonsillitis are prepared from medicinal mixtures that can be purchased at a pharmacy or made from herbs that are sold in markets (the first option is still preferable). Herbal decoctions can relieve inflammation, act as antiseptics, and strengthen the immune system. This is achieved due to the presence of essential oils, phytoncides and tannins, vitamins, alkaloids and beneficial resins.
Decoctions for the treatment of tonsillitis
It is better to notify your doctor about taking decoctions so that he can evaluate the correct interaction of herbs and medications. Several recipes for preparing decoctions:
- for an antibacterial effect - mix St. John's wort, coltsfoot, dill, wormwood, thyme, sage, chamomile and calendula flowers in equal proportions. Add crushed eucalyptus leaves. Pour boiling water over the mixture at the rate of 1 glass of water per 1 teaspoon of mixture. Leave for about 4 hours, bring to a boil, strain and drink warm;
- to stimulate the immune system - a pharmaceutical collection of wild rosemary, horsetail, St. John's wort, calamus root and licorice. You can add crushed dry rose hips to it. Prepare a decoction at the rate of 1 teaspoon per 1 cup of boiling water. Drink with honey;
- for general strengthening and effective treatment - teas from sage, rose hips, and medicinal chamomile.
Infusions for the treatment of tonsillitis
The most effective infusions (use after consultation with a doctor):
- Mix fresh coltsfoot juice with red wine in equal proportions. Add onion juice and leave in the refrigerator. Drink 3 times a day, shaking beforehand;
- Mix beet juice, rosehip syrup and lemon juice in a ratio of 5:3:1, leave in the refrigerator for a day. Drink 1-2 teaspoons 3 times a day after meals;
- chop 2 heads of garlic to extract the juice. Add freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon to them, pour 1 glass of water. Drink 1 tablespoon. The intensity of use depends on the severity of tonsillitis.
Traditional treatment of tonsillitis with honey and products
1 hour before meals you can take 10g of propolis, mixing it with butter. As an option, take 20-30 drops of propolis 3-4 times a day, diluting it in warm water or milk. For prevention, as well as during exacerbations of chronic tonsillitis, you should use an alcohol tincture of propolis, washing it down with warm tea sweetened with honey. It is recommended to add honey to all decoctions and take it orally separately. It effectively strengthens the immune system.
In any case, you should not self-medicate, and your doctor should be notified of any change in condition.
Home treatment for tonsillitis with cold
It is widely believed that proper exposure to cold can strengthen the body's defenses and serves as an effective prevention of tonsillitis. This is generally true, but it is very important to perform these procedures only during periods of remission. In case of acute tonsillitis, this form of treatment will only aggravate the patient’s serious condition and provoke purulent damage to the tissues of the throat. The so-called “cold treatment” consists of moderate consumption of cold drinks and ice cream.
All procedures should be carried out with extreme caution - preferably after consultation with a doctor. Tonsillitis does not respond to traditional or home treatment, so such methods are used to complement basic medical treatment methods.
ethnoscience
Treatment with folk remedies for inflammatory processes in the tonsils is possible, but it is necessary to consult a doctor to avoid additional swelling and suffocation in the throat. Among the most popular and effective methods are the following:
- Inhalations from a decoction of pine buds, eucalyptus and sage leaves. One teaspoon of these ingredients is poured into 400 ml of water and boiled for 5 minutes. You need to breathe over the warm broth with your open mouth, and then gargle with it.
- Honey perfectly relieves inflammation. They can be used to lubricate the tonsils during the entire course of treatment. To relieve swelling and relieve pain, you can add aloe juice to honey.
- You can use calendula as a decoction for rinsing. It is brewed and infused for 20 minutes. After this, strain the broth and gargle every 30 minutes for several days.
- A decoction of Kalanchoe leaves perfectly eliminates inflammation and kills infection. They are pre-crushed and poured with boiling water. Infuse the decoction for 10-15 minutes, after which rinse your mouth up to 7-8 times a day.
- It is good to use sage decoction as an inhalation. Pour boiling water over it and leave for 5 minutes. Inhalations over sage should be carried out for at least 15 minutes, inhaling through the mouth and exhaling through the nose. Each inhalation should take place under a freshly prepared solution.
- If the patient has a high temperature, clay masks can be used for the collar area. Blue clay can be used for applications. The course of treatment is at least 10 days, 1.5 hours per session. Clay always contains a lot of essential microelements that relieve inflammation and swelling of the tonsils.
- It is good to rinse your mouth with a decoction of chamomile, St. John's wort, and tricolor violet flowers. Each of these components has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. A spoonful of herbs is poured with boiling water and infused for 3 hours. After this, the broth is filtered and used for rinsing every 2 hours.
- Propolis helps relieve inflammation of the tonsils. The tincture can be used to gargle no more than 3 times a day.
- If the patient’s body temperature has returned to normal or the disease proceeds without increasing it, then you can use foot baths made from lavender and eucalyptus oil. You need to steam your feet for 30 minutes, constantly adding boiling water.
- To gargle with severe sore throats, you can use sea buckthorn oil. It not only relieves inflammation, but also disinfects and helps purulent plugs on the tonsils come out. In case of severe tonsillitis, in which the voice has disappeared, you can drop sea buckthorn oil into the throat 3 times a day, 2 drops. It softens swallowing and relieves irritation, which reduces dry cough.
- Treatment of the surface of the tonsils and throat with iodine. Many doctors still use this method, but patients should be aware that iodine greatly dries out the mucous membranes, so cough and sore throat may worsen.
- It is very important to review your diet if your tonsils are inflamed. To avoid additional irritation and increased inflammation, it is better to completely exclude salty, spicy, hot, and spicy foods from your diet. Tobacco, cold food and drinks, and prolonged conversations also have a detrimental effect on the mucous membrane. With tonsillitis, it is better for patients to avoid talking, to remain silent more, this will help the pharynx recover faster.
Prevention of tonsillitis
Prevention of tonsillitis includes hygiene measures and health procedures. It is necessary to keep the room clean, carry out wet cleaning and disinfection, especially in the children's room. It is necessary to regularly visit the dentist to monitor the health of the teeth and oral cavity, where additional infection may accumulate. Rinse your mouth regularly after eating and use the right toothbrush. It is especially important to visit a dentist in childhood, since the development of tonsillitis in children can cause serious complications in all organs and systems.
Measures to prevent tonsillitis include hardening the child, which should begin from a very early age, gradually increasing the temperature and duration of the procedure. Children should walk longer in the fresh air and breathe sea air to clear their airways. It is recommended to regularly engage in gymnastics, swimming and other types of physical activity. Nutrition should be complete, contain nutrients and vitamins to strengthen the child’s immunity. Women during pregnancy should also pay attention to the completeness of their diet and take strengthening vitamins.
During the cold season and periods of flu outbreaks, you should avoid contact with sick people and avoid places where there are many people. You should get a flu vaccination before the cold season. In the autumn and winter, avoid hypothermia, which can cause a sore throat, and subsequently tonsillitis.
Tonsillitis during pregnancy
The inflammatory process in the tonsils with chronic tonsillitis can last a very long time. The disease either subsides or worsens, and symptoms of intoxication caused by waste products of bacteria appear. This process affects the state of the nervous system - drowsiness, lethargy, weak appetite, and in some cases also surges in blood pressure. Upon examination, the doctor finds white cheesy plugs in the gaps, which are particles of dead tissue and leukocytes.
This disease sometimes causes severe toxicosis in late pregnancy. There is a risk of intrauterine infection of the fetus, since microbes from the tonsil area enter the blood. In certain cases, the disease can even cause miscarriage.
In addition, tonsillitis during pregnancy is usually accompanied by a weakened immune system. As a result, the expectant mother’s body cannot properly resist various infections. There is also a risk of premature birth or weak labor activity.
To prevent the negative impact of this disease on the course of pregnancy, the expectant mother needs to eat well and avoid hypothermia. You should also visit doctors in a timely manner, in particular the dentist, in order to promptly identify foci of infection in the body.
The best way to minimize all risks to the fetus is to plan a pregnancy, which means getting rid of the disease before conception. However, most women come to see a doctor already pregnant. When the expectant mother is registered, a chronic inflammatory process in the tonsil area is detected.
Having heard the diagnosis, you should not worry prematurely, and even more so you should not try to get rid of the disease with dubious folk remedies. If an exacerbation of tonsillitis occurs during pregnancy, an experienced doctor will be able to prevent negative consequences for the fetus. The following activities may be prescribed:
- gargling with decoctions and herbal infusions;
- washing the tonsils by introducing an antiseptic solution into the lacunae;
- lubricating the tonsils with antiseptic agents;
- local treatment with sprays.
Treatment of tonsillitis during pregnancy is complicated by the fact that some effective drugs are strictly contraindicated during this special period. Physiotherapy, many antibiotics and antihistamines are prohibited.
Before treating tonsillitis during pregnancy, the doctor weighs the benefits of the drug against the potential harm it can cause to the child. The most gentle medications are selected that will improve the mother’s condition without harming the baby.
In case of exacerbation of the disease, it is necessary to adhere to bed rest. It is recommended to drink as much fluid as possible. Drinks include various fruit drinks and fresh juices, warm milk, and raspberry tea. You need to give up food that irritates the throat, that is, smoked, spicy and salty foods. It is better to focus on purees and cereals, since they do not cause difficulty in swallowing.
Antibiotics are usually prescribed for the purulent form of the disease. In the first trimester, drugs from the penicillin group are prescribed, and in the second and third - macrolides.
Gargling during exacerbation of tonsillitis is carried out almost hourly. In this case, Chlorhexidine, Miramistin, decoctions of medicinal herbs, and salt solution are used.
Surgical treatment of tonsillitis in pregnant women is carried out only when conservative therapy has no effect, as well as when complications develop. Tonsil removal is performed in a hospital setting under local anesthesia. This operation cannot be performed in the last weeks of pregnancy.
How to cure tonsillitis?
Treating tonsillitis at home can be done in several ways. Before using them, it is recommended to consult a specialist. Some forms of inflammatory processes in the tonsils can only be eliminated with the help of special procedures or surgery. As home therapy, it is recommended to use a combination of medications and traditional medicine recipes.
Medicines
The use of medications in the treatment of tonsillitis is a mandatory part of therapy. It is recommended to consult a doctor to draw up an individual list of medications. Tonsillitis involves complex treatment, consisting not only of eliminating the symptoms of the disease, but also destroying its causative agent.
How can tonsillitis be treated:
- gargling agents (Furacilin, Hexoral, Rivanol);
- menthol lozenges to relieve pain (Strepsils, Faringosept);
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Analgin, Ibuprofen, Paracetamol);
- antibiotics (prescribed by a specialist, Cefuroxime, Ampicillin, Amoxicillin).
Folk remedies
Alternative medicine recipes are a good addition to traditional therapy for tonsillitis of any form. Natural components help eliminate the symptoms of the disease and prevent the development of the inflammatory process. When using folk remedies, recovery is accelerated several times. Alternative medicine is not an independent method of treating tonsillitis.
Examples of folk remedies for tonsillitis:
- basil oil (the ingredient can be purchased at a pharmacy or prepared independently, basil leaves must be crushed and poured with any vegetable oil, the product is diluted in water and used for gargling, a few drops of oil will be needed per glass of water);
- onions and honey (chop the onion head thoroughly, add liquid honey to make a paste, take one teaspoon three times a day);
- aloe and honey for lubricating the tonsils (mix two parts honey with one part aloe juice, mix the ingredients and place in a jar, use the product for daily application to the tonsils, it is recommended to do the procedure with a plastic spatula);
- infusion of sage and garlic (per liter of water you will need three or four cloves of garlic and two tablespoons of sage leaves, chop the ingredients as much as possible and pour boiling water, after infusion, take a quarter glass three times a day, gargle);
- inhalation with potatoes (potatoes must be boiled “in their jackets”, covering your head with a towel, you must place your face over the pan and inhale and exhale the steam as deeply as possible; warm potatoes can be wrapped in gauze and used as a compress on the throat).
Medicinal herbs
Herbal medicine is considered an ideal addition to the main course of treatment for tonsillitis. Medicinal herbs accelerate the healing process of damage to the mucous membranes, remove purulent accumulations well, and improve the general condition of the patient. Decoctions of herbal ingredients can be used as a gargle or taken orally. The recipes for preparing the products are identical - pour a teaspoon of the herb or a specific herb with a glass of boiling water and leave for at least 20 minutes.
For tonsillitis, the following herbs have medicinal properties:
- burdock root;
- thyme;
- elecampane;
- plantain;
- sagebrush;
- chamomile;
- sage;
- eucalyptus;
- calendula.
Other recommendations
When treating tonsillitis, you must follow the rules of a gentle diet with plenty of vitamins. The diet should not contain foods that can irritate the mucous membranes of internal organs (condiments, spices, fatty and fried foods, pickles, smoked meats and marinades). Broths should not be too rich, and it is better to steam dishes.
When treating tonsillitis, it is recommended to follow the following rules:
- You can replenish your supply of vitamins with natural products or pharmacy complexes;
- the patient needs to drink plenty of fluids (the water should be warm);
- During the period of treatment of the disease, it is recommended to refrain from abusing bad habits.
Tonsillitis in children
Treatment of tonsillitis in children is aimed at alleviating symptoms. Local therapy includes:
- washing the lacunae of the palatine tonsils with antiseptics (chlorophyllipt solution, etc.);
- treatment of the tonsils and posterior pharyngeal wall (fucorcin, lugol);
- frequent rinsing with herbal decoction or warm water with salt;
- inhalation;
- antiseptic aerosols;
- resorption of tablets that have an antimicrobial effect.
Antibiotics are necessary for severe symptoms in cases where clinical signs of the disease do not disappear and the immune system is extremely weakened. In such situations, an antibacterial course is prescribed for 10 days. Erythromycin and penicillin are used to treat tonsillitis in children. While taking a course of antibiotics, relief from the symptoms of the disease may occur as early as 3-4 days. Despite this, it is important to complete the entire course of treatment.
Inpatient treatment of tonsillitis and surgery
Inpatient treatment is only necessary in extremely severe or persistent cases of bacterial chronic tonsillitis in a child—especially in situations where treatment does not respond to oral antibiotics. In such cases, intravenous antibiotics are necessary.
Since tonsils are an important part of the immune system, their removal is best avoided. In exceptional cases, surgery to remove the tonsils is necessary - tonsillectomy. This operation is recommended to reduce the likelihood of recurrence of tonsillitis. It is necessary if:
- the child gets a sore throat five or more times during the year;
- conservative treatment is ineffective;
- symptoms recur within a year;
- there are complications from internal organs.
Most often, a tonsillectomy involves using a scalpel to remove the tonsils. However, recently more and more specialists are using ultrasound, lasers, radio waves or electrocoagulation. Each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it is imperative to discuss with the surgeon which removal method is best for the child. The operation is performed under general anesthesia. Its duration is 30-45 minutes.
Postoperative period
After the operation, the patient can leave the hospital on the same day. And complete recovery takes 10-14 days. The postoperative period is characterized by pain at the surgical site. Therefore, children need to be given painkillers. Children after such operations do not attend kindergarten or school for two weeks. This measure is necessary to reduce the risk of contracting the infection from other children.
After removal of tonsils, it is necessary to eat solid food - it promotes a faster recovery. Children definitely need to drink plenty of fluids. But it is important to avoid sour, carbonated drinks, as they are a strong irritant. It is imperative to maintain good oral hygiene: regularly brush your teeth and rinse your mouth.