Tonsillitis Tonsillitis is a common upper respiratory tract infection caused by various pathogenic microorganisms, including acute and chronic nonspecific inflammation, characterized by varying degrees of inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa and lymphoid tissue. The acute phase is somewhat contagious.

Tonsillitis is a common upper respiratory tract infection, caused by various pathogenic microorganisms, including acute and chronic non-specific inflammation, characterized by varying degrees of inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa and lymphoid tissue. The acute phase is moderately contagious.

Infection Factors

The main pathogenic bacteria for acute tonsillitis are Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. Other common bacteria (such as non-hemolytic streptococci, staphylococcus, pneumococcus, etc.), some viruses (including adenovirus, influenza virus, etc.), and parasites (such as Toxoplasma) can also cause the disease, and mixed infections of bacteria and viruses are more common.

Immune Factors

When the overall or local immune function is compromised, pathogenic invasion or excessive proliferation of existing pathogens can lead to disease.

Acute inflammation of adjacent organs

Such as acute pharyngitis, rhinitis, inflammation of the mouth floor, etc., which can extend to involve the palatine tonsils.

Secondary to certain acute infectious diseases

Such as scarlet fever, diphtheria, influenza, measles, etc.

Acute Phase

The onset is sudden, with chills, high fever, reaching 39-40°C, vomiting, drowsiness, loss of appetite, and general body aches.

There may be throat pain, particularly when swallowing, and the pain can radiate to the ears. Infants and young children may refuse to eat and cry due to the fear of swallowing.

Speech may be unclear, and in some patients, excessive swelling of the tonsils can affect breathing and disrupt sleep.

Chronic Phase

Patients may have a history of recurrent throat pain and acute tonsillitis. During non-acute periods, symptoms are usually mild, with some patients experiencing dryness and discomfort in the throat. If there are caseous or granular decay products in the tonsillar crypts, accompanied by anaerobic bacterial infection, bad breath may occur.

Once the pus from the tonsillar crypts is expelled and swallowed, it can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to a series of symptoms.

If toxins produced by bacteria in the tonsillar crypts are absorbed by the body, systemic reactions may occur, manifesting as indigestion, low-grade fever, fatigue, headache, etc.

Rest, increased fluid intake, and a liquid diet to enhance nutrition are important.

Early use of antibiotics sensitive to the pathogen is helpful in controlling the infection.

For severe throat pain or high fever, analgesics and antipyretics can be used, and corticosteroids can be applied in appropriate amounts.

Rinse with 1:5000 penicillin solution or other disinfectant cleaning solutions locally.

During the acute phase, patients should rest, maintain a moderate indoor temperature, and ensure a certain level of humidity. Regular ventilation should be conducted to keep the indoor air fresh and reduce throat irritation.

Rinse the mouth with warm salt water, drink plenty of water, and consume a light diet.

Due to the high infectivity of acute tonsillitis, patients should avoid sharing towels and utensils during the acute phase and disinfect used items and utensils promptly.

When fever subsides, change the patient's undergarments promptly, preferably to breathable, thin cotton undergarments.

It is advisable for patients to take time off from work or school for 1-2 days during the infectious period to prevent transmission to others.

During the fever period, the patient's bedpan should be thoroughly cleaned, and the patient should thoroughly wash their hands after defecation to prevent secondary infection.

Rest and Exercise

Patients should pay attention to rest, engage in moderate exercise, balance work and rest, and avoid taking cold showers after strenuous exercise.

Diet

Dietary considerations are important. Drink plenty of warm water, consume a light, easily digestible, and nutritious diet, and avoid spicy, stimulating foods, smoking, and alcohol.

Recommended Diet

Drink plenty of warm water, with adults ensuring a daily intake of 1500-1700 milliliters (equivalent to 3-4 bottles).

Consume a light, easily digestible, and nutritious diet.

Eat more throat-soothing fruits, such as pears, loquats, etc.

Dietary Restrictions

Avoid spicy, stimulating foods, such as chili, coffee, strong tea, etc., to prevent mucosal edema.

Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

Oral Care

Maintain oral hygiene to prevent oral infections.

Fever Care

When the body temperature does not exceed 38.5°C, physical cooling methods such as forehead cold compresses, warm water sponging, or alcohol sponging can be used. When the temperature exceeds 38.5°C, follow medical advice for antipyretic medication.

Patients should follow medical advice and take medications as prescribed. During treatment with penicillin and cephalosporins, patients should be monitored to prevent allergic reactions. If the patient develops rashes, sudden fever, abdominal pain, or early signs of shock during medication, the medication should be stopped immediately, and medical attention should be sought promptly.

Within 2-3 weeks after recovery, if the patient experiences reduced urine output, eyelid swelling, it may be indicative of nephritis; if fever, joint pain, palpitations, and rapid pulse occur, it may be indicative of rheumatic fever. In such cases, prompt medical attention is necessary.

Currently, there is no vaccine for preventing tonsillitis, but the following measures can be taken for prevention:

Eat more fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins to prevent tonsillitis.

Exercise regularly to enhance the body's disease resistance, avoid smoking and alcohol, and prevent catching colds.

Adolescents must be completely cured if they are ill, as high fever can easily lead to infection, potentially resulting in suppurative tonsillitis.

Actively treating acute tonsillitis can prevent chronic tonsillitis.

During the flu season, wear masks when going out and avoid crowded places such as shopping malls.

In cold weather, pay attention to keeping warm and avoid catching colds.