Acute tonsillitis Acute tonsillitis is an acute non-specific inflammation of the palatine tonsils. It often occurs as a result of upper respiratory tract infections, often accompanied by varying degrees of inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa and lymphoid tissue, and is a common throat condition.

Acute tonsillitis is an acute non-specific inflammation of the palatine tonsils. It often occurs as a result of upper respiratory tract infections, frequently accompanied by varying degrees of inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa and lymphoid tissue. It is a common condition affecting the throat.

Systemic Symptoms

Acute suppurative tonsillitis presents with a sudden onset of symptoms including chills, high fever, headache, loss of appetite, fatigue, and general discomfort.

Local Symptoms

It presents as severe sore throat, exacerbating pain when swallowing, and may even lead to reluctance to swallow due to fear of pain. The pain often radiates to the ears, and in infants and young children, it may manifest as drooling and refusal to eat.

Patients with acute catarrhal tonsillitis generally exhibit milder systemic and local symptoms.

It is mainly differentiated from pharyngotonsillitis, scarlet fever, Vincent's angina, infectious mononucleosis pharyngitis, agranulocytosis pharyngitis, and leukemia pharyngitis.

Pharyngotonsillitis

The causative agent is diphtheria bacillus. Patients exhibit throat pain symptoms with characteristic gray-white pseudo-membranes in the throat, extending beyond the tonsils and being difficult to remove. Additionally, patients often appear listless, with low-grade fever and distinctive systemic toxic symptoms. Blood routine examination typically shows no changes in white blood cell count, and throat swab smears and cultures may reveal diphtheria bacilli.

Vincent's Angina

Caused by infections from fusiform bacilli and spirochetes, patients may present with symptoms of pharyngitis and systemic symptoms, easily leading to confusion with suppurative tonsillitis. However, patients with Vincent's angina often experience unilateral throat pain, with milder systemic symptoms. Its characteristic features include lesions often localized to one side of the tonsils, covered with gray or yellow pseudo-membranes that are easy to remove, revealing ulcers underneath, which can often affect the gums. Blood routine examination may show a slight increase in white blood cell count, and pathogenic bacteria may be observed in throat swab smears.

Leukemia Pharyngitis

During the acute phase, patients also experience fever and other systemic symptoms. Unlike acute tonsillitis, however, the throat generally does not hurt, and the tonsils on one side are generally swollen and subsequently necrotic, covered with gray-white pseudo-membranes, and may lead to systemic bleeding and failure. Blood routine examination may reveal leukocytosis, with a predominance of immature white blood cells.

Bed rest, increased fluid intake, and consumption of light, nutritious foods.

Gargling with warm salt water.

Maintaining regular bowel movements.

In cases of severe sore throat or high fever, oral analgesics and antipyretics may be taken as directed by a physician.

Due to the contagious nature of the disease, patients need to be properly isolated.

Due to significant individual differences, there is no absolute best, fastest, or most effective medication. Apart from commonly used over-the-counter drugs, it is essential to choose the most suitable medication based on individual circumstances under the guidance of a physician.

Antibacterial Therapy

In general, viral acute tonsillitis tends to resolve naturally without the need for medication. However, patients with bacterial tonsillitis require antibiotic treatment, with the route of administration (oral or intravenous) depending on the severity of the condition.

Local Treatment

Local oral rinsing can be employed to achieve a clean and analgesic effect.

In Chinese medicine, the tonsils are referred to as "ru e," and acute tonsillitis is termed "lan ru e" or "hou e feng." It is believed to be caused by internal phlegm-heat and external wind-fire, and should be addressed by dispersing wind, clearing heat, reducing swelling, and detoxifying.

Patients should maintain regular sleep patterns and ensure adequate rest and sleep.

Maintain a cheerful mood and engage in physical exercise regularly.

Consume a light diet, avoiding spicy and irritating foods, and increase intake of vegetables, fruits, and nutritious foods.

Gargle and brush teeth promptly in the morning, after meals, and before bed.

Use a humidifier in the room to avoid excessively dry air.

The pathogens causing acute tonsillitis are infectious. Therefore, the best preventive measure is to enhance immunity and reduce or avoid infection by pathogenic bacteria.

Develop good personal hygiene habits, washing hands before meals and after using the toilet to avoid infection by pathogenic bacteria.

Gargle with a saline solution after meals and before bedtime to ensure oral hygiene and reduce the residual pathogenic bacteria in the tonsils.

Consume a light and nutritious diet.

Pay attention to keeping warm in daily life and avoid overexertion.

Engage in regular exercise to enhance physical fitness.

Reduce smoking and alcohol consumption to minimize irritation to the tonsils.

Avoid crowded public places and contact with other patients as much as possible.