Chronic purulent inflammation of the palatine tonsils

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Chronic purulent inflammation of the palatine tonsils is an ailment that is a complex process of various forms and caused by various bacteria, most often streptococci. Inflamed tonsils can affect the functioning of other organs, such as the heart or kidneys. The chronic form of the disease appears after having experienced several severe anginas within a short period of time.

Chronic purulent inflammation of the palatine tonsils – definition

Chronic purulent tonsillitis is a complex process that causes changes in the tonsils due to bacteria, usually streptococci. The disease causes the tonsils, which should protect the body against infections, to lose this ability and become the cause of the disease. This condition is usually defined as a sore throat that lasts more than 3 months and is accompanied by symptoms of inflammation of the tonsils. Inflamed tonsils are the focus of infection that can have a significant impact on the functioning of other organs: joints, heart, kidneys. Chronic purulent tonsillitis usually develops after passing several severe anginas at short intervals. Sometimes, however, the inflammation develops slowly without acute episodes. In chronic conditions, the tonsils are usually removed.

Tonsils – is the place where lymphatic tissues are located and cells in the form of monocytes and lymphocytes are differentiated. Thanks to this, they have properties that protect the body against various types of infections. Unfortunately, they also have a predisposition to infection, especially in young children with reduced immunity. Tonsils come in several forms, including:

1. pharyngeal – located in the nasopharynx;
2. palatine – located between the palatine arches;
3. trumpet – located within the mouth of the Eustachian tube;
4. lingual – present on the back of the tongue.

The causes of purulent chronic tonsillitis

There may be several causes of this ailment, but the main ones are repeated acute infections caused by viruses. Viruses are usually transmitted from an ill person by airborne droplets. On the mucous membranes of a healthy person, clinical signs of purulent tonsillitis develop.

Purulent chronic tonsillitis can also be caused by bacteria (mainly streptococci). Their development on the tonsils in large numbers causes the formation of inflammation. Why is this happening? Well, streptococcal bacteria secrete specific proteins, which in turn stimulate the production of pro-inflammatory factors by the cells of the immune system. As a consequence, symptoms such as edema, high temperature and cell dysfunction develop.

Important! The disease does not always result from acute infections. There may be situations in which the food debris remaining in the cavities becomes a breeding ground for bacteria in the mouth, which in turn causes chronic inflammation. In the tonsil crypts, exfoliated epithelia and lymphocytes can also accumulate (it is worth mentioning that under normal conditions the material that settles in the crypts is freely removed into the oral cavity).

Chronic purulent tonsillitis – symptoms

symptoms chronic purulent tonsillitis are slight and variable. Belong to them:

1. unpleasant smell from the mouth (especially when food remains remain in the crypts),
2. creamy-yellow coatings on the tonsils (called stones)
3. sensation of the presence of a foreign body,
4. a sore throat that gets worse when swallowing (radiating to the ear)
5. sometimes the only signs and symptoms are a persistent low-grade fever, sometimes with lymphadenopathy in the neck,
6. hyperemia of the throat mucosa,
7. redness of the palatine arches.

Chronic purulent inflammation of the palatine tonsils causes a change in their structure. As a result of the disease, the tonsils become large, swollen and overgrown. Their structure and surface are uneven, and when the crypt is pressed, pus is released. In addition, microcirculation begins to form in their area, the infection of which spreads deep into the tonsil and even (through blood vessels) to the kidneys, heart or joints. Such a situation may turn out to be very dangerous for the patient because it causes serious discomfort of these organs, e.g .:

1. arthritis,
2. glomerulonephritis,
3. rheumatic fever.

The general symptoms of chronic purulent inflammation of the palatine tonsils are lack of appetite, high temperature and general weakness.

Diagnosis of chronic purulent inflammation of the palatine tonsils

The diagnosis is based on the analysis of the symptoms reported by the patient and the result of the speculum examination, which may reveal:

1. residual food residues in crypts,
2. palatine hyperemia,
3. enlarged submandibular lymph nodes,
4. limited mobility of the tonsils.

Additional tests analyze whether the patient has an increased CRP concentration, accelerated ESR and an increase in ASO. A throat culture test is also performed, which is usually negative, and a complete blood count with a smear.

Treatment of chronic purulent inflammation of the palatine tonsils

Home treatment it is based on gargling with solutions of anti-inflammatory and astringent agents, which are prescribed by an ENT specialist. It is also up to him to decide on the removal of the tonsils. In the case of acute inflammation, it is advisable to take antibiotics and immunostimulating preparations. Indications for the surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) are made very carefully and usually the decision is made when home and conservative treatment does not give any results.

Can you avoid getting sick?

Treatment of acute tonsillitis is imperative, as ignoring this condition promotes chronic inflammation.

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