A few decades ago, tonsils were removed for many children to prevent frequent colds. At first glance, the tactics are good: no organ, no problem.
But doctors found that after surgery, the incidence of bronchitis and pneumonia increased.
Over time, the role of tonsils in the human body was revised. At the moment, there are effective drugs that can avoid surgery, preference is given to medication for pain in the tonsils.
Lymphatic ring
Tonsils are located in the pharyngeal cavity; some of them can be easily seen by opening the mouth. In total there are seven tonsils, the inflammation of each of them has specific manifestations.
• Heavenly. They react first when an infection comes in from the oral cavity by contact or by airborne droplets. They are located between the palatine arches, with the transition of the oral cavity into the pharynx. These are paired structures, their size and shape can be estimated visually when examining the pharynx.
• There are also two tube tonsils, they are located near the openings of the Eustachian tubes that connect the nasopharynx to the ear. In the clinical picture, otitis is often observed, because the infection spreads unhindered into the tympanic cavity.
• The pharyngeal tonsil, according to the name, is located on the back of the pharynx. You can see it only in case of acute inflammation, it increases in size and hangs over the tongue.
• The lingual tonsil has a rough, bumpy shape, located in the root of the tongue.
Tonsils are composed of lymphoid tissue, have good blood circulation, which contributes to the spread of infection. When a bacterium or virus enters the oral cavity, pharynx, the immune system is activated. Protective cells that are located in the tonsils bind pathogens, try to destroy them. If the immune system is weakened, the bacteria multiply, causing inflammation.
Remember! Tonsils are the primary barrier that foreign cells encounter when they enter the body.
Tonsils hurt - provoking factors
If the pathogen begins to multiply in the oral cavity, inflammation occurs. With a normal immune response, not all bacteria lead to disease. Provoking factors:
• Hypothermia, insufficient amount of vitamins in the diet leads to weakened immunity.
• Upon contact with sick people, part of the microorganisms (streptococci, staphylococci, viruses) gets through the nose and mouth through the airborne droplets.
• Congenital immunodeficiency is a common cause of tonsil pain.
• It is forbidden to use one towel, toothbrush, personal belongings with a person with a sore throat or other viral, bacterial diseases.
• Caries, runny nose - foci of chronic infection. The spread of bacteria occurs by contact.
Causes of Tonsil Pain
There are many diseases that are accompanied by pain in the tonsils. It is necessary to take into account additional symptoms, research results in order to make an accurate diagnosis.
Angina
The inflammatory process in most cases develops in the tonsils. Pathogens are diverse: pathogenic bacteria (streptococci, staphylococci, Klebsiella, moraxella), viruses, fungi, protozoa. Symptoms are preceded by hypothermia, contact with a sick person, stress. The first signs are acute. The patient complains of perspiration, dry throat, pain when swallowing. There is an increase in submandibular lymph nodes. The temperature depends on the state of the immune system, and can range from low numbers (37.5 ° C) to 40 ° C.
Chronic tonsillitis
Chronic inflammation is a common cause of pain in the tonsils. Caries, runny nose, untreated angina lead to a decrease in the protective function of the body. During exacerbations, the symptoms resemble tonsillitis, the general condition worsens. During remission, the patient is disturbed by discomfort, a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Temperature rarely rises, mainly in the evening. Due to chronic intoxication, weakness, drowsiness, increased fatigue, loss of appetite are observed.
Paratonsilar abscess
In some cases, tonsillitis is complicated by a paratonsilic abscess. The infection spreads to the fiber behind the tonsils, causing acute inflammation. On one side, a cavity filled with pus forms. When examining the oral cavity, a protrusion near the tonsil is visualized, sharply painful when swallowing. The clinical picture is specific:
• The pain is acute, gives in the ear, head.
• The temperature rises to 40 ° C.
• Swallowing, chewing food, trying to talk are very painful.
• Headache, loss of appetite, weakness, sweating, chills indicate intoxication.
Allergic reaction
When an allergen enters the oral cavity, edema occurs, redness of the mucosa, which is accompanied by pain. Typically, the patient can relate exactly what causes the onset of symptoms. The use of new sprays for throat, lozenges, visits to the dentist are the most common causes of an allergic reaction.
Note! In severe cases, edema extends to the larynx, neck, causing a violation of swallowing, asphyxiation. Therefore, any allergic reaction is an occasion to visit a doctor.
HIV
It is not the immunodeficiency virus itself that is dangerous, but infectious complications that arise as a result of a decrease in the body's defenses. A characteristic feature is the defeat of the tonsils is fungal in nature. On the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, pharynx, whitish islands of inflammation are determined.
Injuries
Ingestion of fish bones, sharp objects leads to damage to the integrity of the tonsils. At the time of the injury, the pain is acute, but its intensity decreases and passes after a few days.
Tonsil pain treatment
The main task of the doctor is not just to cure pain in the tonsils, but to find and eliminate the cause of its occurrence. In this case, the therapy will be really effective.
The inflammatory process has a different nature, this must be taken into account in treatment.
• In case of bacterial damage, antibiotics are prescribed. The course of administration depends on the severity of symptoms, the state of the immune system, on average - 7-8 days.
• Viral diseases are easier. It is recommended to drink more fluids, the use of antiviral drugs is indicated.
• Fungal lesions are treated with antimycotic agents.
The doctor, after a thorough examination, additional research methods, decides on further tactics of patient management. If necessary, related experts are invited to the consultation: surgeon, allergist. There are some features of the treatment of sore throat:
• Antibiotics, antiviral or antifungal agents are prescribed without fail depending on the pathogen.
• The paratonsilar abscess must be opened. The pus that accumulates behind the tonsil causes intoxication, pain, leads to the spread of infection. After surgery, the symptoms disappear.
• Regular rinsing with antiseptic solutions reduces sore throat. To achieve the effect, the procedure must be carried out every hour. Bacteria, toxins are removed from the surface of the tonsils, the oral cavity is disinfected.
• In case of allergic damage, the doctor prescribes antihistamines, in severe cases - hormonal drugs. It is also necessary to avoid interaction with the allergen.
• Antiseptic sprays, lozenges, lozenges reduce pain, inflammation, swelling.
Tonsil pain prevention
It is much easier to prevent the development of an inflammatory reaction than to treat it. Experts recommend following a few rules:
• Avoid hypothermia, do not drink cold drinks in winter.
• Eat right: fruits and vegetables should predominate in the diet. Do not forget about onions, garlic, lemon, currants - natural antibacterial substances.
• Maintain sufficient humidity in the apartment. Dry air, especially at night, leads to irritation of the mucous membranes, causing inflammation.
• In contact with a sick person, you must protect yourself: do not get too close, use masks. After coming home, it is recommended to prophylactically gargle.
• Timely visits to the dentist, treatment of all foci of infection - the key to successful prevention of pain in the tonsils.
