Symptoms of acute tonsillitis

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 28, 2024
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Acute tonsillitis is an acute infectious disease of the tonsils, primarily caused by bacterial infection. Clinically, it mainly manifests as pain in the throat area, and sometimes the pain is very severe, even radiating to the base of the ears and down to the jaw. Additionally, there might be systemic symptoms such as loss of appetite, overall lethargy, weakness in the limbs, fever, night sweats, and chills. Generally, the presence of systemic symptoms indicates a severe infection of tonsillitis, requiring treatment through intravenous fluids. Clinical examinations can reveal enlarged tonsils, congested surfaces, and the presence of pin-point-like gray or white purulent secretions.

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Chronic Tonsillitis Dietary Precautions

In terms of diet, there are several points to note for chronic tonsillitis: First, it is very important to drink plenty of water, which is vital for the maintenance of chronic tonsillitis. As for food, it is necessary to avoid spicy and stimulating foods and primarily adopt a light diet, eating plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits to supplement vitamins in the body, which is also very important for the prevention and care of chronic tonsillitis. Additionally, try to avoid environments with smoking and alcohol; specifically, do not smoke or drink alcohol, and avoid inhaling second-hand smoke. Pay attention to oral hygiene and rinse your mouth promptly after eating.

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Does chronic tonsillitis cause headaches?

Chronic tonsillitis generally does not cause headaches, as the main cause of chronic tonsillitis is repeated inflammation of the tonsils. The primary symptoms are sore throat and a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Some people may also experience snoring and breathing through the mouth while sleeping, but overall, the main manifestations of this disease are in the throat area, so the clinical symptoms are primarily those related to the throat. Generally, it does not lead to headaches. If there is a cold, sinusitis, or rhinitis accompanying it, headaches may occur. However, the specific causes of the condition should be assessed by visiting an otolaryngology department to determine and apply the correct treatment.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
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How to manage chronic tonsillitis?

Chronic tonsillitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the tonsils, which clinically manifests as various discomforts in the throat area, and can even present symptoms such as bad breath. In clinical management of chronic tonsillitis, dietary adjustments are primary. It is essential to have a nutritious, easily digestible, and bland diet; spicy foods such as peppers, as well as smoking and alcohol, should be avoided. Consumption of certain fruits that can cause allergies, like mangoes, and other irritant fruits like pineapple should be limited. For medicinal treatment, it mainly involves the use of traditional Chinese medicines that clear heat and detoxify, such as Nei Xiao Luo Li Wan, Xuan Mai Gan Ju Granules, Watermelon Frost Lozenges, Coral Lozenges, etc. Thirdly, it is important to regulate your diet, drink plenty of water, and avoid factors like colds and upper respiratory infections that may trigger acute episodes of tonsillitis.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
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Is acute tonsillitis contagious?

Acute tonsillitis is an acute infectious inflammation of the tonsils, primarily caused by bacterial infection, though it often also involves viral infection. Acute tonsillitis is mildly contagious; the contagion is not severe or serious, and general isolation is not necessary. It is sufficient to take some precautions in daily life, such as avoiding kissing and the mouth-to-mouth transfer of food. Generally speaking, the contagiousness of acute tonsillitis is relatively weak. Appropriate use of a mask for local isolation, such as wearing a mask to prevent transmission, is sufficient without the need for other special treatments.

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How to reduce fever caused by tonsillitis?

Inflammation of the tonsils often causes fever. If the temperature increase is not very significant, physical methods such as using ice packs or fever patches can be utilized to reduce the fever. When applying ice packs, you can wrap ice cubes with a dry towel and place them on areas such as the forehead, neck, armpits, groin, and the hollow behind the knees, where large blood vessels pass and cooling effects are good. Besides, wiping the skin with warm water or alcohol can accelerate heat dissipation. Once the body temperature exceeds 38.5℃, antipyretic drugs should be administered, with acetaminophen and ibuprofen being the most commonly used in clinical settings. Tonsillitis is mainly caused by pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses, and appropriate anti-infection treatment should be taken after identifying the pathogen. (Please follow medical advice when using medications)