How is chronic tonsillitis diagnosed?

Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 10, 2024
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The diagnosis of chronic tonsillitis mainly relies on the patient's usual symptoms, medical history, and physical examination by the doctor. The symptoms of chronic tonsillitis typically include sore throat, frequent colds, dry throat, itchy cough, foreign body sensation, and even snoring during sleep among some individuals. Medical history is particularly crucial. If there are recurrent acute episodes, characterized by sore throat, painful swallowing, and sometimes accompanied by high fever, and these episodes occur more than four times a year, this history is significant for diagnosing chronic tonsillitis. Additionally, physical examination by a doctor, who will inspect the tonsils, is essential for making the diagnosis of chronic tonsillitis. The main basis for diagnosis includes symptoms, medical history, and physical examination.

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How to treat acute tonsillitis?

Acute tonsillitis is mainly caused by an acute bacterial infection, with the most common symptoms being sudden throat pain, and significant redness and congestion of the tonsils, which may also include pus formation if severe. In terms of treatment, oral medication is primarily preferred, generally focusing on antibiotics, and may include nebulization as well as traditional Chinese oral medications. If inflammation is particularly severe and oral medications are ineffective, infusion therapy may be considered. Some patients may also experience fever, thus requiring physical cooling methods, and if the temperature exceeds 38.5 degrees Celsius, antipyretic medications should be considered, along with regular blood tests.

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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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Acute tonsillitis signs and symptoms

The symptoms of acute tonsillitis are quite varied, with the most common symptom being pain in the tonsil area. Clinically, sudden onset of redness and pain in the tonsil area may occur, and in severe cases, there might also be fever, or swallowing or breathing difficulties. Overall, it is considered a common illness. Upon examination, the mucous membranes of the throat can be observed to have acute congestion, and the tonsils may be red and swollen to a first or second degree. In more severe cases, there might be third-degree swelling, and some patients may experience purulent infections in the tonsil area, which would require consideration for timely antibiotic treatment and regular follow-up examinations.

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Symptoms of acute tonsillitis

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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Does chronic tonsillitis hurt?

Chronic tonsillitis can lead to throat pain. Chronic tonsillitis typically results from repeated bouts of acute tonsillitis or persistent, unresolved inflammation, leading to chronic inflammation of the tonsils. It can cause continuous dryness, itching, pain, a sensation of a foreign body, obstruction, and burning in the throat area. In severe cases, it may lead to hoarseness and irritative cough. Upon examination, both tonsils are seen to be swollen and congested, with visible crypts on the surface, and yellowish-white abnormal secretions may be expressed from these crypts when the tonsils are compressed. In terms of treatment, if the tonsils are repeatedly inflamed and accompanied by fever, the patient may need to undergo a bilateral tonsillectomy. The surgery requires hospitalization, general anesthesia, and postoperative use of antibiotics to prevent local infection. Recovery and hospital discharge can typically occur about a week after the procedure. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a professional doctor.)