Which department should I go to for suppurative tonsillitis?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 03, 2024
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Suppurative tonsillitis is a common disease of the pharyngeal region. Therefore, the first clinical department to consult for suppurative tonsillitis is the otolaryngology department, or the ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) department in some hospitals. In certain specialist hospitals, such as children's hospitals, there are pediatric otolaryngology departments. For some pediatric patients, they may initially visit the pediatrics department, and some pediatricians can also treat suppurative tonsillitis. For adults, some patients may also visit the respiratory medicine department, since the pharynx is part of the upper respiratory tract, and the department of respiratory medicine also provides relevant treatment. However, fundamentally, suppurative tonsillitis should be treated in the otolaryngology department.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Should you avoid certain foods if you have suppurative tonsillitis?

Purulent tonsillitis is an acute purulent infection of the tonsils, with relatively severe clinical symptoms, mainly manifested as severe pain in the throat, difficulty swallowing, and even systemic symptoms such as fever. Therefore, it is necessary to be cautious about diet in cases of purulent tonsillitis, mainly as follows: Firstly, avoid irritants like smoking, alcohol, and spicy foods such as chili peppers. Secondly, food should be neither too cold nor too hot, to avoid stimulating the tonsils and exacerbating the inflammation. Also, some fruits, like mangoes and pineapples, may cause allergies and can irritate the inflamed tonsillar tissue, worsening the condition. Therefore, these are the precautions that need to be taken.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What is suppurative tonsillitis?

Purulent tonsillitis is generally caused by an acute bacterial infection, though a small number of patients may also have a viral infection. It is a relatively common disease in the field of otolaryngology. In terms of examination, the first step is to perform an indirect laryngoscopy to observe the extent of inflammation in the throat. In addition, a complete blood count and inflammatory protein tests can be considered to help assess the severity of the inflammatory response. Additionally, bacterial culture and drug sensitivity tests of the purulent secretion can be considered, allowing for a more targeted choice of medication. Empirical treatment mainly involves the use of antibiotics to combat the infection, and it is recommended to combine this with nebulization. Oral administration of traditional Chinese medicine can also be used as supplementary treatment, generally needing about one week. Note: Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Is surgery necessary for suppurative tonsillitis?

Purulent tonsillitis refers to the acute purulent inflammation of the tonsils, mainly caused by bacterial infection, including infections by Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, etc. Purulent tonsillitis is an acute inflammation, so during this acute inflammation phase, the primary treatment is the use of antibiotics for anti-infection. After the anti-infection treatment, the symptoms of the patient disappear, and then it can be assessed whether surgical treatment is needed. Generally speaking, sporadic occurrences of purulent tonsillitis do not require surgical treatment. For frequently recurring purulent tonsillitis and enlarged tonsils, surgical treatment should be considered after the acute inflammation has subsided.

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Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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What bacteria cause suppurative tonsillitis?

Purulent tonsillitis primarily refers to an acute purulent inflammation of the tonsils, often accompanied by varying degrees of mucosal lymphatic tissue inflammation. The primary bacterium responsible for this condition is Group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus, although non-hemolytic Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, as well as adenovirus, rhinovirus, and simplex herpes virus can also cause purulent tonsillopharyngitis. Mixed bacterial and viral infections are not uncommon, and in recent years, there has been an increase in yeast and Gram-negative bacilli infections. The pathogens of acute purulent tonsillitis can be transmitted via droplets or direct contact. Normally, some pathogens reside in the crypts of the pharynx and tonsils of healthy individuals. When the body's resistance is lowered, the pathogens proliferate extensively, and their toxins damage the crypt epithelium, allowing bacteria to invade the tissue and cause purulent changes. Factors such as exposure to cold, dampness, excessive fatigue, excessive smoking and drinking, and exposure to harmful gases can provoke this disease. Avoiding spicy and irritating foods, gargling with salt water, and maintaining oral hygiene are measures that can prevent or mitigate the occurrence of this condition.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What to eat with suppurative tonsillitis?

Purulent tonsillitis is a relatively common ENT disease with numerous clinical symptoms. Common symptoms include sore throat and swallowing obstruction; some patients may also experience fever or breathing difficulties. It is recommended to eat a light diet, with an emphasis on vegetables and fruits, such as lettuce, radishes, cabbage, apples, pears, and peaches. It is also advised to avoid spicy, stimulating foods and seafood. Treatment is generally medication-based, commonly involving antibiotics for infection, such as cephalosporins or penicillin antibiotics. Regular follow-up exams are necessary to monitor the effects. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)