What bacteria cause suppurative tonsillitis?

Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Updated on September 17, 2024
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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 Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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How many days does suppurative tonsillitis generally cause fever?

Purulent tonsillitis generally causes fever that lasts for three to five days, and patients will experience persistent high fever with body temperatures above 38°C. Purulent tonsillitis is caused by a systemic and throat symptom due to infection with hemolytic streptococcus following a decrease in the body's immunity and resistance. Patients will experience sudden high fever, body temperatures above 38°C, and severe throat pain primarily around the tonsils. Additionally, patients may experience dryness, itchiness, a sensation of a foreign body, a feeling of obstruction, and irritative cough in the throat area. Upon examination, significant congestion and swelling in the throat, enlarged tonsils, and pus plugs covering the surface can be found. In treatment, since tonsillitis is generally a bacterial infection, patients can benefit significantly from orally administered cephalosporin antibiotics. Moreover, patients need to follow a bland diet, abstain from smoking and alcohol, and avoid spicy and irritating foods. Improvement is generally seen around one week. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Does suppurative tonsillitis require hospitalization?

Purulent tonsillitis refers to the acute purulent infection of the tonsils, mainly caused by bacterial infections, including Staphylococcus aureus, hemolytic streptococcus, etc. The clinical symptoms of purulent tonsillitis are quite obvious and relatively severe. However, generally, purulent tonsillitis is not treated in the hospital nowadays, but treated in outpatient settings with oral antibiotics or intravenous infusions for anti-infection treatment. Clinically, unless purulent tonsillitis is complicated by other diseases, such as peritonsillar abscess, pharyngeal abscess, or retropharyngeal abscess, hospitalization may be considered for treatment.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How is suppurative tonsillitis treated?

Acute suppurative tonsillitis is primarily considered to be caused by acute bacterial infections. In such cases, it is primarily necessary to conduct a complete blood count test. The main purpose of this test is to examine the increased levels of white blood cells and inflammatory response proteins. If the inflammatory response is not particularly prominent, oral antibiotics are generally sufficient, and this can be supplemented with nebulization and the oral administration of traditional Chinese medicines for auxiliary treatment. If the complete blood count indicates a particularly severe inflammatory response and the symptoms are also prominent, intravenous therapy may need to be considered. In cases where conservative treatment is ineffective and particularly severe, further hospital treatment and systematic examination may be required for an accurate assessment of the 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.)

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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.