Acute tonsillitis signs and symptoms

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 25, 2024
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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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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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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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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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What are the symptoms of chronic tonsillitis?

The symptoms of chronic tonsillitis during the non-acute phase vary from person to person. Some individuals may not exhibit clear symptoms, while others may display more typical ones. The most common symptoms include recurrent sore throat, and sensations of dryness, itchiness, the presence of a foreign body, and discomfort in swallowing or coughing. Another common symptom is persistent cough, which can be irritating, with some individuals frequently clearing their throat. Bad breath may also occur, such as when stone-like substances form on the tonsils and are expelled, carrying a foul odor. If the tonsils are excessively enlarged, they can interfere with breathing, cause snoring during sleep, and even lead to breath-holding, resulting in unclear speech, as if speaking with a mouthful. These are commonly seen in clinical settings. Additionally, some systemic reactions may occur, including fever, fatigue, low-grade fever, and headaches.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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How is chronic tonsillitis diagnosed?

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.

doctor image
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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
44sec home-news-image

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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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 5sec home-news-image

How long will chronic tonsillitis take to heal?

Chronic tonsillitis generally improves gradually over a week. It arises from repeated acute tonsillitis attacks or persistent unresolved infection, leading to symptoms such as persistent low-grade fever, swelling and pain in the throat, primarily during swallowing. Additional symptoms include dryness, itchiness, a foreign body sensation, a sense of obstruction, and cough due to irritation in the throat. Examination with an electronic laryngoscope typically reveals significant congestion and enlargement of the tonsils on both sides, with pus plugs possibly present in the tonsillar crypts. For treatment, patients should first undergo symptomatic anti-inflammatory therapy. Since tonsillitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection, often from hemolytic streptococcus, oral cephalosporin antibiotics are effective. Treatment can also include nebulized inhalation to alleviate local congestion and swelling. It is advisable to drink more water and rest adequately, which should allow for gradual recovery within about a week.