How to treat acute tonsillitis?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 26, 2024
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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 Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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How to treat chronic tonsillitis?

Chronic tonsillitis is a chronic inflammation of the tonsils, with clinically subtle symptoms, or a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, which can lead to recurrent acute attacks. The clinical treatment of chronic tonsillitis mainly focuses on local treatments, or treatments with traditional Chinese patent medicines. Local treatment may involve the use of oral rinses, local nebulization inhalation, as well as some heat-clearing and detoxifying Chinese patent medicines, such as Ban Lan Gen oral liquid, Pu Di Lan oral liquid, and others that can be used for treatment; some lozenges may also be used. Apart from medication, during the chronic phase of chronic tonsillitis, due to the recurrent acute attacks of tonsillitis, surgery to remove the tonsils can be considered to prevent repeated acute attacks and subsequent secondary damage. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a clinical doctor, according to specific conditions.)

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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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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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 Rui
Otolaryngology
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What to do with acute tonsillitis?

Acute tonsillitis is a relatively common otolaryngological disease, primarily caused by acute bacterial infection leading to inflammation of the tonsils, resulting in throat pain, swollen tonsils, and in severe cases, it may affect breathing and swallowing. In terms of examination, it is firstly recommended to perform an indirect laryngoscopy to observe the extent of inflammation within the throat and to determine the presence of any throat obstruction. It is also necessary to conduct a routine blood test to help assess the severity and type of bacterial infection. Regarding treatment, oral medication is primarily considered, generally focusing on antibiotics, which can be complemented by nebulization and traditional Chinese medicine. If the inflammatory response is particularly severe and oral medication is ineffective, further infusion therapy may need to be considered, but it generally falls under common ailments. Typically, the recovery time is about a week, although there are individual differences. After treatment, regular follow-up checks are needed to observe the recovery process.

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Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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What can you eat with acute tonsillitis?

Acute tonsillitis refers to acute inflammation of the tonsil mucosa and submucosa in the throat area, which may be related to bacterial infections, viral infections, and some physical and chemical factors, such as dust and high temperature. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid spicy and irritating foods in the case of acute tonsillitis. Instead, we can eat more bland, easily digestible, high-protein foods rich in vitamins, such as foods with a bitter taste. We can also consume some throat-clearing fruits like watermelon, dragon fruit, apple, and snow pear, etc. Thus, during the anti-inflammatory treatment for acute tonsillitis, one can also adopt a light diet.