How long will chronic tonsillitis take to heal?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on November 27, 2024
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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.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
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Chronic tonsillitis canceration rate

Chronic tonsillitis is mainly caused by mixed infections of bacteria or viruses, with the chronic inflammation of the tonsils often being caused by hemolytic streptococcus or Staphylococcus aureus. It is rare for chronic tonsillitis to become cancerous. The primary reason is due to the persistence of acute tonsillitis, which does not provide the conditions for cancerous changes. However, if individuals frequently consume spicy and stimulating food, or engage in smoking and drinking, this can cause local ulcers and lead to cancerous changes in the tonsils. Therefore, in daily life, if one notices cauliflower-like growths on the surface of the tonsils, special attention should be given, and a timely hospital check-up should be conducted to avoid the development of cancer.

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Written by Gui Xiao Yan
Internal Medicine
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How to reduce fever caused by tonsillitis?

Inflammation of the tonsils often causes fever. If the temperature increase is not very significant, physical methods such as using ice packs or fever patches can be utilized to reduce the fever. When applying ice packs, you can wrap ice cubes with a dry towel and place them on areas such as the forehead, neck, armpits, groin, and the hollow behind the knees, where large blood vessels pass and cooling effects are good. Besides, wiping the skin with warm water or alcohol can accelerate heat dissipation. Once the body temperature exceeds 38.5℃, antipyretic drugs should be administered, with acetaminophen and ibuprofen being the most commonly used in clinical settings. Tonsillitis is mainly caused by pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses, and appropriate anti-infection treatment should be taken after identifying the pathogen. (Please follow medical advice when using medications)

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Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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Is chronic tonsillitis serious?

Chronic tonsillitis is primarily caused by repeated acute tonsillitis attacks or due to poor drainage in the tonsillar crypts, where bacteria and viruses breed and infect, leading to chronic inflammation. It is mainly divided into three types: hyperplastic, fibrous, and cryptic. Clinically, it mainly manifests as sore throat, susceptibility to colds, and a history of acute tonsillitis attacks. Usually, there are few self-perceived symptoms, which may include dry throat, itching, foreign body sensation, and mild symptoms such as irritative cough. If cheesy decayed material or a large number of anaerobic bacteria accumulate in the tonsillar crypts, bad breath may occur. Excessive enlargement of the tonsils in children can lead to respiratory distress, snoring, or swallowing and speech function disorders, requiring surgical treatment. If chronic tonsillitis frequently inflames, accompanied by acute fever more than five times a year, or affects swallowing and breathing, surgical treatment is necessary; otherwise, it may lead to severe diseases such as rheumatic heart disease or nephritis.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Is chronic tonsillitis contagious?

Chronic tonsillitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the tonsils, mainly due to repeated attacks of acute tonsillitis or the presence of a chronic infectious focus in the teeth and oral cavity, which prevents acute tonsillitis from being actively cured and then gradually develops and prolongs into chronic tonsillitis. Since it is a chronic inflammation, it should be noted that it generally is not contagious. Even acute tonsillitis has relatively weak contagiousness. In clinical treatment, chronic tonsillitis is mainly treated symptomatically with traditional Chinese medicines that clear heat and detoxify. In summary, chronic tonsillitis is not contagious.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
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Chronic Tonsillitis Dietary Precautions

In terms of diet, there are several points to note for chronic tonsillitis: First, it is very important to drink plenty of water, which is vital for the maintenance of chronic tonsillitis. As for food, it is necessary to avoid spicy and stimulating foods and primarily adopt a light diet, eating plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits to supplement vitamins in the body, which is also very important for the prevention and care of chronic tonsillitis. Additionally, try to avoid environments with smoking and alcohol; specifically, do not smoke or drink alcohol, and avoid inhaling second-hand smoke. Pay attention to oral hygiene and rinse your mouth promptly after eating.