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 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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Does chronic tonsillitis cause fever?

Chronic tonsillitis is a relatively common ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) disease with various clinical symptoms. Most patients may experience enlarged tonsils, a sensation of a foreign body in the tonsils, and recurrent sore throat, though the pain generally isn't very severe. Patients with chronic tonsillitis usually do not have a fever. However, if an acute episode of chronic tonsillitis occurs, it may cause fever, primarily due to acute bacterial infection leading to fever. In terms of treatment, blood tests and laryngoscopic examinations are necessary to observe the extent of the inflammation. Generally, antibiotic treatment to fight the infection is considered, with a treatment period of about one week. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Does chronic tonsillitis hurt?

Chronic tonsillitis can lead to throat pain. Chronic tonsillitis typically results from repeated bouts of acute tonsillitis or persistent, unresolved inflammation, leading to chronic inflammation of the tonsils. It can cause continuous dryness, itching, pain, a sensation of a foreign body, obstruction, and burning in the throat area. In severe cases, it may lead to hoarseness and irritative cough. Upon examination, both tonsils are seen to be swollen and congested, with visible crypts on the surface, and yellowish-white abnormal secretions may be expressed from these crypts when the tonsils are compressed. In terms of treatment, if the tonsils are repeatedly inflamed and accompanied by fever, the patient may need to undergo a bilateral tonsillectomy. The surgery requires hospitalization, general anesthesia, and postoperative use of antibiotics to prevent local infection. Recovery and hospital discharge can typically occur about a week after the procedure. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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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.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Treatment course for acute tonsillitis.

Acute tonsillitis is an acute, infectious inflammation of the tonsils, primarily caused by bacterial infection. For the treatment of acute tonsillitis, we mainly adopt antibiotic treatment for infection. The general course of treatment lasts 7-10 days, especially for acute suppurative tonsillitis, which may even extend to about 10-14 days. Clinically, we primarily administer cephalosporin antibiotics to control the infection. If the infection is severe, we may even opt for infusion therapy to counter the infection. During the infusion, we can administer some corticosteroids such as dexamethasone to treat concurrently, enhancing the anti-inflammatory effect. Clinically, we should pay attention to drinking plenty of water and eating a light diet, avoiding spicy and irritating foods.