How is chronic tonsillitis diagnosed?

Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 10, 2024
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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.

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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 Rui
Otolaryngology
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How long does acute tonsillitis last?

The treatment for acute tonsillitis generally lasts about a week. This condition also relates to the patient's physical constitution, their own resistance to illness, and the degree of inflammation, which means there are individual differences. If a person has good resistance and the inflammation is not particularly severe, noticeable relief can typically be achieved in about three days. Conversely, if someone's physical condition is generally poorer and the inflammation is more severe, the condition might require more than a week to improve. In terms of medication, antibiotics are primarily used, supplemented with nebulization and the oral administration of traditional Chinese medicines. It is necessary to regularly monitor complete blood counts to observe the degree of recovery and changes in the inflammatory response.

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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
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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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What should be avoided in the diet for acute tonsillitis?

Acute tonsillitis is primarily caused by an acute infectious inflammation of the tonsils due to bacterial infection, which may also initially involve viral infections. The main bacteria involved are Staphylococcus aureus and hemolytic streptococcus. The dietary restrictions for acute tonsillitis mainly include the following: Firstly, in terms of diet, it is important to eat light, nutritious, and easily digestible foods. Spicy and stimulating foods such as tobacco and chili peppers should be avoided, as these irritants can cause further congestion and swelling of the mucous membranes, exacerbating the condition during the acute phase. Secondly, attention should be given to substances such as mangoes and seafood, which can cause allergies. If a patient is allergic to these substances, consuming them can trigger allergic symptoms, aggravating the clinical symptoms of acute tonsillitis and worsening the condition. Thirdly, it is important to ensure that the food consumed is neither too hot nor too cold, as extreme temperatures can affect the recovery from the illness.