How to treat chronic tonsillitis?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 25, 2024
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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 Mao Cai
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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
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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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Is nebulization good for chronic tonsillitis?

Chronic tonsillitis is a relatively common otolaryngology disease, with significant individual differences in clinical symptoms, which may include sore throat and a foreign body sensation in the throat. In terms of treatment, nebulization is a commonly used method and is generally effective as it can reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms such as throat pain and foreign body sensations in the throat. If nebulization alone is ineffective, further evaluation with routine blood tests and laryngoscopy may be needed, possibly in addition to oral medication treatment. Diet should also be light, avoiding spicy and irritating foods, smoking, and drinking, with regular follow-ups.

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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 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.