What bacteria cause suppurative tonsillitis?

Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Updated on September 17, 2024
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Purulent tonsillitis primarily refers to an acute purulent inflammation of the tonsils, often accompanied by varying degrees of mucosal lymphatic tissue inflammation. The primary bacterium responsible for this condition is Group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus, although non-hemolytic Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, as well as adenovirus, rhinovirus, and simplex herpes virus can also cause purulent tonsillopharyngitis. Mixed bacterial and viral infections are not uncommon, and in recent years, there has been an increase in yeast and Gram-negative bacilli infections. The pathogens of acute purulent tonsillitis can be transmitted via droplets or direct contact. Normally, some pathogens reside in the crypts of the pharynx and tonsils of healthy individuals. When the body's resistance is lowered, the pathogens proliferate extensively, and their toxins damage the crypt epithelium, allowing bacteria to invade the tissue and cause purulent changes. Factors such as exposure to cold, dampness, excessive fatigue, excessive smoking and drinking, and exposure to harmful gases can provoke this disease. Avoiding spicy and irritating foods, gargling with salt water, and maintaining oral hygiene are measures that can prevent or mitigate the occurrence of this condition.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Dietary restrictions for suppurative tonsillitis

For acute suppurative tonsillitis, dietary caution is indeed necessary. Avoid spicy and stimulating foods, smoking, alcohol, overly hard foods, and allergenic foods, as these can exacerbate existing inflammation and cause further throat pain. Timely medical treatment should be considered. Typically, a complete blood count test is recommended to assess the extent of the inflammatory response. Antibiotics, commonly cephalosporins or penicillins, are generally advised for treatment. Additionally, nebulizer therapy can be considered in conjunction with regular follow-up checks to observe the effects. (Medication should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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How is suppurative tonsillitis caused?

The acute onset of suppurative tonsillitis is commonly due to a weakened immune system, which then leads to bacterial infection and thus suppurative tonsillitis. For example, getting chilled or getting caught in the rain, or having a persistent cold. Other common causes include irritation from smoking and alcohol environments, spicy foods, and staying up late. Also, if there is some chronic inflammation in the tonsils, these adverse stimuli make it easier to trigger this type of suppurative inflammation. Therefore, in addition to maintaining a normal routine in daily life, it is also important to check for the presence of chronic tonsillitis. If chronic tonsillitis is present, it's crucial to choose a proper opportunity for surgical treatment, which means performing surgery when it is not in an acute phase, to prevent the recurrence of suppurative inflammation.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Is suppurative tonsillitis uncomfortable?

Suppurative tonsillitis is an acute infection of the tonsils, which is relatively severe and involves purulent changes in the tonsils. Clinically, patients experience severe throat pain, which worsens during swallowing and may even lead to difficulty in eating. Patients may also experience symptoms such as chills and fever. Therefore, suppurative tonsillitis is very distressing, and we need to actively manage it. Generally, we conduct a blood test to check the routine blood parameters and observe the level of white blood cell infection, that is, the white blood cell count. Then, we administer intravenous infusions of antibiotics for treatment.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What should I do if I have a fever with suppurative tonsillitis?

Acute purulent tonsillitis often comes with a fever, which is generally caused by an acute bacterial infection. The first step is to check the body temperature. If the temperature exceeds 38.5 degrees Celsius, consider using antipyretic medication. It is also advised to perform a routine blood test to assess the extent of the inflammatory response. Typically, antibiotic treatment is considered to combat the infection, and this may be accompanied by nebulization and the oral intake of traditional Chinese medicine. Most patients can effectively recover with timely treatment. If the treatment does not yield good results, further hospitalization and intravenous therapy might be necessary, along with investigating the possibility of infectious mononucleosis. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What is suppurative tonsillitis?

Purulent tonsillitis is generally caused by an acute bacterial infection, though a small number of patients may also have a viral infection. It is a relatively common disease in the field of otolaryngology. In terms of examination, the first step is to perform an indirect laryngoscopy to observe the extent of inflammation in the throat. In addition, a complete blood count and inflammatory protein tests can be considered to help assess the severity of the inflammatory response. Additionally, bacterial culture and drug sensitivity tests of the purulent secretion can be considered, allowing for a more targeted choice of medication. Empirical treatment mainly involves the use of antibiotics to combat the infection, and it is recommended to combine this with nebulization. Oral administration of traditional Chinese medicine can also be used as supplementary treatment, generally needing about one week. Note: Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.