What does suppurative tonsillitis look like?

Written by Du Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 16, 2024
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Purulent tonsillitis refers to the acute purulent inflammation of the tonsils, which include the palatine tonsils, pharyngeal tonsils, and tubal tonsils. This text specifically refers to the palatine tonsils. The main cause is bacterial infection, with bacteria such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. On examination, purulent tonsillitis can be identified by enlarged tonsils with pus points on the surface. Patients may experience throat pain, fever, and sometimes accompanying symptoms such as cough and a foreign body sensation in the throat. The treatment of acute suppurative tonsillitis primarily involves penicillin and second-generation cephalosporins, and timely and effective treatment can lead to significant relief of symptoms.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Is surgery necessary for suppurative tonsillitis?

Purulent tonsillitis refers to the acute purulent inflammation of the tonsils, mainly caused by bacterial infection, including infections by Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, etc. Purulent tonsillitis is an acute inflammation, so during this acute inflammation phase, the primary treatment is the use of antibiotics for anti-infection. After the anti-infection treatment, the symptoms of the patient disappear, and then it can be assessed whether surgical treatment is needed. Generally speaking, sporadic occurrences of purulent tonsillitis do not require surgical treatment. For frequently recurring purulent tonsillitis and enlarged tonsils, surgical treatment should be considered after the acute inflammation has subsided.

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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 Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Early symptoms of suppurative tonsillitis

The early symptoms of suppurative tonsillitis include fever, muscle weakness, muscle pain, as well as swelling and pain in the throat, and a runny nose. Suppurative tonsillitis is primarily caused by bacterial infections of the upper respiratory tract due to lowered immunity and resistance, often resulting from infections by hemolytic streptococci. Patients may exhibit fever, swelling, and pain in the throat area. A thorough examination at a hospital with an electronic laryngoscope and a complete blood count can confirm the diagnosis. The examination may reveal bilateral tonsillar enlargement and congestion, with the presence of pale white or yellowish pus-like secretions on the surface. For treatment, symptomatic anti-inflammatory therapy is required, which may include the use of penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics, usually with good results. In addition, rest and attention to diet are important for gradual improvement during the treatment period.

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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 Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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How many days does suppurative tonsillitis generally cause fever?

Purulent tonsillitis generally causes fever that lasts for three to five days, and patients will experience persistent high fever with body temperatures above 38°C. Purulent tonsillitis is caused by a systemic and throat symptom due to infection with hemolytic streptococcus following a decrease in the body's immunity and resistance. Patients will experience sudden high fever, body temperatures above 38°C, and severe throat pain primarily around the tonsils. Additionally, patients may experience dryness, itchiness, a sensation of a foreign body, a feeling of obstruction, and irritative cough in the throat area. Upon examination, significant congestion and swelling in the throat, enlarged tonsils, and pus plugs covering the surface can be found. In treatment, since tonsillitis is generally a bacterial infection, patients can benefit significantly from orally administered cephalosporin antibiotics. Moreover, patients need to follow a bland diet, abstain from smoking and alcohol, and avoid spicy and irritating foods. Improvement is generally seen around one week. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)