What is suppurative tonsillitis?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 27, 2024
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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.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Should you avoid certain foods if you have suppurative tonsillitis?

Purulent tonsillitis is an acute purulent infection of the tonsils, with relatively severe clinical symptoms, mainly manifested as severe pain in the throat, difficulty swallowing, and even systemic symptoms such as fever. Therefore, it is necessary to be cautious about diet in cases of purulent tonsillitis, mainly as follows: Firstly, avoid irritants like smoking, alcohol, and spicy foods such as chili peppers. Secondly, food should be neither too cold nor too hot, to avoid stimulating the tonsils and exacerbating the inflammation. Also, some fruits, like mangoes and pineapples, may cause allergies and can irritate the inflamed tonsillar tissue, worsening the condition. Therefore, these are the precautions that need to be taken.

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Written by Cheng Fu Wei
Otolaryngology
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Do you need to be hospitalized for suppurative tonsillitis?

Purulent tonsillitis is a relatively severe type of tonsillitis, mainly caused by bacterial infection leading to inflammation and pus formation in the tonsils. If symptoms are severe, such as intense pain that interferes with eating and swallowing, or even high fever reaching above 38.5 degrees Celsius, hospitalization for intravenous therapy is recommended. If the condition is mild, with no fever and less severe pain and swallowing discomfort not affecting eating, oral medication or outpatient intravenous therapy can be administered.

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Written by Du Jun
Otolaryngology
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What does suppurative tonsillitis look like?

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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How is suppurative tonsillitis treated?

Acute suppurative tonsillitis is primarily considered to be caused by acute bacterial infections. In such cases, it is primarily necessary to conduct a complete blood count test. The main purpose of this test is to examine the increased levels of white blood cells and inflammatory response proteins. If the inflammatory response is not particularly prominent, oral antibiotics are generally sufficient, and this can be supplemented with nebulization and the oral administration of traditional Chinese medicines for auxiliary treatment. If the complete blood count indicates a particularly severe inflammatory response and the symptoms are also prominent, intravenous therapy may need to be considered. In cases where conservative treatment is ineffective and particularly severe, further hospital treatment and systematic examination may be required for an accurate assessment of the condition.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Is suppurative tonsillitis serious?

Purulent tonsillitis is an acute purulent infection of the tonsils, generally considered relatively severe. Clinically, it manifests as severe throat pain, systemic fever, and chills and discomfort, making the symptoms relatively severe. In clinical treatment, it is important to conduct aggressive anti-infection treatment, mainly through intravenous infusion, such as the use of cephalosporin antibiotics, and the concurrent use of some corticosteroids to enhance the anti-infection effect. It is important to drink plenty of water, replenish bodily fluids, and use some heat-clearing and detoxifying traditional Chinese medicines, such as Banlangen oral liquid, which can be used simultaneously for adjunctive treatment. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)