How long will chronic tonsillitis take to heal?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on November 27, 2024
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Chronic tonsillitis generally improves gradually over a week. It arises from repeated acute tonsillitis attacks or persistent unresolved infection, leading to symptoms such as persistent low-grade fever, swelling and pain in the throat, primarily during swallowing. Additional symptoms include dryness, itchiness, a foreign body sensation, a sense of obstruction, and cough due to irritation in the throat. Examination with an electronic laryngoscope typically reveals significant congestion and enlargement of the tonsils on both sides, with pus plugs possibly present in the tonsillar crypts. For treatment, patients should first undergo symptomatic anti-inflammatory therapy. Since tonsillitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection, often from hemolytic streptococcus, oral cephalosporin antibiotics are effective. Treatment can also include nebulized inhalation to alleviate local congestion and swelling. It is advisable to drink more water and rest adequately, which should allow for gradual recovery within about a week.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
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Chronic Tonsillitis Dietary Precautions

In terms of diet, there are several points to note for chronic tonsillitis: First, it is very important to drink plenty of water, which is vital for the maintenance of chronic tonsillitis. As for food, it is necessary to avoid spicy and stimulating foods and primarily adopt a light diet, eating plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits to supplement vitamins in the body, which is also very important for the prevention and care of chronic tonsillitis. Additionally, try to avoid environments with smoking and alcohol; specifically, do not smoke or drink alcohol, and avoid inhaling second-hand smoke. Pay attention to oral hygiene and rinse your mouth promptly after eating.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to treat acute tonsillitis

Acute tonsillitis is a relatively common otolaryngological disease, mainly caused by acute bacterial infection. In terms of treatment, it is first necessary to conduct routine blood tests and indirect laryngoscopy to assess the specific extent of the inflammatory response. Generally, most patients can consider oral medication, commonly used are cephalosporin or penicillin antibiotics. It is also possible to consider combining oral traditional Chinese medicine and nebulization therapy. The general treatment period is about one week, after which most patients will gradually recover and alleviate. If oral medication is ineffective, some patients may need to consider infusion therapy. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor)

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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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 Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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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.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
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How to treat chronic tonsillitis?

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.)