Purulent tonsillitis - how dangerous is the disease and how to treat it?

Purulent tonsillitis is a name that combines two purulent forms of tonsillitis (acute tonsillitis) - follicular and lacunar.

These forms of angina have a similar general and local course; one patient may experience signs of both forms of angina at the same time. Often the pathological process occurs in the palatine tonsils; in more rare cases, the lingual, nasopharyngeal and laryngeal tonsils are affected.

Most often, purulent tonsillitis is diagnosed in children of preschool and primary school age. In children under 5 years of age, as well as in adults, viruses are often the infectious agent; in the age group of 5–15 years, purulent tonsillitis of bacterial etiology is more often observed.

Types of purulent sore throat

Depending on the degree of damage and the nature of the inflammatory process, purulent tonsillitis is divided as follows:

1. Lacunarnaya. It is characterized by the accumulation of pus in the lacunae of the tonsils.
2. Follicular. The follicles of the tonsils are damaged; purulent islands and purulent plaque are located on them.

Types of purulent tonsillitis according to the localization of the inflammatory process:

• One-sided. It occurs very rarely, in most cases - at the initial stage of the disease. Subsequently, the process spreads to both tonsils.
• Double sided.

Types of sore throat

Sore throat with pus is tonsillitis. It is divided into acute and chronic. Acute has catarrhal, follicular, lacunar, fibrinous, phlegmonous, herpetic and ulcerative membranous forms. Chronic – compensated and decompensated.

Catarrhal sore throat is safer. It causes a burning sensation and soreness in the throat, slight redness and enlargement of the tonsils and lymph nodes. A thin film of purulent exudate is created. The temperature does not rise above 38 degrees.

With follicular sore throat, the temperature rises sharply to 39 degrees. There is a sharp pain in the throat, radiating to the ear, headache, lumbar pain. The person experiences weakness, chills, and fever. Children may experience vomiting and diarrhea. On enlarged tonsils, yellowish-white purulent dots, the size of a pinhead, become noticeable. Such a sore throat occurs if catarrhal disease has not been completely cured. The lacunar form is similar in its symptoms to the follicular one, but is more severe in nature. The yellowish-white coating creates a dense film, forming stripes rather than dots. Pus fills the almond lacunae. Only the attending physician can remove it.

Fibrinous tonsillitis forms a continuous coating that extends beyond the tonsils. Symptoms of body intoxication, chills and fever appear.

A rare form of sore throat is phlegmonous. It affects one tonsil, which becomes enlarged, engorged, red, and painful. You may notice that a person walks with his head tilted to one side, from which the inflammatory process occurs. The temperature rises to 40 degrees, the lymph nodes enlarge, and trismus of the masticatory muscles occurs. With this disease, hospitalization of the patient is required, since due to swelling of the neck, respiratory arrest and death are possible.

Herpetic purulent tonsillitis occurs rarely in adults; it occurs more often in children. It is transmitted by airborne droplets and contact, causing hyperthermia, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. Red bubbles are visible in the throat, which burst or dissolve over time. This sore throat is of viral origin.

Ulcerative-membranous purulent tonsillitis. The reasons for its appearance are oral bacteria. Symptoms are increased salivation, putrid odor, and the formation of ulcers on the surface of the tonsils. The temperature often does not rise, leukocytes are not produced above normal. This form of the disease can last several months.

With chronic compensated tonsillitis, the body independently copes with the infection, developing protective functions. From time to time, exacerbations in the form of hidden sore throats may occur and occur with slight discomfort. During exacerbations, a slight temperature rises, bad breath appears, and the lymph nodes become enlarged. Such a sore throat is not as harmless as it might seem and, in the absence of the necessary treatment, it easily turns into a decompensated form.

Chronic decompensated tonsillitis is characterized by the body's powerlessness against the disease. The tonsils are so weakened by frequent exacerbations of the disease (more than 3 times a year) that irreversible processes occur in them. Local protection stops working, inflammation spreads beyond the tonsils, and scars form in the tissues. Such consequences of purulent tonsillitis lead to surgical intervention and removal of the tonsils.

The division of sore throats into forms is conditional. One type can transform into another or cause complications of a different nature. Some symptoms of tonsillitis are similar to those of other diseases, such as scarlet fever, diphtheria (especially in children). Treatment of purulent tonsillitis in adults directly depends on the symptoms and nature of the disease.

Stages of purulent tonsillitis

1. Incubation period. The period between infection entering the body and the appearance of the first symptoms indicating the development of the disease is 1–3 days.
2. Initial stage. A very short period, about 6–12 hours, between the appearance of the first symptoms of the disease and the development of the most pronounced clinical picture.
3. The stage of the height of the disease. The period during which the symptoms of the disease are very pronounced is 2–4 days.
4. Recovery stage. It is divided into early and late periods and can last 5–7 days.

Forms of the disease and main symptoms

According to the severity of the disease, the nature and location of plaque on the tonsils, they are distinguished:

1. Catarrhal sore throat

This is the initial form of the disease, characterized by severe hyperemia and enlargement of the tonsils, difficulty swallowing. With adequate and timely treatment, catarrhal tonsillitis proceeds without complications and is completely cured.

1. Lacunar tonsillitis

The lacunae fill with pus. This form of sore throat often becomes chronic. In flow, the lacunar form is lighter than the follicular one.

1. Follicular sore throat

In this case, pus accumulates in the parenchyma of the tonsils, they become inflamed and covered with ulcers. This form has a high risk of the pathogen entering the blood due to densely concentrated blood vessels in the tonsils. Characterized by intense pain, intoxication and swelling. Often the pain radiates to the ear.

1. Phlegmonous sore throat

In this case, the process of inflammation of one of the glands occurs with purulent melting. The patient's condition is serious, there is severe intoxication, the corresponding lymph nodes are inflamed and sharply painful. The affected tonsil is swollen and tense. The patient's head is forced to turn to the “healthy” side.

There is intense pain radiating to the eye socket and ear, and tension in the jaw muscles.
The patient’s health quickly deteriorates and the patient urgently needs surgical intervention. Symptoms of purulent sore throat:

• hypertrophy and inflammation of regional lymph nodes;
• phenomena of intoxication with weakness and headache;
• swelling and redness of the larynx;
• swelling of the neck;
• hyperthermia and chills;
• plaque that can be easily removed with a spatula;
• a sore throat.

In addition, in some cases the following may occur:

• abdominal discomfort;
• cough and runny nose;
• skin rashes.

In any case of sore throat, it is necessary to take a throat swab for bacterial culture, in order to exclude the diagnosis of diphtheria.

Causes of purulent sore throat

The cause of purulent sore throat is microbes of the pyogenic group, such as staphylococcus, streptococcus, pneumococcus. In adults, the disease often develops against the background of acute respiratory viral infections. In children, in 85% of cases the disease is caused by streptococcus.

The infection enters the tissue through airborne droplets, through direct or indirect contact with a carrier of the disease or through food. It can also enter the area of ​​inflammation from other sources, such as carious teeth or chronic inflammatory processes.

With proper and timely treatment, the prognosis is favorable. Complete cure is possible in 7–10 days.

In some cases, the cause of purulent sore throat is opportunistic microorganisms that live on the skin and mucous membranes. When the immune system is disrupted, they begin to actively multiply, provoking the appearance of unpleasant symptoms.

Factors influencing the development of the disease:

• frequent hypothermia: general (swimming in cold water, prolonged exposure to sub-zero temperatures) and local (drinking cold drinks or ice cream);
• frequent infectious diseases;
• foci of chronic infection (caries);
• tonsil injuries;
• frequent stressful situations and severe fatigue;
• disturbances in the functioning of the immune system that develop as a result of chronic or autoimmune diseases;
• prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or in a room with high humidity;
• climate change;
• poor diet, eating too spicy or salty foods;
• presence of bad habits.

Reasons for development

Sore throat is an infectious disease caused by group A streptococci. Staphylococci and pneumococci can also be causative agents of the pathological process. Infection occurs through contact with sick people. There are always various microbes on the surface of the mucous membrane of the tonsils. In a normal state of immunity, they do not cause an inflammatory process.

Activation of microorganisms and their rapid spread can be triggered by various factors:

1. Hypothermia or sudden temperature changes.
2. Consuming cold drinks or foods.
3. Damage to the integrity of the mucous membrane of the tonsils.
4. Insufficient amount of vitamins and minerals in the body.
5. An inflammatory process affecting nearby structures.
6. Penetration of streptococci from other organs and systems.
7. The presence of diseases that cause a decrease in immunity.
8. Getting a bacterial or fungal infection into the oral cavity.

In these cases, the body's immunity is significantly reduced, which leads to inflammation of the tonsils. When the disease is advanced, pathogenic microorganisms penetrate deeper and cause a sore throat.

Symptoms of purulent sore throat

The disease develops rapidly. Symptoms of a purulent sore throat may appear all at once or gradually, starting with a sore throat and difficulty swallowing. In this case, there are characteristic signs of the disease.

A sore throat

At the initial stage of the disease, discomfort appears in the tonsil area in the form of a sensation of a foreign body, making swallowing difficult. Then pain occurs and intensifies.

The sore throat with purulent sore throat becomes so acute that the patient refuses to eat and drink. He finds it difficult to talk. Ear pain may occur.

Changes in the tonsils

As a result of the inflammatory process at the initial stage of the disease, swelling and redness of the palatine tonsils and almond arches appear. Later, pus appears, the process differs depending on the type of disease:

• lacunar tonsillitis: pus looks like plaque, stripes or films of a grayish-white or yellowish tint, accumulating in the folds of the tonsils (lacunae) and extending beyond them;
• follicular sore throat: follicles the size of a millet grain form on the tonsils. They rise above the surface and are clearly visible upon visual inspection. Inside the follicles there is gray-yellow pus. In combination with hyperemic tissue of the tonsils, a characteristic symptom of the starry sky is observed.

The patient's tongue becomes dry, coated with a brown coating. In severe cases of the disease, it can become swollen, with obvious teeth marks.

Plaque from the tonsils can be easily removed, while the mucous membranes remain intact, which distinguishes purulent tonsillitis from other forms of the disease.

Enlarged cervical lymph nodes

With purulent tonsillitis, enlargement of the lymph nodes is observed very often, as they perform a protective function. At the initial stage, the lymph nodes are soft, later they become denser and increase in size. Pain occurs on palpation.

The sore throat with purulent sore throat becomes so acute that the patient refuses to eat and drink. He finds it difficult to talk. Ear pain may occur.

Other signs of purulent sore throat

• increase in body temperature to 38.5–40 °C. It practically does not decrease and can last for 2–4 days;
• chills. Most often it appears at the initial stage of the disease;
• headache. The toxins released by the bacteria negatively affect the nervous system, causing a dull, paroxysmal headache that can last for 2-4 days. After this she disappears;
• weakness. Throughout the entire period of the disease, the patient experiences lethargy, drowsiness, depression, apathy, and decreased ability to work;
• aches in joints and muscles.

Pathogenetic therapy

• Antibiotic therapy for purulent sore throat must be completed. Do not arbitrarily interrupt your medication regimen. This may lead to no result: bacteria will develop resistance to the drug. This will lead to its complete clinical ineffectiveness upon repeated use.
• Three main groups of antibiotics are used: cephalosporins, macrolides or penicillins.
• If complications occur, broad-spectrum antibiotics are used: aminoglycosides, tetracyclines.

Diagnostics

In order to diagnose a disease, the doctor studies the patient’s complaints. Then he performs pharyngoscopy (examination of the pharynx and oral cavity using a medical spatula), palpation of the neck and regional lymph nodes, and collection of material for bacteriological culture.

Laboratory diagnostic methods for purulent sore throat include:

1. Clinical blood test. Particular attention is paid to such indicators as the level of leukocytes, the percentage of lymphocytes and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
2. Bacterial culture. Material taken from the pharynx is placed in a special nutrient medium, which makes it possible to determine the causative agent of the disease and its sensitivity to antibiotics.
3. Tests to determine streptococcal infection (if necessary).

Differential diagnosis makes it possible to distinguish purulent sore throat from pathologies such as:

• diphtheria. With this disease, in addition to a sore throat, a barking suffocating cough, respiratory failure, shortness of breath and symptoms of damage to the central nervous system appear;
• mononucleosis. In this case, in parallel with the symptoms of sore throat, the patient’s liver and spleen enlarge;
• scarlet fever. Signs of tonsillitis are accompanied by a small rash located on the cheeks, torso and limbs, while the nasolabial triangle remains unchanged. Symptoms also include a purple tongue and peeling skin.

Course of the disease

Purulent tonsillitis is characterized by an acute onset, rapid onset of fever, pain when swallowing, lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes) and the appearance of purulent plaque on the tonsils.

There are a number of factors that contribute to the accelerated development of the lesion process:

• reduced immunity;
• the presence of septic lesions in the oral cavity (caries);
• polluted atmospheric air;
• traumatic injury to the tonsils;
• hypothermia.

Treatment of purulent sore throat

Treatment of purulent sore throat in most cases is carried out at home. Children under 3 years of age or patients with severe illness are subject to hospitalization.

In the treatment of purulent tonsillitis, medications of the following pharmacological groups are used:

1. Antibiotics (penicillins, macrolides, cephalosporins). They are the main method of treatment to eliminate the causes of purulent sore throat. The choice of drugs depends on the causative agent of the disease, the age of the patient, the severity of symptoms and the presence of contraindications. The drug can be prescribed in the form of tablets, suspensions or injections. The course of treatment for purulent tonsillitis ranges from 5 to 7 days (in severe forms of the disease, the course can increase to 10–14 days). If the drug is chosen correctly, relief occurs on the second day after starting its use. The course of antibiotic therapy must be completely completed to avoid the emergence of microflora resistant to the drug and the development of complications.
2. Probiotics and prebiotics. They are prescribed in complex treatment along with antibacterial drugs. These agents help restore normal microflora in the intestines, as well as prevent the development of pathogenic bacteria. They reduce the severity and number of side effects that develop when taking antibiotics, and also increase local immunity.
3. Antifungal drugs. They are used in combination with antibiotics to prevent the development of fungal infections.
4. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Drugs in this group help lower body temperature and have an analgesic effect, which makes it possible to reduce pain in the throat, muscles and joints, as well as relieve headaches. They are taken within 2–4 days.
5. Vitamin complexes and immunostimulants. These drugs improve the functioning of the immune system and help the body cope with infection faster.

General therapy is supplemented with frequent gargling with antiseptic solutions and decoctions of medicinal herbs to eliminate purulent plaque. Local medications in the form of lozenges or sprays may also be prescribed.

During the treatment of purulent tonsillitis, bed rest is indicated. The patient should eat properly, consuming warm liquid food containing sufficient amounts of proteins and vitamins. It is also necessary to drink plenty of fluids to reduce intoxication.

Treatment of purulent sore throat in most cases is carried out at home. Children under 3 years of age or patients with severe illness are subject to hospitalization.

Treatment

If signs of purulent tonsillitis are detected, one should not expect further development of the inflammatory process and the progression of a mild form into a more serious one with the addition of complications. It is recommended to come to see a doctor and get an accurate diagnosis through an examination.

To quickly treat a purulent sore throat, it is recommended to follow the following rules:

1. Visit a doctor to establish the correct diagnosis;
2. Maintain bed rest and exclude any physical activity;
3. The patient should provide his own cutlery and sanitary towels for the duration of the inflammatory process;
4. Drink large amounts of warm liquid;
5. Constant rest and long sleep;
6. The room where the sick person is located should be ventilated more often and maintained at an optimal temperature of +18 +200C.

Drinking plenty of water helps eliminate incipient dehydration and lower body temperature, which leads to a decrease in intoxication.

If purulent tonsillitis is detected, treatment in an adult should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor. Incorrectly prescribed medications and antibiotics can cause serious complications. Additionally, you can use folk remedies, use inhalations, and compresses.

Only a doctor can draw up a treatment regimen that can quickly neutralize the inflammatory process during purulent tonsillitis.

Drug treatment

To treat purulent tonsillitis, it is recommended to eliminate the main symptoms and influence the body’s immune system, strengthening it. Timely treatment begins to neutralize the possibility of developing dangerous consequences in the form of abscesses and phlegmon in the neck, as well as pathological diseases of the cardiovascular system.

If a sore throat is not accompanied by complications, it is recommended to treat a sore throat at home. Drug therapy involves treating inflammation by taking tablets or lozenges orally, giving intramuscular injections, and gargling with antiseptics. To do this, the doctor prescribes the following medications presented in the table.

Symptoms of a sore throat	The resulting effect	Drugs
Temperature increase	Antipyretics should be taken only at temperatures exceeding 38 degrees	Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Analgin injections, Acetylsalicylic acid
Pain syndrome in the mouth and pharynx	Lozenges not only eliminate pain and soreness, but also block the development of pathogenic bacteria	Septolete, Neo Angin, Faringosept, Lizobakt, Lizak, Doctor Mom
	Sprays - not only relieve discomfort, but also promote faster healing	Stopangin, Cameton, Lugol, Hexoral, Miramistin, Ingalipt
	Antibacterial medications - necessary for disinfection and elimination of purulent formations	A solution of hydrogen peroxide, Furacilin, Givalex, Chlorophyllipt, Rotocan, Stopatodin or Potassium Permanganate
Swelling of the tonsils	Antihistamines – relieve swelling, reduce general toxic symptoms	Tavegil, Claritin, Erius, Suprastin, Zodak, Diazolin

Rinsing should be done with antiseptics at least 4-5 times a day, preferably more. This effect on purulent plugs allows you to soften them and quickly remove the purulent contents. If you carry out the procedure fewer times, achieving the desired effect will be more problematic and take longer.

Antibiotics

Treatment of purulent sore throat at home rarely occurs without the use of an antibiotic. Therapy must be complete. The duration of the course of action is determined by the attending physician based on the severity of tonsillitis. You cannot stop taking the medication or prescribe the drug yourself. The consequences for the patient can be dire.

For inflammation of the tonsils with purulent content, it is recommended to use an antibiotic from one of the groups: penicillins, cephalosporins or macrolides. In case of complications, tetracyclines or aminoglycosides should be administered.

The following antibiotic agents best show a positive effect:

1. Amoxicillin;
2. Clindamycin;
3. Clarithromycin;
4. Erythromycin;
5. Phenoxymethylpenicillin.
6. Augmentin;
7. Ampicillin;
8. Azithromycin.

It is definitely recommended to treat pathogenic bacteria with a local antibiotic - Bioparox. It is available in the form of a spray and acts directly on the source of inflammation. This medicine is often an effective treatment during the occurrence of acute tonsillitis during pregnancy.

Inhalations for illness

Additionally, the doctor may recommend inhalation using a nebulizer using a solution of Chlorhexidine, Chlorphyllipt, as well as Miramistin and Dioxidine. Mineral alkaline waters (Borjomi) are also often used. Correctly selected dosage helps relieve swelling, improve the discharge of mucus collected in the bronchi and eliminate inflammation from the tonsils.

Traditional therapy

It is recommended to supplement drug therapy with traditional methods of treatment. The complex effect on purulent tonsillitis reveals favorable results, helping to alleviate inflammation and speed up recovery.

To prevent or eliminate symptoms, it is recommended to use the following recipes:

1. Decoctions of chamomile and calendula - the compound has a calming, relieving effect on swelling. You should take 1 tbsp. each herb and pour 300 ml of boiled water. Boil and leave for 2-3 hours. Strain and gargle with the decoction up to 6 times a day for 30 days. It is advisable to begin the procedure before the first signs appear;
2. Resorption of propolis - a natural ingredient in a small volume is laid out on the tongue and slowly dissolves. This should be done only after eating and irrigating the throat with antiseptics. You can consume no more than 1 tsp per day;
3. Decoctions from twigs of raspberries, currants, blackberries, combining them with honey and lemon in tea - this infusion should be drunk 1 glass throughout the day. The product helps to increase the patient’s immunity;
4. Sauerkraut juice - allows you to disinfect the internal mucous membrane and promotes the rapid healing of wounds formed after opening purulent follicles;
5. Onion juice is used to quickly cure purulent sore throat. To do this, take 1 tsp orally. 5-6 times every 24 hours for 7-10 days.

The use of folk remedies cannot completely cure a dangerous disease on its own. It is imperative to carry out complex therapy, which will include not only the use of medicinal herbs, but also medications.

Prevention

To avoid contracting a sore throat, it is recommended to follow some recommendations correctly. Their constant implementation is not difficult, but it helps protect the body from viral diseases active in winter and spring. The following preventive measures against acute tonsillitis should be taken:

1. Periodically rinse the larynx and mouth with soda solution or any antiseptic;
2. Influence the immune system through hardening and consumption of fortified complexes;
3. Do not indulge in cold drinks or ice cream at any time of the year;
4. Dress according to the weather, avoiding hypothermia;
5. If diseases occur in the oral cavity, immediately begin to treat them.

Thus, angina is a serious infectious disease. If you notice signs of developing the disease, you should consult a doctor. Only a doctor will be able to recommend the best way to treat purulent tonsillitis, relying on the revealed test results and the severity of the disease. The main thing is to influence the problem comprehensively.

Complications

A complication of purulent sore throat can be:

1. Rheumatism. This is a systemic lesion of connective tissue of autoimmune etiology. At the same time, damage to the joints, kidneys and heart may occur.
2. Myocarditis. Inflammation of the heart muscle, resulting in shortness of breath, weakness, and increased heart rate.
3. Lymphadenitis. Purulent inflammation of the lymph nodes, accompanied by their enlargement and pain.
4. Otitis. Inflammation of the middle ear, which occurs with pain, discharge of pus and hearing loss.
5. Glomerulonephritis. Bilateral kidney damage, which can result in a chronic inflammatory process, gradually leading to renal failure. In this case, the patient experiences high blood pressure and blood appears in the urine.

Consequences and complications

Lack of treatment can cause serious complications. They can be local or general in nature.

Common complications include:

1. Rheumatism. Characterized by the spread of inflammation in the joints and heart muscle.
2. Myocarditis. It causes the formation of blood clots in the vessels of the heart.
3. Endocarditis. The pathological process also affects the inner lining of the heart. It can occur independently or be a consequence of rheumatism.
4. Pericarditis. Inflammation affects the pericardial sac and the outer lining of the heart muscle.
5. Pyelonephritis. Refers to kidney diseases. The reason is the high content of protein compounds in the blood of a patient with angina.
6. Sepsis. It is considered one of the most serious and dangerous consequences of the disease. In this case, a purulent infection spreads along with the blood throughout the body.

Local complications include:

1. Phlegmonous inflammation. The pathological process develops in muscles and tendons.
2. Abscess formation. It is characterized by the appearance of several purulent formations inside the tonsils. Surgery is prescribed for treatment.
3. Damage to the eardrums or middle ear. Refers to manifestations of acute otitis media. Lack of therapy causes hearing loss and the formation of adhesions.
4. Swelling of the larynx. Causes difficulty breathing. The consequences can be suffocation and death.
5. Bleeding tonsils. It is a complication of the purulent-necrotic form, in which the ulcer penetrates into the deep layers of tissue and damages blood vessels.

The danger of purulent sore throat lies in its consequences. That is why, when the first signs of the disease appear, you must immediately contact a specialist.

Preventive measures

In order to prevent the development of purulent sore throat, it is necessary:

• avoid direct contact with carriers of the disease;
• consult a dentist on time for caries treatment;
• promptly treat infectious diseases, avoiding a chronic process;
• eat right, do not eat too spicy, salty, hot or cold foods;
• strengthen the immune system and lead a healthy lifestyle;
• observe the rules of personal hygiene;
• to refuse from bad habits.

When identifying the first symptoms of the disease, you should seek advice from a therapist or otolaryngologist.

Video from YouTube on the topic of the article:

Consequences of a sore throat

Why is purulent sore throat dangerous? If measures are not taken in time, complications of purulent tonsillitis can lead to swelling of the larynx, peripharyngeal abscess, acute laryngitis, cervical lymphadenitis, meningitis, infectious inflammation of the kidneys and cause pathology of the cardiovascular system . With an abscess of the pharynx, the infection penetrates deep into the chest, into the cranial cavity, which leads to inflammation of the meninges. If the infection has spread to the peri-almond tissue and ulcers have formed, urgent hospitalization of the patient and, possibly, surgical intervention are required.

After suffering a purulent sore throat, the voice sometimes disappears. This means that the inflammatory process or swelling has taken over the ligaments and caused complications on them. An otolaryngologist will tell you what to treat and what medications will restore your speech.

Purulent sore throat can have irreparable consequences. Poisoning the body with waste products of microorganisms and tissue breakdown can cause toxic shock and blood poisoning (sepsis), which leads to death.

Diagnosis of the disease

To diagnose a patient, the doctor performs the following procedures:

• interviews, clarifies symptoms;

• examines the oral cavity and pharynx, uses a pharyngoscope if necessary;

• gives a referral for a urine test;

• prescribes a biochemical blood test.

These procedures are quite sufficient to determine that the patient has a purulent sore throat.

A person suffering from purulent tonsillitis has an increased number of leukocytes. The speed of red blood cell movement increases many times. The normal speed is 1-12 mm/h, and for infection it is 40-50 mm/h. When the doctor cannot determine the causative agent of the virus, an additional laboratory test is prescribed - a serological analysis.

Types of disease

In accordance with the forms of the disease, purulent tonsillitis is:

• Lacunar (common form of infection);
• Ulcerative-necrotic (an aggressive form that can cause the death of parts of the skin of the tonsils and the appearance of ulcers);
• Follicular (affects almond follicles, yellow nodules and pus appear).

There are acute and chronic forms of pathology. In acute cases, the disease begins suddenly, and the person may feel fine beforehand.

A chronic form of sore throat will already be a consequence of an illness that was not treated or was done incorrectly. Once again, it is worth noting that you should not self-medicate at home, all this can be fraught with unpleasant consequences.

When affected by a purulent form of tonsillitis, the throat will have a swollen appearance, and hyperemia of the tonsils will develop. Abscesses will be visible on them, which will be similar in appearance to millet grain. Every day they will increase, this process of progression will end with their opening, from where pus will leak into the pharyngeal cavity. This phenomenon often occurs with the follicular form of the disease.

With the lacunar form, plaques appear on the tonsils - lacunae in a yellow-white color. If left untreated, the accumulations will become increasingly dense, forming plugs of pus.

In the purulent-necrotic form, the tonsils will have light gray-yellow films with a soft consistency. You can remove them using cotton swabs, which are used to clean your ears. This area may bleed. If left untreated, they can spread to the tongue and gums.

It is especially important to treat the disease in a timely manner, otherwise it will take a chronic form. Adults very often suffer from illness due to a decrease in the body’s strength, weakening it by chronic diseases, namely: periodontitis, sinusitis, etc. The main reasons may be:

• Hypothermia;
• An environment that does not meet sanitary standards;
• Poor diet, etc.

Often, the acute form of the disease in adults becomes chronic. This is due to the fact that people do not know how purulent sore throat is treated, how to gargle, what medications should be taken and other aspects that are well known to specialists. It is important to observe bed rest, but, as a rule, our compatriots, if there is no temperature, suffer from the disease while moving. And this is the main mistake in treatment.

Although cases in practice cannot be excluded when a chronic disease arises independently. This may happen rarely, but it does happen. This happens during the passage of microorganisms from the nose or mouth. The chronic form in adults can result in other diseases, namely:

• Rheumatism;
• Kidney inflammation;
• Central nervous system disorder.

Complications will increase even more if treatment is not started at the right time and if mistakes are made in the course of therapy. In children, the disease is provoked due to the special structure of the tonsils of the developing organism. It is surprising that the disease does not always begin with problems in the throat or an increase in body temperature. The disease begins with otitis media, and maybe another nearby organ.

There are many difficulties in treating children. The thing is that the body is weaker than in adults, so choosing antibiotics is not easy. The likelihood of developing allergic manifestations is higher than in adolescents or adults.

Changes in blood composition during purulent sore throat

To diagnose (more often for differential diagnosis) purulent tonsillitis in a clinical setting, the patient donates blood for a general analysis. Signs of the disease according to the results of this analysis are:

• A slight shift of the leukogram to the left (the number of band neutrophils increases);
• A general increase in the number of neutrophils, as a sign of a bacterial infection in general;
• Increasing ESR to 30 mm/h.

Cells with elongated nuclei are the same young band neutrophils that develop during the inflammatory process in the body.

In some cases, when the symptoms do not allow the doctor to accurately diagnose the disease based on external signs, a throat smear is given for cultural examination. The results of this analysis make it possible to determine which microorganisms are present in the discharge of the mucous membrane of the tonsils. A sign of purulent tonsillitis is the increased content of its typical pathogens - streptococci and staphylococci.

It is also useful to read: Can purulent tonsillitis occur with bleeding?

Features of the disease in children

Purulent tonsillitis in children has a rapid course. The disease begins with a sharp rise in temperature (up to 40˚C), the child becomes capricious and drowsy, and refuses to eat or drink due to sore throat and severe sore throat. Regional lymph nodes enlarge, and tachycardia often develops. In some cases, with purulent tonsillitis in children, there is such pronounced swelling of the tonsils that they begin to put pressure on the Eustachian tubes, causing ear congestion and noise in them, and sometimes the spread of the infectious process to the ear.

Prevention

It is impossible to completely protect yourself from infections and viruses; preventive measures will help increase the body’s resistance and strengthen it. The action of prevention is mainly aimed at strengthening the immune system.

Prevention measures:

• eating vegetables and fruits, fermented milk products, enriching the diet with vitamins and minerals;
• playing sports, hardening, eliminating stress;
• avoiding gatherings of large numbers of people during periods of increased morbidity.
• In the summer, it is not recommended to abuse ice cream, cold drinks, or sitting under air conditioners. After infection with tonsillitis, complete isolation of the patient is recommended; sharing dishes and household items with other family members is prohibited.

Diagnosis of the disease

After the development of characteristic symptoms, you need to call a doctor at home or go to the clinic yourself.

The following doctors can make a diagnosis: therapist, ENT specialist, infectious disease specialist, general practitioner.

Since acute tonsillitis has characteristic complaints and clinical manifestations, diagnosing a sore throat is not difficult.

Important to know: Folk remedies for sore throat

It is more difficult to establish the cause (bacterium) that caused the development of the disease. To clarify the pathogen, swabs are performed from the mucous membranes of the tonsils and pharynx. They take smears to exclude the causative agent of diphtheria (Lefler's bacillus).

The examination reveals not only the pathogen itself, but also determines which antibiotics it is sensitive to.

This is necessary for high-quality, effective treatment.

Is the disease contagious?

How is the disease transmitted? Everything is very simple - by airborne droplets, although there are cases when the disease enters the body of a healthy person through household objects, this could be dishes and other household items. Microparticles containing the pathogen are in the air. They appear at the moment when the big one coughs, sneezes, or simply inhales/exhales air. That is, no more questions should arise about whether purulent tonsillitis is contagious or not.

Even a completely healthy person is not immune to contracting the disease in this case. Signs of infection will be obvious on days 2-5 of infection.

In order not to become infected, you should adhere to preventive measures when communicating with a patient, be sure to wear a bandage on your face, and observe hygiene measures.

Sometimes a person is able to infect himself, it happens like this: a cold begins, the pathogen is in carious teeth, gums, and from there it penetrates into the throat. The risk of catching the disease will be increased in cases where there could be hypothermia, decreased immunity, or leading an unhealthy lifestyle. It is very important to stop smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages.

Preventive agents

We have already examined the main signs of purulent tonsillitis. Treatment and symptoms, diagnosis and possible complications are certainly important information. But it is worth learning about how to prevent the development of the disease.

Unfortunately, there is no special prevention. However, doctors recommend adhering to some rules:

• It is important to avoid hypothermia. In hot weather, you should not overuse ice cream or drinks from the refrigerator, as sudden cooling of the throat can lead to the activation of opportunistic microorganisms.
• Doctors recommend strengthening the immune system. Proper nutrition, appropriate physical activity, walks in the fresh air, hardening, taking vitamins - all this will help strengthen the body's defenses.
• All diseases of the oral cavity and teeth (including caries) must be treated in a timely manner. It is important to use special mouth rinses (if necessary, they can be replaced with a weak solution of soda or salt) - they help cleanse tissues of bacteria.

Of course, having noticed the first signs of a purulent sore throat, you need to consult a specialist. The sooner therapy is started, the higher the likelihood of a quick and complete recovery without consequences.

Folk recipes

In order to eliminate the symptoms of purulent sore throat at home, you can resort to traditional medicine. It is worth noting that it is unacceptable to self-medicate here, as you can only aggravate your condition. Treatment at home is possible only with the permission of the attending physician. The use of any means must also be agreed upon with him.

Folk remedies for treating adults and children at home:

• a decoction for gargling from chamomile, eucalyptus leaves and calendula. You need to gargle with it 6 times a day. The course of treatment is 30 days;
• You can gargle with beetroot juice;
• propolis is an effective treatment for purulent sore throat at home;
• honey.

You need to gargle at home as often as possible in order to remove microorganisms from the throat. After this procedure, it is necessary to use special sprays or dissolve tablets with antibiotics.

Traditional methods of treatment

Of course, traditional medicine offers a huge number of recipes to help cope with sore throat. The most effective solutions are gargling solutions.

• Propolis has valuable properties. You just need to add a few drops of propolis to a glass of warm water - and the solution is ready.
• Chamomile decoction can also be used to rinse the mouth and throat, as it has pronounced anti-inflammatory properties.
• You can prepare an herbal mixture by mixing equal amounts of chamomile, calendula and St. John's wort flowers. Pour a tablespoon of the mixture into a glass of boiling water, infuse and strain. The warm solution is great for gargling.

Prevention of sore throat

Antibiotic therapy plays the main role in the treatment of bacterial tonsillitis.

• Hypothermia should be avoided;
• Do not overuse cold drinks and ice cream, especially in hot weather;
• strengthening the immune system with vitamins and hardening;
• timely treatment of dental caries and other oral diseases;
• Regular rinsing of the mouth and throat with boiled water or a weak saline solution in the morning and evening.

Pediatrician E. O. Komarovsky talks about angina:

Review TV, “Medicine” program, episode on the topic “What to do with a sore throat?”: