Chronic purulent inflammation of the palatine tonsils

Chronic purulent tonsillitis is a condition that is a complex process that has different forms and is caused by various bacteria, most commonly streptococcal. Tonsils that have been inflamed by inflammation may affect the functioning of other organs, such as the heart or kidneys. The chronic form of the disease appears after traveling in a small amount of time, a few angina with a severe course.

Chronic suppurative tonsillitis - definition

Chronic tonsillitis of purulent nature is a complex process that causes changes on the tonsils due to bacteria, usually streptococci. The disease causes that the tonsils, which should protect the body against infections, lose this ability and cause disease. The disorder is usually characterized by a sore throat that lasts for more than 3 months and is accompanied by symptoms of tonsillitis. Inflamed tonsils are the focus of infection, which can have a significant impact on the functioning of other organs: joints, heart, kidneys. Chronic purulent tonsillitis usually develops after traveling at low intervals of several anginas with severe course. Sometimes, however, the inflammation develops slowly, without sharp episodes. In chronic conditions, the tonsils are usually removed. 

Tonsils - this is the place where lymphatic tissues are found and cells in the form of monocytes and lymphocytes are differentiated. Thanks to this, they have properties that protect the body against various types of infections. Unfortunately, they are also predisposed to infection, especially in young children with reduced immunity. The tonsils have several forms, including:

• throats - they are located in the nasal part of the throat;
• palatal - located between palatal arches;
• trumpet - located in the mouth of the auditory trumpet;
• language - present in the back of the language.

Causes of purulent chronic tonsillitis

There may be several causes of this ailment, however repeated repetitive acute virus-induced infections are considered the main ones. Viruses are transmitted from a sick person usually by a droplet. The clinical symptoms of purulent tonsillitis develop on the mucous membranes of a healthy person.

Purulent chronic tonsillitis may also be caused by bacteria (mainly streptococcus). Their development on the tonsils in large amounts causes the formation of inflammation. Why is this happening? Well, streptococcal secrete special proteins, which in turn stimulate the production of pro-inflammatory factors by the cells of the immune system. As a consequence, symptoms appear in the form of edema, high temperature and abnormalities in the functioning of cells. 

Important! The disease does not always result from acute infections. There may be a situation in which the leftovers in the cavities become a nutrient for the bacteria in the mouth, and this in turn causes chronic inflammation. In crypts of tonsils can also be exfoliated epithelium and lymphocytes (it is worth mentioning that under normal conditions the material that is deposited in the crypts is freely removed into the mouth).

Chronic suppurative tonsillitis - symptoms

The symptoms of chronic purulent tonsillitis are small and variable. Belong to them:

•                     unpleasant odor from the mouth (especially when residual food remains in the crypts),

•                     creamy-yellow tarts on tonsils (called stones),

•                     feeling of the presence of a foreign body,

•                     sore throat intensifying when swallowing (radiating to the ear),

•                     sometimes the only subjective and objective symptom is persistent feverishness over a longer period of time, sometimes with enlargement of the lymph nodes of the neck,

•                     congestion of the mucous membrane of the throat,

•                     redness of palatal arches.

The purulent inflammation of the palatine tonsils with a chronic character causes a change in their structure. As a result of the disease, the tonsils become large, swollen and overgrown. Their structure and surface is uneven, and when the crypt is pressed, oil is released. In addition, in their area, they begin to form in a micro-spasm, from which the infection spreads into the tonsils of the tonsil, and even (blood vessels) to the kidneys, heart or joints. Such a situation may turn out to be very dangerous for the patient because it causes serious ailments of these organs, e.g.:

• arthritis,
• glomerulonephritis,
• rheumatic fever.

General symptoms of chronic purulent tonsillitis are lack of appetite, high temperature and general weakness.

Diagnosis of chronic purulent tonsillitis

The diagnosis is based on the analysis of the patient's symptoms and the result of a sight test, which may reveal:

• residual food left in crypts,
• congested palatal arches,
• enlarged submandibular lymph nodes,
• limited mobility of the tonsils.

In additional studies, it is analyzed whether the patient has an increased CRP concentration, accelerated OB and an increase in ASO. A throat culture is also performed, which usually has a negative result.

Treatment of chronic purulent tonsillitis

Home treatment is based on rinsing the throat with anti-inflammatory and astringent solutions that are prescribed by an ENT specialist. It is also up to him to decide on the removal of the tonsils. In the case of acute inflammation, it is advisable to take antibiotics and immunostimulants. Indications for surgical removal of tonsils (tonsillectomy) are very cautious and the decision is usually made when home and conservative treatment has no effect.

Can you avoid getting sick?

It is necessary to treat acute inflammations of the palatine tonsils because ignoring this condition promotes chronic inflammation.