Viral tonsillitis: treatment, causes, symptoms
The content of the article:
- The reasons for the development of pathology
- Symptoms of viral tonsillitis
- Diagnosis and treatment of viral tonsillitis in adults and children
- Video
Viral tonsillitis (angina), in contrast to the bacterial form of the disease, occurs when the tonsils are affected by viruses and is accompanied by their soreness and enlargement. The pathology provoked by bacteria causes the formation of abscesses and plaque on them.
The viruses that cause tonsillitis are most often transmitted by airborne droplets
Against the background of infection, the tonsils cease to protect the body from the penetration of microorganisms inside and become a source of inflammation. Tonsillitis that occurs for the first time is considered acute, and if it recurs within a year, chronic. If untreated, the likelihood of developing complications in the form of sinusitis, sinusitis, bronchitis and others is high.
Adenovirus can cause tonsillitis in both adults and children
The viral form usually manifests itself in the body under the influence of those viruses that provoke acute respiratory infections (acute respiratory infections) - herpes simplex, Epstein-Barr, Coxsackie, cytomegalovirus and adenovirus. Also, the disease can be a complication of improper treatment of influenza or ARVI (acute respiratory viral infection). In most cases, the body is able to overcome this form of tonsillitis on its own.
The reasons for the development of pathology
Most often, viruses enter the body by airborne droplets - when coughing, sneezing or while talking with a sick person. In children, the disease can develop due to non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene, as a result of fecal-oral infection. The period of activity of the viruses that cause tonsillitis occurs during the autumn-winter season, when the immune system is weakened. Factors contributing to the appearance of pathology include unhealthy diet, frequent stress, hypothermia and overwork.
One of the predisposing factors for the development of the disease is overwork.
With untimely therapy, a bacterial infection (for example, streptococci) can join the viral form. In this case, it becomes necessary to use antibacterial drugs.
Symptoms of viral tonsillitis
Symptoms of an acute course of the disease usually appear 2-3 days after infection. At the very beginning, patients complain of general weakness, headaches and lack of appetite. Further, these symptoms are joined by:
- tonsillitis;
- enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes;
- redness and sore throat;
- an increase in body temperature up to 38–39 ˚С;
- difficulty breathing and swallowing food.
In the chronic form, the same symptoms are less pronounced, an increase in body temperature and painful sensations in most cases are absent, however, sore throat, coughing and bad breath may occur.
In young children, viral tonsillitis is more severe and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Due to severe sore throat, even with appetite, they cannot swallow food normally.
When a bacterial infection is attached, pustules may appear on the tonsils.
A characteristic sign of the addition of a bacterial infection is an increase in the size of the palatine tonsils and the formation of plaque, films, manifestations and abscesses on them.
Diagnosis and treatment of viral tonsillitis in adults and children
To make a diagnosis, the otolaryngologist collects the patient's anamnesis, examines the symptoms, examines the oral cavity and larynx.
Pharyngoscopy is performed to confirm the diagnosis.
If this is not enough to determine the shape, severity of the course or the causative agent of tonsillitis, the following can be additionally carried out:
- pharyngoscopy;
- enzyme immunoassay;
- assessment of the sensitivity of microorganisms to the action of drugs;
- general blood analysis;
- microbiological examination of sputum from the surface of the tonsils and the posterior pharyngeal wall;
- streptococcal test;
- blood test for mononucleosis.
Having established the nature, severity and form of the pathology, the ENT selects the most effective treatment, taking into account the patient's age. Since the disease is transmitted by airborne droplets, the first step after diagnosis, especially in children, is to refrain from visiting crowded places. The patient is prescribed bed rest, abundant warm drink, regular wet cleaning and airing of the room where he most often stays is recommended.
With tonsillitis, bed rest must be observed
Pathology therapy involves taking medications, inhalation, rinsing, and in advanced cases - surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy).
To relieve the symptoms of the disease, antiviral, antipyretic, antiseptic and immunomodulatory agents are prescribed.
Antiviral drugs used include:
- Rimantadine is effective against many viruses. Available in the form of tablets for oral administration. The remedy is contraindicated in children under the age of 7 years, during pregnancy and lactation;
- Arbidol - has immunomodulatory properties, is effective against viruses that cause acute respiratory infections. Available in the form of film-coated tablets. Contraindicated in children under 2 years of age;
- Amiksin is an immunomodulator that activates the production of interferon in the body. Dosage form - film-coated tablets. Not assigned to children under 7 years old;
- Tamiflu is a capsule formulation that is effective against the influenza virus. It is prescribed for viral sore throat in cases where it has developed as a result of an untreated flu. It is used in children aged 1 year and older, with caution prescribed during pregnancy and during breastfeeding.
The drugs Viferon and Grippferon can also be used as immunomodulators in the complex treatment of the disease. The first is produced in the form of rectal suppositories. There are no age restrictions for its use, it is contraindicated in the first trimester of pregnancy. Forms of release of Grippferon - nasal drops and nasal dosed spray. The drug has no age restrictions, can be used during pregnancy and lactation, but it should not be used in combination with vasoconstrictor drugs.
If the patient has an elevated body temperature, he is shown the use of antipyretic drugs in the form of suppositories, emulsions or syrups (Nurofen, Panadol). Inhalation by means of a nebulizer and gargling are effective in pathology. Medicinal solutions for these procedures are selected by the ENT on an individual basis. For their correct implementation, it is recommended that you first familiarize yourself with the thematic photos and videos.
Lozenges (Imudon, Lizobakt) can be used to relieve sore throat. If a bacterial infection joins the viral form of tonsillitis, the doctor prescribes antibacterial agents, taking into account their tolerance by the patient.
If there is no improvement, tonsillectomy may be considered
Only in extreme cases, when therapy does not lead to the restoration of the functions of the tonsils, is a tonsillectomy recommended. It is performed under general anesthesia with a scalpel or laser. The second method of removing tonsils is considered safer, since the risk of infection in the wound in this case is minimal.
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Anna Kozlova Medical journalist About the author
Education: Rostov State Medical University, specialty "General Medicine".
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