Putaceous tonsillitis is an acute inflammation of the glands located in the throat, due to viral and streptococcal causes. Above all, because the tonsils are responsible for filtering harmful microorganisms; like bacteria and viruses; in such a way that the risk of contracting different types of infections is reduced.
Hence, common symptoms such as inflammation, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, malaise and fever occur. In addition to presenting cervical lymphadenopathy, which may be accompanied by feverish symptoms, sensitivity and chills. However, the specific signs of this disease are marked by red tonsils with whitish exudate.1
Putaceous tonsillitis causes discomfort
In fact, bacterial erythematous angina can lead to serious complications if proper antibiotic treatment is not carried out. Since, they can generate rheumatic fever and tonsillar cellulitis, due to the accumulation of pus. In addition, it becomes a risk factor for the kidneys, the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.2
In the same way, they can generate abscesses in the oropharyngeal area, deviation of the uvula, spread of the infection to other organs and involuntary contracture of the jaw. Also, it can lead to dehydration, nutritional problems, diphtheria and acute glomerulonephritis, skin problems and scarlet fever.2
Therefore, it is necessary to seek professional guidance at the first symptoms. Thus, a quick and accurate diagnosis is established, which is directed to an adequate palliative process, according to the origin of the infection. Thus, the doctor assesses with the naked eye the fulfillment of more than 2 criteria; no cough, fever greater than 38 ° C, acute neck pain or tonsil exudate; to help you create an appropriate clinical picture.3
And even though, the pleural tonsillitis; it is more prevalent in children and adolescents, mainly due to bacteria such as streptococcus; it can occur at any age. Hence, in adults it also occurs due to herpes such as Epstein-Barr or as a consequence of sexually transmitted infections, through gonococci. Needing laboratory tests such as a complete blood count and study of the exudate removed with a swab.3
What is the right treatment?
We already know that pleaceous tonsillitis presents a chronic inflation and whitish exudate, produced mainly by streptococcal bacteria. Therefore, clinical treatment should be focused on fighting infection and alleviating symptoms. Hence, penicillin antibiotics become the first option, the dose of which will be established according to the age and clinical condition of the patient.4
However, antipyretic analgesics and gastric protector may also be recommended; to help control fever and general malaise; while the antibiotic does its part. Similarly, it is necessary to drink a lot of fluids; especially water; to hydrate. Also eat soft foods; so as not to irritate the pharyngeal area; and keep resting. Since, in this way in a short time you will feel the improvement and you will be able to start again to the activities of daily life.
References:
- Medical Guidelines. Acute tonsillitis [internet] 2020 [ consultado 5 jul 2021]. Available in: https://medicalguidelines.msf.org/viewport/CG/latest/acute- tonsillitis-23441357.html.
- Der M Carolina, Iñiguez C Rodrigo, Guzmán D Ana María, Jofré P David, Iñiguez C Armando, Labarca L Jaime. Acute recurrent bacterial tonsillitis: A prospective, comparative and controlled study of its clinical and microbiological characteristics. Rev. Otorhinolaryngol. Cir. Head Neck [Internet]. 2007 Apr [citado 2021 Jul 05]; 67 (1): 38-45. Available in:
http://www.scielo.cl/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0718-48162007000100007&lng=es.
3.Giselle Cuestas, Tomás Losano, Leonardo Zambrano, Rubén Ferraz, Máximo Rodríguez D´Aquila, Hugo Rodríguez. Complications of bacterial pharyngitis. Rev. Faso. [internet] 2014 [consultado 5 jul 2021]; 21 (2): 38-52. Available in: http://faso.org.ar/revistas/2014/2/7.pdf.
- Pavez Daniela, Pérez Regina, Cofré José, Rodríguez Jaime. Recommendations for the diagnosis and etiological treatment of acute streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis in pediatrics. Rev. chil. infectol. [Internet]. 2019 Feb [citado 2021 Jul 05]; 36 (1): 69-77. Available in:
http://www.scielo.cl/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0716-10182019000100069&lng=es.