Chronic tonsillitis, the danger of swollen tonsils

Inflammation of the tonsils or tonsillitis is a common disease experienced by children aged 5-7 years. Symptoms are characterized by tonsils that appear red and swollen. Chronic tonsillitis occurs when the symptoms of tonsillitis last more than 2 weeks and recur frequently. Therefore, medical treatment is needed to stop chronic inflammation of the tonsils.

Causes of chronic tonsillitis

The tonsils or tonsils are a pair of small organs located at the back of the throat. In children, the tonsils are prone to infection due to viruses or bacteria so they often experience inflammation. When infected, the tonsils become swollen and cause pain when swallowing.

Inflammation of the tonsils can be temporary (acute) which will heal within a few days. However, chronic tonsillitis causes inflammation to last longer and recurs more frequently in less than a year.

Although it is more common in children, chronic tonsillitis can also be experienced by adolescents and adults.

Inflammation of the tonsils, aka tonsillitis, which lasts a long time and can be caused by various factors. According to a study entitled Chronic Tonsillitis and Biofilms, several causes of chronic tonsillitis include:

• Bacterial infections that are resistant to antibiotics due to incomplete antibiotic treatment for tonsillitis
• The condition of the immune system is weak so it cannot ward off bacterial infections in the tonsils
• Unhealthy habits such as smoking and lack of oral hygiene
• Radiation exposure

There are also findings suggesting that recurrent tonsillitis is associated with genetic disorders.

Tonsillitis can indeed be caused by viral and bacterial infections. However, chronic inflammation of the tonsils is more often associated with bacterial infection, namely bacteria Streptococcus group A. These bacteria are the same bacteria that cause sore throat that often affects children, namely strep throat .

Symptoms that differentiate acute and chronic tonsillitis

Tonsillitis can be said to be chronic if the symptoms of tonsillitis have lasted more than 10 days or 2 weeks. Chronic tonsillitis sufferers generally experience more serious symptoms than acute amadel inflammation.

Inflammation of the tonsils that often recurs can lead to the formation of tonsil stones, which are white bumps that form from the buildup of bacteria, dead cells, and dirty particles. These tonsil stones can cause bad breath.

In addition, there are other symptoms that are experienced due to chronic tonsillitis, such as:

• Swelling of the tonsils
• Sore throat
• Soft lumps in the neck due to swollen lymph nodes
• Pain in the jaw, neck, and ears due to swollen lymph nodes
• Difficulty opening your mouth
• Difficulty swallowing food
• Snoring or snoring while sleeping
• The hoarse voice almost disappeared
• Recurrent high fever

Chronic inflammation of the tonsils

Inflammation of the tonsils that lasts for a long time not only causes a lump, sore, and sore throat. If left without medical treatment, chronic tonsillitis is at risk of causing various complications and complications, such as:

• Respiratory disorders, can be felt during sleep
• Widespread infection in other tissues around the tonsils
• Spread of infection to other organs that causes rheumatic fever and inflammation of the kidneys (glomerulonephritis).
• The formation of purulent sacs in the tonsils (peritonsil abscess)

If you experience symptoms of chronic tonsillitis, immediately consult an ENT specialist (ear, nose, throat). In diagnosing, the doctor will perform a physical examination to observe symptoms.

To determine whether chronic laryngitis is caused by bacteria, the doctor will do rapid test the results come out earlier or a swab test (swab test) to take a sample of the fluid at the back of the throat. The sample is then examined in a laboratory to identify the presence of bacteria Streptococcus. You will have the results in a few days.

How to treat chronic tonsillitis

Treatment for chronic tonsillitis aims to stop inflammation, treat symptoms, and strengthen the immune system.

If the results of the examination confirm that the cause of inflammation of the tonsils is bacteria, treatment with antibiotics will be given. In addition, the doctor will prescribe pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, paracetamol, or sprays to relieve sore throat symptoms.

Under certain conditions, doctors will recommend the treatment of chronic tonsillitis through surgical removal of the tonsils. However, this will depend on the severity of the disease and your overall health condition.

1. Antibiotics

Antibiotics as tonsil inflammation drugs are useful for eradicating bacteria or stopping the infection that causes swelling of the tonsils. When I started taking antibiotics, the symptoms of chronic tonsillitis began to gradually subside.

The types of antibiotics that are commonly used in treating chronic tonsillitis are:

• Penicillin
• Cephalosporin
• Macrolides
• Clindamycin

Antibiotics can only be used to treat tonsillitis which is caused by a bacterial infection. If your inflammation is caused by a viral infection, antibiotics will not work for it.

Obey all recommendations from your doctor regarding the rules for taking antibiotics. Antibiotics are usually given for several times and must be spent even though your condition is much better.

Do not take antibiotics carelessly. This carries the risk of causing bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics, potentially increasing the risk of complications.

2. Surgical removal of the tonsils

Symptoms of chronic tonsillitis may not improve or even get worse, even after medication has been given. The inflammation that occurs also subsides for a while, but then recurs.

If this happens, the doctor will recommend performing a tonsillectomy or surgical removal of the tonsils. In this operation, all parts of the tonsils will be removed so that they no longer cause annoying inflammation.

Even though the tonsils do play a role in warding off infections that enter through the mouth, but the inflammation of the tonsils that often recurs certainly has a big impact on your health condition.

Symptoms of chronic tonsillitis can interfere with daily activities, such as work or study activities, and can even cause dangerous complications. Tonsil surgery can help improve your quality of life.

However, tonsillectomy is not usually the first choice for every case of chronic tonsillitis. Usually, the doctor will first cure the inflammation of the tonsils as much as possible.

Surgical treatment of chronic tonsillitis will be the best option if:

• Inflammation of the tonsils occurs about 5-7 times in 1 year.
• Inflammation of the tonsils occurs at least 5 times for 2 consecutive years, or 3 times for 3 consecutive years.
• Inflammation of the tonsils constantly hinders work, study activities, and even makes it difficult for daily activities such as talking, eating and sleeping.
• Treatment through antibiotics is no longer effective in curing inflammation.
• Has caused complications, such as sleep disturbances, spread of infection to other organs, and damage to the tonsils.

If there are other disorders that result from chronic tonsillitis, but which are not mentioned, you can discuss them with your doctor. Later, the doctor will determine what treatment is most appropriate for your condition and needs.

Regardless of the type of treatment you end up with, you still need to do chronic tonsillitis treatment independently. Make sure that your body always gets adequate fluids by drinking lots of water. Get plenty of rest as well to improve immune system function so you can recover faster.