Treatment For Acute Tonsillitis

To treat acute tonsillitis, the solution that is usually resorted to is the use of penicillin.  In most cases, this drug kills the bacteria completely, without the need for another drug. However, there may be exceptions that require other measures.

What is acute tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is an acute febrile process with inflammation of the pharyngotonsillar area. The condition is localized to the palatine tonsils and other lymphoid formations of the oropharynx. Among the most important bacteria that cause acute tonsillitis is group A beta hemolytic streptococcus (EbhGA).

In colloquial terms, this disease is known by the name of angina. It directly affects the oral bacterial flora and indirectly other infections of the organism. Anyone is susceptible to suffering from it; however, it is very common in children older than 3 years and older adults.

This condition occurs suddenly after an incubation period of 2 to 4 days. The pain can reach the ear area and cause discomfort in the neck. Because of this discomfort, moving the neck is a problem.

What are the symptoms it produces?

Generally, a picture of acute tonsillitis is accompanied by these symptoms:

• Fever.
• Lack of appetite
• General discomfort.
• Throat pain.
• Runny nose
• Imflammed amygdals.
• Lethargy; is the temporary and complete loss of sensation and movement due to a physiological cause not yet identified.

How is the diagnosis of tonsillitis made?

In order to determine if GABHS bacteria are in the body, a culture of the exudate from the jaws is required. This is done based on the patient’s age, signs, symptoms, and weather condition; Family epidemiology is also important to confirm infection.

The test, which is 99% effective, identifies the carbohydrate in the cell wall of EbhGA in the amygdala and the posterior wall of the pharynx. A serological test can also be done to determine the presence of antibodies and that particular pathogen.

According to Dr. María Estela García Díaz, from the Ministry of Health of Mexico, it is convenient to distinguish a true infection of the pharynx and pharyngeal redness that occurs in an upper respiratory tract cold, because the treatment is different.

In that sense, adds the professional, the causes that condition acute pharyngitis are sudden changes in temperature in late autumn and early winter.

Is there medical treatment for acute tonsillitis?

Antibiotics

Antibiotic treatment for tonsillitis consists of the use of penicillin and amoxicillin.  In some cases, benzathine penicillin G is given deep intramuscularly as a single dose; In addition to being painful, this alternative is not recommended unless vomiting occurs or oral treatment does not work.

Likewise, according to the rationale of Dr. Hijano Bandera, oral cephalosporins and macrolides should not be used as first-choice antibiotics, except for cefadroxil, in the case of a history of delayed allergy to beta-lactams.

Mouthwash

Mouthwashes are aqueous solutions that act on the mucous membranes of the oral and throat area. The healing process consists of making rinses, in which you have to keep your mouth open without swallowing saliva.

For no reason is it justified to drink the excipients that we find in its preparation.  Its most common compounds are water, ethanol, humectants, and flavorings. They usually have the following properties:

• Antiseptics: certain mouthwashes fulfill the function of preventing infections, since they eliminate the bacteria present in the tissues.
• Local anesthesia: These decrease pain and tenderness in the tongue and throat. Some examples are lidocaine, benzocaine, and tetracaine.

• Decongestants and expectorants: the most frequent are camphor, chlorophyll, gomenol, menthol, terpineol, essence of pine, eucalyptus.

Symptomatic treatment

Ultimately, to treat acute tonsillitis, steps can be taken to alleviate symptoms:

• It is not recommended to resort to self-medication.
• Ventilate the entire home daily for at least 20 minutes. 
• Take hygienic measures: use disposable tissues, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, wash your hands after coughing into them to avoid contagion and also if you have to handle food.
• Eat only foods of a soft consistency and increase your fluid intake: avoid the consumption of citrus juices because they are very acidic and irritate the inflamed mucosa, eliminate alcohol and tobacco from the diet, do not drink or eat spicy foods.

What is the prognosis for tonsillitis?

In most cases, tonsillitis symptoms improve within two to three days after starting treatment. It rarely causes complications.

Its prognosis is quite encouraging, since it is almost always possible to cure the infection after completing the treatment cycle. However, some patients require more than one cycle to achieve complete improvement.

Finally, it should be mentioned that if the pain persists, it is necessary to seek medical assistance. In those cases, analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory medications, such as acetylsalicylic acid, may be required.