Viral tonsillitis (tonsillitis) is an inflammatory disease that affects the mucous membrane of the tonsils. The causative agents are various strains of viruses. This form of the disease occurs in patients of all ages, most often in children. It is less dangerous than others as it rarely causes complications.
Peculiarities
Most often, tonsillitis is diagnosed in the cold season, when outbreaks of epidemics are observed. Unlike the bacterial form, which develops in children only after the formation of the tonsils is complete, the viral form can appear at any age. In children under three years of age, the disease is quite difficult. In newborns younger than 4-6 months. the disease is very rare, since maternal antibodies are present in the blood. The main pathogens:
- Coxsackie viruses,
- echoviruses (ECHO),
- some strains of influenza viruses,
- rhinoviruses,
- herpes simplex viruses
- adenoviruses,
- enteroviruses.
The main difference between viral and bacterial tonsillitis: in the first case, there is no plaque on the tonsils, purulent follicles.
Herpetic tonsillitis is often detected not only in autumn and winter, but also in summer. Epstein-Barr virus disease increases the risk of complications. If tonsillitis was provoked by enteroviruses, symptoms of intestinal infection are observed.
How does the disease develop
Routes of transmission of the pathogen: airborne, household, fecal-oral. From the moment of infection, a person releases viruses into the environment for 3-4 weeks. Concomitant factors in the development of the disease, as a rule, are: a decrease in immunity, hypothermia, overwork, violation of the rules of personal hygiene.
The incubation (latent) period lasts 2-14 days. The causative agent is localized in the lymph nodes, from where it penetrates the mucous membrane of the tonsils. Entering cells, viruses cause their death. Inflammation develops, which is accompanied by characteristic symptoms.
Symptoms and diagnosis of viral tonsillitis
Viral tonsillitis manifests itself with many symptoms, the main one being a sharp sore throat. The tonsils enlarge, turn red, acquire a loose structure. Lumps form on their surface, which then develop into purulent plugs. If viral tonsillitis was provoked by Coxsackie viruses, vesicles (cavities) with serous contents are observed on the mucous membrane. In the future, they are opened, provoking the formation of ulcers.
The mouth smells unpleasant, the throat is constantly sore, which causes coughing fits. The disease is accompanied by an increase in temperature (up to 39 ºС, sometimes up to 40 ºС). The lymph nodes located in the lower jaw area swell. Often there are pains in the joints, heart area. Other possible symptoms:
- runny nose, sneezing,
- headache,
- changes or loss of voice,
- abdominal pain, gastrointestinal disorders,
- lack of appetite,
- irritability, loss of strength.
The task of diagnosing symptoms is to correctly identify the pathogen, since the treatment of viral and bacterial infections will differ. Visually, the signs of the disease are similar, so a bacteriological analysis of a pharyngeal smear is necessary. In addition, blood tests are performed: general, enzyme immunoassay. If the causative agent is a virus, the number of leukocytes in the blood increases, antibodies are detected.
Treatment
Antiviral agents are the mainstay of treatment for this form of tonsillitis. Antibiotics are useless because viruses are insensitive to them. The following drugs are prescribed:
- "Remantadin". May cause negative effects, is contraindicated in pregnant women, lactating women. Children are prescribed syrup, the drug in this dosage form is called "Orvirem".
- "Arbidol". Used to treat rotavirus, acute intestinal infections. Contraindicated in children under 3 years of age.
- Tamiflu. Prescribed if tonsillitis has developed against the background of influenza. For the treatment of pregnant women, use with caution.
- Amiksin. In addition to the antiviral, it has an immunomodulatory effect, stimulating the production of interferon. Contraindicated in children under 7 years of age, women during pregnancy.
- "Immunoflazid". Combines antiviral and immunostimulating properties. Assigned to children over a year old.
The drug treatment of symptoms includes immunostimulating drugs containing recombined interferon. These include: "Kipferon", "Viferon", "Genferon", "Feron". If the disease is caused by herpes simplex or influenza viruses, Groprinosin (Novirin) is prescribed. At a temperature of 38 ºС, antipyretic drugs are shown: "Nurofen", "Ibuklin", paracetamol-based drugs.
The complex treatment includes antiseptic aerosols (Ingalipt, Orasept), solutions for rinsing the throat (Hialudent, Chlorophyllipt, Iodinol, Miramistin). To prepare the solution, you can take Furacilin tablets. It is allowed to replace pharmaceutical products with decoctions of herbs (sage, string, chamomile), a solution of salt (soda) with iodine. It is recommended to gargle every hour.
Two or three times a day it is necessary to lubricate the tonsils with one of the following drugs: "Chlorophyllipt" (oil-based), "Lugol", fir oil, propolis tincture. Sore throat and sore throat are removed by tablets, lozenges for sucking ("Sebidin", "Faringosept", "Travisil").
Inhalation helps well. The procedures can be carried out using a nebulizer, improvised means (saucepan and towel) when the temperature drops. For inhalation, it is recommended to use essential oils of eucalyptus, fir, lemon balm.
If the ulcers do not heal for too long, ultraviolet irradiation (UFO) procedures and laser therapy are prescribed. Additionally recommended:
- bed rest,
- plentiful warm drink,
- regular ventilation of the room,
- dry heat to the throat (woolen scarf),
- foot baths (if there is no temperature).
Provided timely treatment, a person recovers after 1.5-2 weeks. After the transferred viral tonsillitis, the body develops immunity. However, when infected with a virus of another type, the disease develops again.
How to treat viral tonsillitis in children
Treatment is carried out under medical supervision. The purpose of the measures: the fight against the pathogen, the elimination of symptoms. The therapy includes:
- Taking antiviral drugs (Ergoferon, Anaferon).
- Use of candles "Genferon Light", "Viferon" (immunomodulating drugs).
- Instillation in the nose means "Grippferon".
- Taking antipyretics (syrups, emulsions). You can use candles (Nurofen, Panadol).
- Gargles with Miramistin, Furacilin solution or herbal infusions (calendula, sage).
- Use of antiseptic sprays (Ingalipt, Kameton, Tantum Verde), resorption of Imudon, Lizobakt tablets.
- Taking ascorbic acid.
- If a bacterial infection has joined, systemic antibiotics are prescribed (Sumamed, Amoxiclav, etc.).
To eliminate the symptoms of intoxication, you need to drink plenty of fluids. Children can be given warm mineral water (without gas), cranberry drink, chamomile infusion, jelly. It is better to include broths, porridge, vegetable purees, steamed cutlets in the menu.
Folk methods
As an additional treatment for viral tonsillitis, you can use traditional medicine recipes. For sore throat, gargling with warm solutions is recommended (every 2 hours). The most effective are the following:
- Combine sage, calendula, plantain (in equal parts). Pour 1 table. l. mixture with a glass of boiling water. Leave it on for an hour.
- Grate the beets, pour water in a ratio of 1 to 1. Strain after half an hour. In 1 st. pour in liquid 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar.
- Chop the garlic (3-4 cloves), pour a glass of boiling water. Strain after an hour.
The main symptoms of viral tonsillitis are well removed by propolis. Take a small piece a little larger than a pea. Chew it for 10 minutes, after that you cannot eat or drink for 1 hour. This procedure must be repeated 4 r. in a day. You can do a simple and effective rinse that includes:
sea salt - 1 tsp l .;- baking soda - 0.5 tsp l .;
- tincture of iodine - 2-3 drops;
- warm boiled water - 1 glass.
sea salt - 1 tsp l .;To improve your well-being during the day, drink milk with butter and honey, but only if there are no disorders in the assimilation of dairy products and allergies to bee products. The remedy is good for relieving the symptoms of tonsillitis.
Complications
The development of complications is possible with a high viral contamination and weak immunity. The most dangerous are encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), serous meningitis (inflammation of the meninges). They develop quite rarely, mainly in young children.
Less serious: pyelonephritis (inflammatory kidney disease), hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes). Sometimes myocarditis (inflammation of the heart tissue), myalgia (muscle disease accompanied by pain) appear.
Prevention
As a preventive measure, it is necessary to regularly take vitamin complexes, immunostimulating agents (as prescribed by a doctor). This will strengthen the immune system. It is necessary to temper, take long walks, eliminate bad habits, eat right. During epidemics, you should:
- visit public places as little as possible;
- use cotton and gauze bandages;
- minimize contact with sick people;
- wash your hands more often;
- ventilate the premises (at work, at home);
- perform wet cleaning at least 3 times a week;
- avoid hypothermia.
An ill family member should be placed in a separate room (if possible). His dishes must be kept separately, after use they are scalded with boiling water. It is recommended to regularly ventilate the rooms, do quartzing.
