Lacunae of the tonsils are grooves in which dead cells of the epithelium, leukocytes, and food debris accumulate. These components serve as a beneficial substrate for the development and reproduction of pathogens and bacteria. In patients with reduced immunity, prone to the development of inflammatory processes in the tonsils, these factors play a significant role in the development of chronic tonsillitis. Washing out the lacunae is a necessary part of the complex treatment of the patient. Since oral hygiene is an important condition for long-term remission, washing the lacunae of the tonsils at home is an essential component of preventive measures.
Syringe procedure
The most accessible way of washing the lacunae of the palatine tonsils is a procedure using an antiseptic solution under pressure. This manipulation is carried out using a 20 ml syringe. A rubber bulb can also be used, but the effectiveness of such a tool is lower.
As a means for washing, a solution of furacilin, potassium permanganate, miramistin, chlorhexidine is used. The procedure includes the following steps:
- Preparation of the solution for use. It will need about 100 ml;
- A set of the drug in a syringe, after removing the needle;
- Directly flushing the lacunae using the movement of the syringe plunger;
- Spitting out the rest of the solution into a prepared container.
It is recommended to carry out the procedure 3-4 times a day.
The optimal time for the procedure is after a meal to wash off food debris.
The main advantage of the method is its safety, since the risk of injury from a syringe without a needle is negligible. Washing the palatine tonsils in this way is possible in all categories of patients, without age restrictions, as well as for pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy. The only exception is individual intolerance to the component of the solution used.
A significant drawback of this manipulation is insufficient visual observation of what is happening, even when it is carried out in front of a mirror. In this regard, it is difficult to achieve noticeable results, especially when the tonsils are located deep in the throat cavity. The disadvantage of this method is also the inability to cleanse the tonsils with dense abscesses or located in hard-to-reach places. With this technique, there is a risk of additional compaction of some foci under the pressure of the liquid, as well as their immersion deep into the lacunae.
Gargling
An even easier way to clear the tonsils from purulent plaque is to gargle the throat. The most common means used for this purpose are:
- furacilin solution;
- saline or soda solution;
- decoctions of herbs.
To prepare a furacilin solution at home, 2 tablets are crushed, dissolved in a glass of hot water, stirred and cooled. The resulting product is ready for use. In a cool, dark place, it can be stored for up to 10 days.
Saline and soda solution is also prepared by dissolving one teaspoon of the appropriate dry matter in 0.5 liters of warm boiled water. ENT doctors recommend adding 2 potassium iodine to each glass of solution, which will enhance the antiseptic effect of rinsing. The palatine tonsils can be sanitized by using herbal decoctions. To do this, use chamomile, string, sage. The method of brewing herbs, their required concentration is carried out according to the instructions for each herbal remedy.
The main requirements for rinsing the throat are that it is recommended to carry out such procedures 5-6 times a day.
The solution temperature should be 40 degrees. The duration of each procedure is 2-3 minutes. During each manipulation, one glass of solution is used.
The positive quality of gargling is its availability, since household products can be used for this. In addition, this procedure is indicated not only for chronic tonsillitis, but it is widely used in the acute course of the disease. Along with antibiotic therapy, local use of antiseptic and anti-inflammatory drugs, this method is applicable for angina. In addition to washing away purulent films, gargling helps to reduce pain in the throat. However, as monotherapy, gargling is not used to treat acute tonsillitis.
Hardware techniques
The most effective way to flush the tonsils is hardware techniques.
Vacuum washing of tonsil lacunae is carried out using a special apparatus capable of creating negative pressure in the tonsil area. Thanks to the resulting vacuum, the purulent contents are easily removed from the lacunae of the tonsils. The advantages of this method in comparison with other methods:
- the ability to extract purulent contents from the most inaccessible places;
- there is no damage to closely spaced tissues or small gaps;
- lack of an allergic reaction.
This procedure is carried out as follows. With the help of special suction cups, the gland is attached to the device. A vacuum is created in it, allowing the purulent contents to easily flow out into the oral cavity or a special receiver.
There is a modernized Tonsillor apparatus, also based on vacuum suction. Its advantage is the possibility of additional phonophoresis with the introduction of antiseptic solutions, drugs that promote healing. The ultrasonic wave used in this device also helps to have a positive effect on the reparation processes.
Among the disadvantages of the technique using "Tonsillor" is the impossibility to apply it in such conditions:
- pregnancy at any time;
- hypertonic disease;
- cardiovascular insufficiency;
- eye diseases accompanied by retinal detachment;
- tuberculosis;
- hyperthermia over 37.3 degrees;
- acute stage of the disease.
Before washing the tonsils, you should consult with your doctor. Carrying out these procedures for chronic tonsillitis is part of a comprehensive treatment. In the acute period, these procedures will be inappropriate, and in some cases, and unsafe. At the same time, the otolaryngologist will advise on the optimal time for them.
