"Exploring the Key Symptoms of Tonsillitis: A Comprehensive Look at Four Major Manifestations"

Understanding and Treating Tonsillitis

Given the prevalence of tonsillitis, it is imperative to first comprehend its primary symptoms for prompt treatment. So, what are the main symptoms of tonsillitis, and how can it be treated? Let's delve into the details together!

Symptoms of Tonsillitis

Commonly reported symptoms of tonsillitis include a dry throat, itching, a sensation of a foreign body, irritative cough, and halitosis. In cases of excessive tonsillar hypertrophy, difficulties in breathing, swallowing, or speech resonance may arise. The tonsils and palatoglossal arches exhibit diffuse congestion, with yellowish-white, cheese-like spots visible in the crypt openings. These spots may require pressing the palatoglossal arches with a tongue depressor for expulsion from the crypts. The size of the tonsils varies; children and adolescents often exhibit hyperplasia with enlarged tonsils, while most adults have reduced tonsils with scarred, uneven surfaces that may adhere to surrounding tissues. The submandibular lymph nodes are frequently swollen. Obstruction of the pharyngotympanic tube orifice due to tonsillar hypertrophy and accumulation of nasopharyngeal inflammatory secretions can lead to non-suppurative or suppurative otitis media, resulting in hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear fullness.

Treatment Methods

General Treatment

Tonsillitis is primarily caused by streptococcal infections, for which penicillin is the antibiotic of choice. In cases of penicillin allergy, alternatives such as erythromycin or lincomycin can be selected. For high fever, headache, and body aches, aspirin or other antipyretic-analgesics may be administered. If symptoms fail to improve after 2-3 days of treatment, consideration should be given to viral or other bacterial infections, and antiviral drugs, sensitive antibiotics, or sulfonamides may be prescribed. Adrenal cortical hormones like prednisone or dexamethasone may be used appropriately.

Local Treatment

In children with tonsillitis, systemic infection symptoms are pronounced, manifesting as high fevers reaching 39-40°C accompanied by chills, fatigue, headache, body aches, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting. Examination of the throat reveals pus on the tonsils, which serves as a definitive diagnostic indicator since systemic symptoms may overlap with other illnesses.

Dietary Therapy

The roots of Platycodon grandiflorum (balloon flower) possess therapeutic properties, aiding in inflammation reduction, phlegm elimination, and pus drainage. During summer, the roots can be dug, washed with water, and air-dried for medicinal use. However, due to its potent effects, which may induce nausea, it is advisable to decoct the roots with licorice. Combine 3g of Platycodon grandiflorum root with 2g of licorice and 300g of water, simmer until half the original volume remains, and strain. When consuming, rinse the mouth first before drinking the decoction.