Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is usually caused by bacteria. Typical symptoms include fever and a strong feeling of general malaise alongside severe sore throat and swallowing difficulties. In this case, it makes sense to visit the doctor.
Tonsillitis: Causes
Most cases of tonsillitis are triggered by bacteria – particularly β-haemolysing streptococci play a central role here.
In many cases, tonsillitis is preceded by a viral infection of the throat which allows bacteria to settle and multiply, which in turn can lead to tonsillitis. This is when one speaks of a bacterial superinfection.
Tonsillitis: Symptoms
Hallmark symptoms of tonsillitis include rapidly worsening sore throat and swallowing difficulties accompanied by fever and a general feeling of malaise.
An overview of the most important symptoms of acute tonsillitis:
- Sore throat
- Swallowing difficulties
- Fever
- Headache
- General malaise
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Reddened, swollen tonsils
In children, stomach-ache and vomiting are also possible.
Sometimes, a glance in the throat can reveal whether it's viral or bacterial tonsillitis.
- Mucous membranes are swollen and translucent red in colour, no pus formation
-> typical of viral tonsillitis - Severely reddened tonsils, whitish-yellow pus spots (spotted layer) on the tonsils, severe pain
-> typical of bacterial tonsillitis
However, only your doctor can provide an exact diagnosis. So, if you have signs of tonsillitis, consult your GP or an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat specialist).
Tonsillitis: Treatment
Different medicinal and non-medicinal options are available to treat tonsillitis.
Medicinal options
- For bacterial tonsillitis: Antibiotics prescribed by a doctor
- Complementary remedies for the relief of sore throat and swallowing difficulties
Dorithricin® blocks pain:
For sore throat and swallowing difficulties, Dorithricin® provides fast, reliable relief. That’s because Dorithricin® contains a local analgesic active ingredient that quickly alleviates the pain. Following consultation with your doctor, Dorithricin® Throat Lozenges can thus also be taken for acute pain relief of tonsillitis and effectively support the treatment measures initiated.
Continue reading to find out more about Dorithricin®.
Anti-inflammatory and decongestant agents are among the other medications sometimes used to treat tonsillitis, are is paracetamol in cases of high fever. Consult your doctor or chemist for advice.
Non-medicinal options
- Drink plenty of fluids (e.g. cold chamomile tea, sage tea) – Important: Fruit juices are not suitable because of their acidity
- Eat soft, lightly seasoned foods
- Abstain from smoking
Surgery for tonsillitis
Preventing tonsillitis
Bacterial tonsillitis often develops on top of a viral infection: Bacteria settle and sometimes lead to so-called bacterial superinfections, such as tonsillitis.
To prevent this, you should react quickly to sore throat and initiate appropriate treatment early on: Dorithricin® not only blocks pain but also combats the pathogens (bacteria and viruses1) and thereby slows down the infection before the sore throat becomes worse.
So next time you feel a cold coming on or have pharyngitis, think to take Dorithricin®!
