Question
How to prevent purulent tonsillitis?
Answer
Purulent tonsillitis is often caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. Besides streptococci, it may also be caused by Staphylococcus, pneumococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, and viruses, among others. Symptoms are acute, with chills and high fever, severe throat pain, and may include referred ear pain and general malaise with limb aches and fatigue. Examination may reveal the tonsils are congested and swollen, with yellowish or whitish purulent exudates in the crypts. The symptoms are more severe when the lymphoid follicles are inflamed, with submucous yellowish or whitish abscesses. The angle of the mandible lymph nodes may be enlarged, tender to the touch, and there may be an increase in white blood cells in the blood. Acute tonsillitis is contagious and should be appropriately isolated. Since the disease is often caused by streptococci, antibiotics or sulfonamides can be used. In addition, attention should be paid to rest, regular bowel movements, adequate hydration, cold fluids, and sufficient doses of symptomatic anti-inflammatory medication, mouthwashes, etc. Most patients can fully recover within about one week. For children with acute or chronic tonsillitis, it is advisable to avoid eating dry, spicy, fried, and other irritating foods such as ginger, chili peppers, garlic, oil sticks, etc. During the acute phase, children should consume light, watery, and easily digestible foods such as thin rice porridge (with salt), fruit juices, sugarcane juice, water chestnut water (powder), mung bean soup, etc. During the chronic phase, children should eat fresh vegetables, fruits, beans, and nourishing foods such as green vegetables, tomatoes, carrots…