What causes it?
Chronic tonsillitis is a long inflammatory process in your tonsils. When tonsils are healthy, they help your immune system fight off infections. Despite this, the immune system sometimes views the tonsil's activity as hostile, known as an autoimmune reaction.
Doctors are unclear on why this happens. They consider the situation when tonsils lose their capabilities as another reason for chronic inflammation. Chronic tonsillitis often accompanies asthma and allergies. Even after years of research on this issue, experts are still at odds on the exact causes.
Remedies for tonsillitis
Since the causes of tonsillitis are unknown, the best course of action is to treat the symptoms. For example, if tonsillitis results in a sore throat, it is important to address the sore throat. Many doctors recommend a bacterial culture test to identify the exact pathogen. However, recent research suggests the best course of action is using broad-spectrum antibiotics since bacterial swabs normally include several pathogens.
Doctors will often recommend the removal of the tonsils when inflammations lead to acute conditions more than 3 times per year. They will also recommend removal when there has been a decrease in immunity or the tonsils have grown too large, which causes frequent sore throats and difficulty swallowing.
What surgery options are available?
Today, there are several types of surgery, which are recommended by the doctor. For example, tonsillectomy is not recommended for those who suffer from heart defects, heavy forms of anemia, and diabetes.
Ultrasound destruction
This is one of the least invasive methods applicable only at the earlier stages and administered through high-frequency sound vibrations that destroy the tissues. However, with large tonsils growth, ultrasound therapy will not help.
Tonsillectomy with low-temperature plasma
This is a comparatively new methodology based on the properties of radio-frequency energy to destroy molecular bonds in tissues without generating heat. The plasma is referred to as low-temperature since its application results in minimal tissue heating. This method is considered safe and effective, with a minimal recovery period. However, it is administered only in the best hospitals and is much more expensive than other types of treatment.
Laser tonsillectomy
Laser tonsillectomy is the excision of the tonsils with simultaneous coagulation of blood vessels, which decreases the risk of bleeding. The method has a standard recovery period of up to 4 weeks.
After-surgery period
During the first week after surgery, the patient will have to stay at the hospital. This period is shortened to 3–4 days if the wounds heal fast. The most common complication of tonsillectomy is pharyngeal bleeding. For this reason, patients are given hemostatic drugs for a minimum of 3 days and will stay under medical supervision.
During the first day, patients shouldn't swallow anything and should only breathe through the mouth. After the first day, they can eat soft foods and drink liquids. Patients will have to eat pureed food 7–10 days after surgery. Antibiotics are prescribed for patients to avoid infections.
Although the idea of surgery may seem daunting, patients enjoy the ability to live without sore throats and difficulty breathing. They also sleep better and have a higher overall quality of life.
