When a person often suffers from recurrent angina, we speak of recurrent angina or chronic angina. Recurrent tonsillitis can have several causes, which it is important to identify in order to provide the most appropriate treatment for the patient.
1. What are the two main types of angina?
Angina results in inflammation of the tonsils. There are two main types of angina. The first type of angina, viral angina, is the most common in France. As the National Library of Medicine states, “around 9 million tonsillitis are diagnosed in France each year. 50 to 90% of these tonsillitis are of viral origin.” Several viruses can cause viral angina, such as an adenovirus, an enterovirus, an Epstein-Barr virus, which can also be the cause of infectious mononucleosis, or even an infection virus. herpes. The second, less common type of angina is bacterial angina. In the majority of cases, it is caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. Recurrent tonsillitis can be viral or bacterial tonsillitis.
2. What are the symptoms of recurrent angina?
Symptoms of angina can vary depending on the cause of the condition and the patient, but it is often recognized by the following symptoms:
- an intense sore throat;
- difficulty swallowing;
- unusual-looking tonsils, either red and swollen or covered with a whitish deposit;
- fever, usually between 38°C and 39°C;
- headaches ;
- unusual fatigue;
- sometimes a cough, which can be a wet cough or a dry cough.
In the case of viral angina, the patient recovers spontaneously after a few days in the majority of cases. If bacterial tonsillitis is suspected, it is advisable to do a rapid diagnostic test with a pharmacist or doctor. Antibiotic treatment may be necessary if the result is positive. However, it sometimes happens that angina recurs, and a person suffers from several episodes of angina during the year. Health professionals speak of recurrent tonsillitis when the person concerned presents these symptoms at least seven times a year.
3. What are the causes of recurrent tonsillitis?
When a person suffers from recurrent angina, or recurrent angina, several factors may be involved, such as:
- high exposure to viruses or bacteria, which cause angina;
- a weak immune system, which makes a person more likely to develop infections;
- exposure to irritants, such as cigarette smoke, chemicals or air pollution, which increases the chance of developing tonsillitis;
- anatomical risk factors, such as enlarged tonsils or gastroesophageal reflux;
- poor oral hygiene, which can encourage the development of bacteria in the mouth and throat.
4. How to prevent recurrent angina?
To prevent recurrent tonsillitis, it is possible to take several measures:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water to avoid contracting or spreading a virus or bacteria that causes angina.
- Avoid direct and indirect contact with a person suffering from angina.
- Eat a balanced diet and have regular physical activity to strengthen your immune system.
- Avoid exposure to irritants, such as cigarette smoke or chemical fumes.
- In the event of gastroesophageal reflux, take appropriate treatment.
However, it should be noted that it is important to consult a health professional in the event of recurrent tonsillitis. He will in fact be able to define the prevention measures and treatment most suited to the patient, for optimal care.
5. Removal of tonsils to prevent recurrent tonsillitis
In the event of recurrent tonsillitis, the doctor may recommend removal of the tonsils, called tonsillectomy, to prevent recurrences. However, this is a surgical operation which is not trivial. It requires general anesthesia. In “young children (under 6 years of age), the main indication is chronic respiratory obstruction linked to the increase in the volume of the tonsils”, as specified by the Ministry of Health and Prevention. In adults, the health professional must therefore take into account two criteria before proposing a tonsillectomy. Initially, tonsillitis must interfere with the patient’s daily life and be perceived as disabling. Angina must also have been observed and documented at least seven times in the past year, or at least five times each year for the last two years, or at least three times each year for the last three years.
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Read also :
⋙ How to treat angina?
⋙ White angina: what are the symptoms and how to treat it?
⋙ Tonsillitis: symptoms and treatments for this inflammation of the tonsils