Purulent tonsils
This is how you get rid of them!
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Purulent tonsils are often a sign of tonsillitis and cause bothersome complaints such as fever and sore throat. With these tips you will be healthy again quickly!
You just think you've got over the cold – suddenly the annoying symptoms like a sore throat start all over again. Purulent tonsils occur often when a cold is just about to subside.
How do purulent tonsils arise?
Upper respiratory infections are often caused by viruses. The immune system works at full speed to get rid of the pathogens quickly. Sometimes the viruses prove to be so tough that the fight against them weakens our body even more. And now bacteria (especially streptococci and pneumococci) have an easy time of it: They attach themselves to the tonsils – the initial virus infection turns into a so-called bacterial superinfection. This then causes the said purulent tonsils, also known as tonsillitis, tonsillitis or angina tonsillaris.
How do I recognize purulent tonsils?
As a rule, tonsillitis refers to the tonsils that lie in the throat on both sides and are part of the body's defense system. When infected, they are often very swollen and red in color. In addition, you can see white dots or spots – this is the pus. This consists of dead white blood cells, whose task is to fight against pathogens.
What are the symptoms of tonsillitis?
The symptoms of tonsillitis are similar to those of a cold. Typical signs are:
- Sore throat
- difficulties swallowing
- fever
- a headache
- Physical weakness
- Strong general feeling of illness
This is how tonsillitis is treated
If you have tonsillar angina frequently, your doctor will likely prescribe an antibiotic. This can speed up healing, but it cannot always prevent the symptoms from getting worse. However, if taken in good time, antibiotics ensure that the bacteria do not spread any further in the body and, for example, infect the heart or kidneys, where they also cause inflammation.
Gentle home remedies for purulent tonsils
Apart from antibiotics, home remedies in particular help to alleviate the symptoms caused by purulent tonsils. These remedies will help you survive acute tonsillitis:
- Gargle with salt water or lukewarm sage tea
- Tea with honey – honey has antibacterial properties
- Lozenges for swallowing problems – but ice cream and cold drinks have a similar effect
- Leg wraps (for example with quark), they lower the fever
- Keep your neck warm, for example with a scarf or shawl
- Drink at least two liters of water a day
By the way, these home remedies help against colds just as well!
When do the tonsils have to go out?
For chronic tonsillitis, the If occurs at least three times a year, your doctor may suggest having tonsils removed (tonsillectomy). The tonsils are completely removed by an operation so that tonsillitis can no longer occur. However, a large study suggests that tonsil surgery does not make sense in all cases. It is important to consult your doctor carefully!
By the way: A tonsillitis occurs more often together with what is known as Pfeiffer's glandular fever. This should definitely be treated in consultation with the doctor, especially when it comes to taking painkillers. Otherwise, a lot of rest and sleep help with glandular fever.
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