Swollen tonsils can be caused by many things, from bacterial and fungal infections to inflammation around the tonsils. This condition is generally treated according to the cause, from medication to surgery.
The purulent tonsils can be identified by white spots on the tonsils and their surroundings. This condition is sometimes accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain or difficulty swallowing, an itchy or lumpy sensation in the throat, cough, fever, runny nose, headache, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and bad breath.
Various causes of purulent tonsils
The following are some of the conditions that can cause festering tonsils:
1. Tonsillitis
Fisted tonsils are generally caused by tonsillitis, which is inflammation of the tonsils that occurs due to a bacterial infection S. pyogenes. This condition can be experienced by anyone, but is usually more common in children and adolescents.
Tonsillitis can cause symptoms of fever, pain when swallowing, difficulty sleeping, and feeling weak. If left untreated, this condition can not only cause festering tonsils, but also cause shortness of breath and spread of infection to other organs around the tonsils.
Symptoms of tonsillitis generally last a short time or less than 2 weeks (acute tonsillitis). However, there are also those that last longer than 2 weeks (chronic tonsillitis). Tonsillitis can be treated with medications, such as painkillers (NSAIDs) and antibiotics, as well as surgery.
2. Pharyngitis
Sore throat or pharyngitis that causes festering tonsils is often caused by a bacterial infection, for example bacteria Streptococcus. This disease can be contagious and can be experienced by anyone, but is more common in children.
In addition to making the tonsils inflamed and festering, strep throat usually can cause several symptoms, such as the appearance of white patches in the throat, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, redness of the mouth and throat, pain or difficulty swallowing, fever, headache, and weakness.
3. Oral candidiasis
Oral candidiasis is caused by a fungal infection Candida albicans on the lining of the mouth. This condition is usually experienced by people who have weak immune systems, such as infants and the elderly or people who suffer from certain diseases, such as diabetes, malnutrition, and HIV.
In addition, the side effects of certain drugs such as antibiotics and chemotherapy can also increase a person's risk of developing oral thrush. This condition can sometimes make the tonsils swell and become inflamed, and white patches that resemble pus appear.
These patches are actually a collection of fungi that can grow on the tongue, inner cheeks, roof of the mouth, back of the throat, and also the tonsils.
4. Infectious mononucleosis
Infectious mononucleosis Also known as kissing disease. This disease is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus which can be spread through saliva and is most commonly experienced by adolescents and adults.
In addition to festering tonsils, this condition is also often accompanied by other symptoms, such as headaches, flu, fever, swollen lymph nodes, skin rashes, and fatigue.
5. Tonsil stones
Purulent tonsils can also be caused by tonsil stones (tonsilloliths). People with recurrent tonsillitis or have chronic inflammation of the tonsils and surrounding areas, are more at risk of suffering from this condition.
Tonsil stones are caused by food residue, bacteria, or mucus trapped in the spaces around the tonsils and will harden over time until they resemble stones and are white or yellow in color.
When this happens, sufferers usually experience symptoms of difficulty swallowing, sore throat, sore ears, and bad breath.
6. Peritonsillar abscess
Peritonsillar abscess is a condition when there is a buildup of pus around the tonsils. This condition is generally caused by a bacterial infection and is more common in children and adolescents. However, adults can experience it too.
In addition to festering tonsils, this condition can also cause other symptoms such as fever, difficulty opening the mouth, stiff mouth, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, and bad breath.
How to get rid of purulent tonsils
Before determining the treatment of festering tonsils, the doctor first needs to do a physical examination and supporting examinations such as blood tests, pus culture, and X-rays or CT scans of the throat to determine what is causing the festering tonsils you are experiencing.
After the cause is known, the doctor will provide treatment for festering tonsils according to the cause, which includes:
Drugs
Your doctor will give you antibiotics if your festering tonsils are caused by a bacterial or antifungal infection. In addition, doctors can also prescribe pain relievers such as paracetamol to reduce inflammation and pain due to festering tonsils.
Medical treatment
If the festering tonsils don't get better with medication or if the condition makes it difficult for you to breathe or swallow, your doctor may perform a tonsillectomy.
To remove the accumulated pus, the doctor can also perform the act of suctioning the liquid pus with a syringe.
In addition, while recovering from festering tonsils, your doctor may also recommend that you perform simple treatments that you can do yourself at home, such as gargling salt water, drinking more water, getting plenty of rest, and quitting smoking.
Whatever the cause, the condition of festering tonsils is a medical problem that needs to be treated by a doctor. If not treated immediately, the condition can get worse and cause the infection to spread to other organs.
Therefore, if you experience festering tonsils, do not delay to consult a doctor. The sooner the festering tonsils are treated, the lower the risk of complications that will be more difficult to treat.
