02/08/2016 Chronic tonsillitis and tonsil lavage

What is the reason for this difference in approaches in the practice of Russian doctors and their colleagues from other countries?

First of all, the criteria on the basis of which the diagnosis of chronic tonsillitis is made are very different. In Russian medical practice, this diagnosis is often made based on an examination of the throat, even without assessing the patient’s history. In the practice of doctors from European countries, Japan, and the USA, such a diagnosis is rarely made, and based on a number of signs.

Patients who have been diagnosed with this can often hear about a “locus of chronic infection”, the risk of developing other diseases due to the fact that dangerous bacteria spread from the palatine tonsils to other organs and systems. Today this medical concept is outdated. Numerous studies and meta-studies have shown that only one disease has a risk of spreading beyond the tonsils - tonsillitis or, in scientific terms, “streptococcal acute tonsillitis”.

Sore throat is a disease caused by certain bacteria that are easily transmitted from person to person. If a patient suffers from tonsillitis more than 2-3 times a year for several years, the tonsils need to be removed. This is the only measure that, from the standpoint of modern science, can help the patient in this situation and negate the risks of developing other diseases.

Rinsing the tonsils does not reduce the risk of developing tonsillitis.

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Tonsillitis is a common pathology of the oropharynx. Factors in its development are infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria, and sometimes fungi. The disease attacks the palatine tonsils , the immune defense organs of the human body. In addition, the tonsils have a hematopoietic function. Their inflammation is accompanied by pain, sore throat, enlarged submandibular lymph nodes, and tonsil lacunae with purulent contents. Patients also note general symptoms - malaise, headache, fever, chills and joint pain - the main signs of intoxication of the body.

An examination by an ENT doctor can detect plaque on the surface of the tonsils (depending on the location of the process - on one or both sides), swelling and redness of the mucous tissues of the throat. In children, the course of this disease is more severe - convulsions, attacks of suffocation, abdominal pain with signs of dyspeptic disorder - nausea and vomiting may be added to the above symptoms.

Treatment of tonsillitis is complex and consists of taking antibacterial agents in accordance with the dosage prescribed by the doctor. In severe cases, anti-inflammatory drugs are indicated. Local treatment of tonsillitis is gargling with antiseptic solutions, physiotherapy, and rinsing the tonsils. It is better not to delay the treatment of this disease - tonsillitis tends to become chronic.

It is for severe and chronic forms of tonsillitis that there is an effective method of influencing the source of inflammation - washing the tonsils . Previously, this procedure was performed using a syringe with a medicinal solution, the mouthpiece of which had a slightly curved probe with a blunt end.

In modern medicine, more advanced methods of washing the lacunae of the tonsils have appeared - the Tonsillor apparatus . The effectiveness of use has been proven - foci of infection quickly disappear, the inflammatory process subsides. Cases of relapses when using Tonsilor are observed less frequently, and the risk of recurrent pharyngitis and acute sore throat is reduced.

The principle of Tonsilor's effect on the tonsils is a vacuum, which is created through the energy of ultrasound vibrations. That is, this physiotherapy procedure is complex - both phonophoresis and ultrasound are present.

The waves act directly on the source of inflammation and promote the regeneration of affected areas. The procedure does not require any special preparation. Especially if it is performed for the first time on a patient. It is also suitable for children, so the task of parents and the doctor is to calm the child. Otherwise, the manipulation cannot be carried out.

The person does not experience any significant pain during the procedure – perhaps it is only somewhat unpleasant. If the patient has an increased gag reflex or is extremely sensitive to pain, he will be anesthetized by irrigating the throat with a local anesthetic - lidocaine, novocaine.

Washing the tonsils with the Tonsillor apparatus - photo

Tonsillor device Washing tonsil lacunae - photo

Washing the tonsils with Tonsilor is performed in 2 stages:

1. Stage of deep cleaning of tonsils;
2. Stage of washing the tonsils.

The first stage involves attaching a special cup to the tonsil, which is tightly suctioned to the surface of the mucosa. The device creates a vacuum in the resulting space, and purulent plugs come out of the lacunae. When using other methods of washing, it is not possible to achieve such an effect - the surface of the tonsils has many depressions, which, even with the most thorough cleaning, are inaccessible to the syringe. The vacuum created by Tonsilor is a kind of vacuum cleaner that processes the affected surface.

The next stage is the rinsing of the lacunae of the tonsils . An antiseptic solution is applied to the surface of the tonsils using special tubes - they treat them from all sides, penetrating even the smallest voids and depressions. Anti-inflammatory drugs are injected into the tonsil using ultrasound.

The duration of the procedure is no more than 10 minutes. The frequency of execution is from 7 to 10 times, depending on the degree of damage to the tonsils and surrounding tissues. One procedure will not have the desired effect on foci of infection. The procedure is atraumatic and is performed in an outpatient setting. The use of the Tonsilor device for washing the tonsils is a good alternative to tonsillectomy.

Indications for manipulation are acute and chronic rhinitis, chronic and acute tonsillitis, adenoids, otitis media.

But this manipulation also has contraindications - dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, open form of tuberculosis, arterial hypertension, malignant neoplasms of any location. Relative contraindications include pregnancy in the first and third trimester, infectious diseases in the acute phase (if there is a rise in body temperature). Normal body temperature readings allow the procedure to be performed in case of infection. Retinal detachment is also a relative contraindication; an ophthalmologist must be consulted before the procedure.

Preparation for washing tonsil lacunae with the Tonsilor device includes:

1. The last meal should be taken no later than an hour before the procedure - this will serve as a prevention of the gag reflex, which does not bother patients so much after the 2-3rd procedure;
2. During the procedure, behave calmly and sit up straight. It is not recommended to throw your head back;
3. Breathe evenly and calmly;
4. After the procedure, refrain from drinking and eating for 2 hours - this will ensure better absorption of the drug.

Tonsil rinsing in Moscow can be done in our clinic - highly qualified, attentive ENT specialists and the latest equipment are waiting for you.

You can make an appointment by phone. + 7 (499) 288-88-14

Why then wash the tonsils?

Usually the reason for washing is the so-called “plugs” or tonsillitis. Among patients and, unfortunately, often among doctors, there is a belief that these “traffic jams” are manifestations of a chronic infection. Sometimes you can hear the term “purulent plugs”. This description is incorrect. Indeed, in the lacunae (pores) of the palatine tonsils, food debris, calcium salts, dead and obsolete cells of the palatine tonsils and bacteria that normally live in the oral cavity sometimes accumulate. Together they form a white conglomerate, usually dense. Tonsilloliths themselves are not a sign of any disease. In the event that they physically interfere with the patient, as a rule, proper independent care of the oral cavity and teeth is sufficient.

Using the Tonsillor device

You can use the device if you have the following examination results:

1. examination by a doctor;
2. blood test data;
3. urine test indicators. The results are necessary to exclude possible pathological conditions of patients during the procedure.

The device operates in two directions:

1. Ultrasound radiation “grinds” plugs in gaps;
2. The vacuum nozzle carefully sucks out the crushed contents.

The advantages of sessions are painlessness, cleaning efficiency, there are practically no contraindications, minimal time costs.

There can be several procedures using Tonzillor, one per week.

Restoration of the tonsils occurs as follows:

• the tonsils are treated with an anesthetic;
• the vacuum nozzle is installed on the gaps;
• simultaneously with the antiseptic solution supplied to the recesses, an ultrasound effect occurs;
• vacuum removes all contents in them.

What to do if your throat constantly hurts? Is this an infection?

No, persistent sore throat is most often caused by non-infectious causes. The most common cause is acid from the stomach entering the back of the throat through the esophagus. This condition is medically called gastroesophageal, or extraesophageal, reflux. This is a very common illness that can occur without abdominal pain or heartburn. If heartburn occurs constantly and your throat often hurts, then the connection between these events is obvious and you need to deal with this particular problem, and not try to cure your throat.

What is rinsing the tonsils with the Tonsillor device?

This method combines three types of effects on the tonsils:

• Mechanical. Vacuum pressure helps expel purulent plugs from lacunae.
• Physiotherapeutic. Ultrasonic treatment of the affected lymphoid tissue disinfects, suppresses the activity of bacteria and other possible pathogenic microorganisms, and stops the inflammatory process. Ultrasound also improves blood flow to the ENT organs and microcirculation, which ensures deep penetration of the medicine into the tonsils.
• Medication. The use of saline solution or anesthetic serves to wash out purulent plugs. An antibiotic or glucocorticosteroid drug is then administered to combat local inflammation and infectious agents.

This combination of therapeutic effects, especially against the background of parallel drug therapy to strengthen the immune system, usually gives quick and long-term results.

What are the benefits of washing the tonsils with the Tonzillor device?

Treatment of tonsillitis and other ENT diseases with the help of Tonsillor has a number of advantages compared to the “old-fashioned” method of washing out pus from lacunae with a syringe.

• There is no risk of injury to lymphoid tissue. Hardware attachments with soft edges are attached to the tonsils extremely delicately. In addition, during the process of pulling out plugs using a vacuum, the doctor adjusts the pressure, depending on the area being treated.
• The spread of infection to neighboring areas is excluded. All pus removed from the patient immediately enters the appropriate reservoir, without contacting the surrounding tissues.
• Maximum deep cleaning of gaps. Tonsillor is able to free even very small and narrow depressions in the lymphoid tissue from “clogging,” which cannot be accomplished by other methods.
• Painless.

And, undoubtedly, rinsing the tonsils with a vacuum method compared to removing them is a preferable choice. After all, the body’s immune defense and hematopoietic processes depend on the integrity and functional suitability of this organ.

Advantages of this method

The use of the "Tonsillor" device has a more gentle effect on the tonsils compared to mechanical cleaning. And thanks to the special design of the attachments, the doctor is able to reach the most inaccessible places without the risk of injuring the tissues of the oral cavity or causing serious discomfort to the patient.

The procedure is absolutely painless, as it is performed using an anesthetic and takes no more than 10 minutes.

Syringe rinsing technique

The technique is used in all clinics. Washing is carried out in a treatment room. A syringe is used, on which a special curved metal tube is placed - a cannula.

1. An antiseptic solution is drawn into the syringe.
2. The free end of the cannula is brought to the lacunar fold filled with pus.
3. By pressing the piston, a medicinal solution is supplied into the cavity.
4. Together with pus from the tonsil, the liquid is poured into the patient’s oral cavity and then spat into a ditch.
5. After washing out the purulent exudate, Collargol or Lugol's solution is applied to the tonsils.

While flushing, you need to inhale through your nose. If the nasal passages are congested, it is recommended to use nasal vasoconstrictor drops to ensure free breathing. To reduce the urge to vomit that appears when the tonsils are irritated, the sound “a” is pronounced.

People suffering from chronic tonsillitis often try to rinse their tonsils on their own during an exacerbation of the disease. Despite the fact that a special syringe with a cannula is sold in pharmacies, and the procedure seems simple, you should not rinse the tonsils yourself. Inept actions can damage the mucous membrane or cause the infection to spread to nearby tissues.

It is allowed to wash the lacunae yourself if it is not possible to see a doctor. The algorithm of actions is similar to that carried out by a doctor:

• spray antiseptic on tonsils for disinfection;
• open your mouth wider and stick out your tongue;
• breathe through your nose, taking shallow breaths;
• direct the stream from the cannula to the purulent accumulation;
• spit out the solution that has leaked out with pus.

However, you must understand that performing the procedure yourself can aggravate the process due to damage to the mucosa. In addition, the effectiveness of self-washing is significantly lower. If possible, it is better to entrust the manipulation to a specialist.

Who is recommended to wash the tonsils with the Tonsillor device?

The main indication for ENT procedures is tonsillitis . This is an acute or chronic disease of the tonsils of an infectious nature.

The developmental features and difficulties of treating this pathology are due to the structural specificity of the tonsils. The presence in them of a large number of depressions (crypts, or lacunae) actually serves the good purpose of increasing the surface of this paired organ - a barrier to infections entering the body. But it is precisely this property of the tonsils that causes the accumulation of pathogenic bacteria in them. The warm and humid climate of lymphoid “gorges” that are difficult to rinse is simply ideal for the growth of colonies of cocci, staphylococci and streptococci.

That is why acute tonsillitis easily turns into chronic, when the source of infection in the depths of the tonsils becomes permanent. The chronic form of the pathology is characterized by:

• frequent exacerbations (at the slightest cooling), tendency to sore throats;
• bad breath, periodic release of lumps of pus;
• soreness and increased size of the tonsils themselves and often visible whitish-yellowish deposits on their surface;
• intoxication of the body, since harmful waste products of pyogenic bacteria are carried by the bloodstream throughout the body, which can cause complications in the heart, kidneys, joints, provoking the development of myocarditis, pyelonephritis, arthritis, etc.

Attempts to treat tonsillitis by taking antibiotics, rinsing, and treating with antibacterial drugs are usually ineffective due to the hidden source of infection deep in the lymphoid tissue. Therefore, ENT rinsing of the tonsils is prescribed as the most productive method.

In addition, vacuum washing of the tonsils can be prescribed for ENT pathologies such as tonsillitis, rhinitis, adenoiditis, pharyngitis . Sanitation of the tonsils using the vacuum method is also carried out after removal of various tumors in the mouth and throat, including papillomas.

Effects of hardware washing of tonsils

In most cases, a course of rinsing the tonsils with the Tonsillor apparatus is effective in several ways:

• powerful antibacterial effect, expulsion of pathogenic bacteria and toxic waste from the ENT organs being sanitized, normalization of the microflora of the oral cavity;
• intensification of the process of penetration of drugs deep into the tonsils;
• activation of local blood circulation, metabolism, nutrition and restoration of lymphoid tissue of the tonsils at the cellular level;
• anti-inflammatory effect;
• inclusion of local immunity.

Flushing efficiency

The function of the tonsils is to protect the body from harmful pathogenic microorganisms and dust that fall on them from passing air, food or liquid. In a healthy person, lymphocytes matured in the folds of the tonsils destroy pathogenic agents, and then the surface is cleaned independently. The weakening of the immune defense leads to the fact that the tonsils are not cleansed and pus accumulates in the lacunae. The effectiveness of washing the lacunar folds, according to ENT doctors, is much higher than that of gargling, which many are accustomed to. The procedure provides:

• cleansing gaps from the accumulation of pathogenic microflora;
• reduction of symptoms of intoxication after removal of purulent exudate;
• preventing the spread of the infectious process to nearby tissues;
• reducing the risk of complications due to inflammation of the tonsils.

For chronic tonsillitis, a course of lavage becomes an alternative to removing the tonsils. Regular cleansing of the tonsils mechanically allows you to achieve stable remission and gradually restore the natural protective functions of the organ.

Washing the tonsils with the Tonsillor apparatus for children

Before the age of five, hardware lavage of the tonsils is rarely prescribed due to the psychological unpreparedness of children. After all, anesthesia for this procedure is not justified, but it is extremely important that the patient remains motionless. Small children are not capable of this. And even after five years, it is very important to set the child up correctly so that he is not afraid and behaves calmly.

Preparing for vacuum rinsing of tonsils

To prescribe a course of washing the tonsils, you need to consult an otolaryngologist, who will perform an examination and, possibly, give a referral for a number of examinations:

• general blood analysis;
• examination of the microflora of the tonsils for bacterial damage;
• rheumatic tests to determine the intensity of inflammation and the risks of developing complications of tonsillitis in other organs.

In order for the vacuum cleaning session of the tonsils to take place without any excesses from the gastrointestinal tract, doctors strongly advise not to eat 3 hours before the start of the procedure. The fact is that the risk of a gag reflex, although reduced due to the anesthetic, still does not disappear completely. You will receive more detailed recommendations when making an appointment by phone.

Who is contraindicated for washing the tonsils with the Tonzillor device?

In some cases, washing the lacunae of the tonsils with the Tonzillor device may be contraindicated or should be carried out with caution under the especially vigilant supervision of a physician. Contraindications include:

• acute course of an ENT disease, accompanied by fever and severe inflammation;
• acute respiratory viral diseases, including influenza, covid, etc.;
• severe tuberculosis;
• some ophthalmological diseases associated with ruptures and weakness, retinal dystrophy;
• individual intolerance to drugs used during the procedure;
• the presence of malignant tumors, no matter in what part of the body;
• III degree of hypertension;
• problems with blood clotting;
• the first three and last three months of pregnancy;
• children up to three years of age.