Pus plugs in the throat

In acute or chronic inflammatory process in the palatine tonsils can be detected purulent plugs in the throat, which are accumulations of pus in the tonsil lacunae. Such a condition is often accompanied by severe pain in the throat, fever, the appearance of an unpleasant odor from the oral cavity. If the process becomes chronic, the disease can worsen several times a year, and even lead to complications.

Angina and the formation of purulent plugs in the tonsils is a common pathology that can happen to almost every person. Therefore, it is very important to know the main aspects of the disease, the principles of its diagnosis and treatment.

Epidemiology

Purulent plugs in the throat - this is a very common pathology. According to statistics, it is registered in about 5-6% of adult patients and 13-14% of children. The frequency of occurrence of the disease is largely due to the influence of risk factors: purulent inflammatory processes in the palatine tonsils more often occur in people who carry sore throat "on their feet", try to self-medicate, have a low level of immunity and so on. Doctors note that purulent plugs in the throat - a sign of neglected tonsillitis, which indicates that the treatment was incorrect, ineffective, or not carried out at all.

Inclusions come in a variety of consistencies, colors, and viscosities. The average inclusion size is a few millimeters (usually up to 10 mm) and the mass is a few grams (from 2-3 to 30-40 g).

Causes of the purulent plugs in the throat

The main reason for the formation of purulent plugs in the throat is an inflammatory reaction in the palatine tonsils (tonsils). This reaction is provoked by various infectious agents that get into the lacunae and enter into close interaction with immune cells. As a result, dead microorganisms, exfoliated epithelial cells and leukocytic cells are usually removed from the lacunae into the oral cavity and then, with salivary secretion, get into the stomach, where they are neutralized under the influence of the acidic gastric environment.

However, sometimes microorganisms that have gotten inside the lacunae are more aggressive - for example, such are group A staphylococci. [1], [2]

With the development of an inflammatory reaction, inflammatory mediators are released, the blood vessels of the circulatory system supplying the tonsil area expand. Vascular permeability increases, a huge number of leukocytes enter the inflamed area. The mucous membrane in the throat swells. Against the background of high virulence of bacterial flora, purulent foci are formed, which are characterized by greater depth and active destruction of tissues.

Transformation of acute inflammation into chronic pathology occurs under the influence of several factors at once. In particular, the duration of the inflammatory process is of great importance. But the thickening of plugs is caused by the deposition of calcium, magnesium salts, etc. In purulent foci.

Risk factors

The formation of purulent plugs in the throat does not always occur. Such factors contribute to this:

• prolonged inflammatory processes in nearby structures, in particular - in the sinuses (sinusitis, maxillary sinuses, etc. Contribute to the entry of an additional portion of microorganisms into the pharynx);
• Insufficient oral hygiene (any, even relatively safe microorganisms in combination with food particles create an environment favorable for the formation of purulent plugs in the throat);
• weak immune defense (contributes to the active growth of pathogenic microflora in the mouth);
• vitamin deficiency (monotonous diet, insufficient intake of important vitamins and trace elements in the body contributes to a decrease in local and general immunity);
• mechanical damage to the tonsils (wounds from fish bones, excessively rough or hot food can become a "gateway" for infection).

Pathogenesis

The palatine tonsils are a part of the immune system. They are located inside the oral cavity, at the entrance to the pharyngeal zone: otherwise they are called tonsils. The tonsils are a cluster of lymphoid structures wrapped in a capsule of mucous epithelium. On their surface there are peculiar craters (crypts, lacunae), leading to the depth of the formations: their number is up to two dozen. Inside the lacunae, the epithelial tissue is much thinner, which allows immune cells to easily get out.

Lymphocytes are formed in follicular structures - growth centers, but more of them are concentrated in the zone of lacunae. When pathogenic bacteria enter the oral cavity there is their "meeting" with lymphocytes, starts the immune activation reaction. Begin to produce the appropriate antibodies aimed at destroying the "foreign" antigen. At the same time, other cells (in particular, monocytes, neutrophils) are engaged in the absorption of microbial particles, cleaning the lacunae. If the infectious inflammation continues for a long time, or repeated often, or is not treated, then purulent tonsillitis develops, accompanied by the appearance of purulent plugs in the throat.

Symptoms of the purulent plugs in the throat

Signs that precede the appearance of purulent plugs in the throat, most often begin to bother about 24-36 hours from the start of the inflammatory process. The patient is marked by such symptoms:

• general weakness, malaise;
• pain in the head;
• a feeling of extreme fatigue, apathy, drowsiness;
• unpleasant sensations of muscle soreness;
• elevated temperature readings (38-39°C);
• joint pain;
• a feeling of pressure and tightness in the throat;
• difficulty breathing and swallowing;
• sometimes dizziness;
• loss of appetite.

The first signs of the formation of purulent plugs in the throat are as follows:

• There is a sensation of a foreign object (like a bone in the throat), which is caused by irritation of nerve endings in the mucous tissue by the plugs. Such discomfort can be present on one or both sides, which depends on the localization and size of the plugs.
• Difficulty in swallowing and pain appear, which is associated with the development of inflammation and increased sensitivity of nerve endings. Pain is especially manifested during eating: tonsils enlarge, which makes it even more difficult to pass food.
• There is an unpleasant odor from the oral cavity, the appearance of which is explained by the increased activity of pathogenic flora and the release of its products. Brushing teeth and rinsing the throat and oral cavity can relieve the intensity of the odor only temporarily.
• Pus plugs can be seen during a throat examination. Such inclusions can be different in diameter (from a couple of millimeters to a centimeter), different color shades (grayish, whitish or yellowish). When pressing on the tonsil with a cotton swab or a medical spatula, you can see the direct release of plugs on the surface of the tonsil.

In children, the disease usually manifests itself more vividly. A purulent plug in the throat and a temperature of up to 40°C lead to crankiness and tearfulness in children, loss of appetite and sleep disturbances. Small children become especially restless, they cry, refuse to eat. The cervical and occipital lymph nodes may be enlarged and painful when felt.

In general, the symptomatology may depend on the features of the etiology of the disease that caused the appearance of the purulent process.

If the throat is very sore and the purulent plugs are whitish or yellowish pustules of small size (1-2 mm), we can suspect the development of follicular (purulent) sore throat. The patient has increased salivation, the nearest lymph nodes are enlarged, and the temperature rises to 39°C.

Fungal tonsillitis is characterized by purulent plugs in the throat without fever, with pus in the form of white "cottage cheese", which can be easily removed with a cotton swab. The palatine tonsils are slightly enlarged, sometimes there is non-intense redness.

A purulent plug without pain in the throat may indicate the development of ulcerative-necrotic tonsillitis: zones of necrosis appear on the tonsils - dying tissue. Attempts to remove such tissues lead to the exposure of ulcerated surfaces.

A pus plug in the throat in coronavirus is not a typical symptom. However, with COVID-19, a sore throat may indeed be present: the back of the throat becomes red and there is an unpleasant taste in the mouth. In addition, there may be an increase in cervical lymph nodes. This picture is noted against the background of the main signs of the disease: a "heavy" cough, severe fatigue, shortness of breath, burning sensation behind the sternum, pain in the muscles, joints and head.

Permanent purulent plugs in the throat, most likely, indicate a chronic course of the disease. For the chronicization of the pathological process are characterized by such signs:

• normal body temperature, or a slight increase in temperature in the evening;
• general weakness, excessive sweating;
• constant bad breath, bad taste;
• Recurrent sore throat of varying intensity;
• release of pus particles when you cough.

Long-term chronic tonsillitis may be accompanied by heart pain, tachycardia, dyspnea, joint and muscle pain.

Pus plugs in the throat in tonsillitis with a chronic course and frequent exacerbations can cause allergic reactions. The edges of the douches during a relapse swell, pus accumulates inside the lacunae, lymph nodes increase. The average frequency of exacerbations of the chronic process is three times a year.

Often the usual manifestations of ARVI and sore throat (including purulent) are confused with a similar disease - pharyngitis. Pus plugs in the throat with pharyngitis are usually accompanied by fever and dryness, "gray" voice, the presence of a fairly pronounced mucous accumulations in the pharynx, which are difficult to expectorate or swallow. Coughing may increase in the morning hours (after waking up) and may be combined with nausea.

A purulent plug in a child's throat

Clinical manifestations in children usually combine local changes against a background of general disorder. In the vast majority of cases, the disease begins abruptly, acutely. The following symptoms appear:

• signs of general intoxication (weakness, headache, drowsiness);
• a rise in temperature;
• a sore throat that is especially bothersome when swallowing and talking;
• discomfort in the throat when opening the mouth;
• voice change (nasality);
• loss of appetite;
• difficulty swallowing.

On examination, enlarged tonsils are noted, the surface of which is either covered with pathologic plaque or glossy with flecks and visible purulent plugs in the throat, yellowish or whitish.

With increasing intoxication in children (especially small children) may appear vomiting, blurred consciousness, convulsions, stool disorders, abdominal pain.

Complications and consequences

In the absence of adequate and timely treatment of purulent plugs in the throat, the disease can be aggravated by the development of pharyngeal abscess, otitis media, inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. In addition, the heart, kidneys, joints may be affected.

• Abscess, otitis media, maxillary sinusitis develop as complications caused by the spread of the infectious agent from the tonsils to the surrounding tissues, with further development of the inflammatory response.
• Renal damage occurs due to the direct effect of the infection on the filtration renal mechanism.
• Joint damage is caused by antibacterial antibodies present in the blood over a long period of time. As a result, the joints become inflamed, swollen and painful. Elbow and knee joints are primarily affected.
• Myocardial damage can be due to the impact of pathogens and antibacterial antibodies. In patients with chronic purulent processes in the oropharynx, arrhythmias, myocarditis, pericarditis, endocarditis are often recorded.

Even at an early stage of the inflammatory process, the infectious agent can penetrate into the respiratory organs and the brain, where it can continue its development. As a result, complications such as meningitis, infectious-toxic shock and even sepsis - so-called blood poisoning, which is a life-threatening condition - may occur.

As a distant consequence, the joints, brain and cardiovascular system (arthrosis, rheumatism, etc.) are considered particularly dangerous. If the disease is not completely cured, kidney damage in the form of glomerulonephritis is possible.

To prevent the development of unfavorable complications, pus plugs in the throat should be treated in time, comprehensively. It is important to consult a doctor as early as possible, without self-treatment.

Diagnostics of the purulent plugs in the throat

If the patient is found to have purulent plugs in the throat, he is referred for examination to a general practitioner, otolaryngologist, infectious disease specialist, rheumatologist. Children should necessarily consult a pediatrician and a nephrologist to exclude the development of complications and identify the primary infectious focus.

At the first diagnostic stage, the doctor collects complaints, asks the patient questions about the onset of the disease, its course, etc. Then laryngoscopy is performed, which allows to detect swelling of mucous tissues, enlargement of tonsils, color and consistency of plaque and purulent plugs in the throat, the presence of bleeding.

It is mandatory to take a swab from the pharynx to identify the causative agent and check for sensitivity to antibiotics.

Blood and urine tests are performed, which is necessary to clarify the activity of the infectious process: the indicator of the number of leukocytes is determined, the rate of COE, the presence of protein in the urinary fluid.

The main standard method of examination of patients with complaints of purulent plugs in the throat is bacteriological examination of the swab from the oropharynx. The swab is taken with a swab from the surface of the tonsils, directly from the purulent plugs and the posterior pharyngeal wall. In the course of swab collection, you can not touch other areas of mucous tissues with a swab. The study is carried out between meals: you can not take a swab immediately after eating and after the start of antibiotics. The only disadvantage of the method is that the result can be evaluated only 24-48 hours after taking the material. More rapid is the use of special express tests, which complement, but do not replace the culture technique.

Additional instrumental diagnostics may include chest radiography (or fluoroscopy).

Differential diagnosis

It is necessary to differentiate such diseases as diphtheria, scarlatina, mononucleosis, purulent and lacunar angina and other similar pathologies.

Typhoid and paratyphoid, scarlatina require special differentiation.

• Patients with typhoid fever and paratyphoid A and B often have swollen palatine tonsils and grayish flecks on them. Diagnose this disease by other characteristic signs: general intoxication, fever, skin rash, enlargement of the liver and spleen and so on. As a laboratory confirmation, a blood culture on bile broth is performed.
• The main difference between scarlatina and the appearance of purulent plugs in the throat in sore throat: in the first 24 hours, there are abundant pitting rashes (except for the nasolabial triangle) on the whole body against a background of hyperemia. The rash is especially thickened in the neck, lateral surfaces of the chest and in natural skin folds. Tonsillitis of the "flaming yawn" type is characteristic of scarlatina.

Treatment of the purulent plugs in the throat

Treatment measures for pus plugs in the throat are carried out depending on the characteristics of the disease. So, if tonsillitis has a viral origin, then the treatment is directed to alleviate the existing symptoms. Use gargles, abundant warm drinking, taking anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs.

In bacterial or viral tonsillitis, against the background of the development of purulent process, antibiotics are necessarily prescribed. Taking such medications is necessary to cope with the spread of the infectious agent and prevent the emergence of complications (including such serious ones as myocarditis, rheumatism, etc.).

In chronic inflammatory process and frequently recurrent purulent plugs in the throat, the doctor may insist on the removal of pathologically altered tonsils. Contraindications to the operation may be heart defects of II-III degree, diabetes mellitus, blood coagulation disorders.

Medications

As part of the complex treatment of purulent plugs in the throat, the doctor may prescribe such categories of medicines:

• Systemic antibacterial drugs. Purulent processes in the tonsils require the prescription of antibiotics: the causative agent is determined by bacteriological analysis of biomaterial taken from the surface of the tonsils and the back wall of the pharynx. More often than other drugs prescribe penicillins - in particular, phenoxymethylpenicillin and amoxicillin (amoxiclav). If an allergy to penicillins is detected, they are replaced with cephalosporins of I-II generation (cephalexin, cefuroxime, etc.). If it is impossible to prescribe such antibiotics, macrolides (josamycin) are used. The average duration of antibiotic therapy is 7 days. Possible side effects: dyspepsia, abdominal pain, headache, allergies.
• Symptomatic drugs. With intense intoxication and fever syndrome prescribe analgesics, antipyretics in combination with adequate fluid intake and adequate intake of vitamins into the body. Most often used:
  • Paracetamol - one tablet three times a day, keeping the interval between receptions at least 4 hours. The maximum permissible daily dose - no more than 4 g.
  • Ibuprofen - one tablet three times a day, preferably not more than 5 consecutive days. The maximum daily amount of Ibuprofen - no more than 1200 mg. Tablets should be washed down with plenty of water.
• Topical preparations. For local treatment of tonsils and purulent plugs in the throat use tablets for resorption, solutions for gargling, sprays or aerosols:
  • Pharyngosept - tablets for resorption based on ambazon monohydrate, a substance with antiseptic, bacteriostatic and antibacterial action. Contraindications to use: allergy to the components, lactose or fructose intolerance, children under 3 years of age. Depending on age, take 3-5 tablets per day. Duration of intake - 3-4 days. Possible side effects: allergies, skin rashes.
  • Chlorophyllipt is a remedy based on a thick extract of eucalyptus leaves. Chlorophyllipt should not be taken during pregnancy and lactation. Among the side effects: allergies. With purulent plugs in the throat, this remedy can be used in the form of a spray or oil drops (for the treatment of tonsils).
  • Strepsils - antimycotic and antimicrobial tablets for resorption, which are taken 1 piece every 2-3 hours (no more than 8 pieces per day). The most likely side effects: allergies, nausea, abdominal pain. The duration of reception - 3 days.
  • Stopangin - spray based on hexetidine, a substance with extensive antimicrobial and antifungal activity. The spray can not be used with atrophic sore throat, as well as children and pregnant women. Accidental ingestion of the medicinal solution should be avoided. The spray is sprayed in the throat area twice a day after meals. Duration of therapy - up to one week.

It is worth noting that as a local action, gargles are especially recommended. These procedures allow not only to get rid of the infection, but also mechanically "wash out" pus plugs from the throat.

Chlorhexidine for purulent throat plugs

Chlorhexidine bigluconate is a well-known antiseptic, which is actively used in different medical directions: in surgery, urogenicology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, dentistry. The popularity of this drug is due to its pronounced antibacterial abilities.

If the doctor did not prescribe otherwise, then for gargling standardly use 0.1%-0.05% aqueous solution: a ready-made diluted remedy can be purchased in a pharmacy. The main thing is not to confuse the aqueous solution with an alcohol solution: the latter is not necessary to gargle the throat, as it can lead to burns of mucous tissues.

It is recommended to repeat the treatment 3 times a day, for up to one week. Longer treatment may lead to the appearance of dark plaque on the teeth and tongue, as well as to the disruption of the natural flora in the oral cavity. For the best effect after rinsing should not drink and eat for 1-2 hours.

The medicinal solution must not be swallowed. For this reason, it is necessary to be very careful with rinses in children. In general, chlorhexidine is not prescribed for pregnant and lactating women.

What to gargle the throat with purulent plugs?

If clearly visible pus plugs in the throat, doctors recommend starting gargling as soon as possible. For this purpose, first of all, antiseptic solutions are used - for example, 0.05% chlorhexidine, 3% hydrogen peroxide, 0.1-0.2% hexetidine solution, 0.02% nitrofural solution.

Gargling is an accessible and effective method of treatment and elimination of purulent plugs in the throat. The choice of solutions for procedures is quite wide and includes both pharmacy preparations and folk remedies. The following points are considered the main criteria for choosing solutions for gargling:

• the drug must have a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity;
• must have anti-inflammatory properties;
• should have no toxic effects, either locally or systemically;
• should be hypoallergenic, not irritate the mucous tissues of the oral cavity.

Consider the most common medications that help flush out pus plugs from the throat.

3% hydrogen peroxide

The means reduces the number of pathogens at the local level, eliminates bad breath, stops bleeding from capillaries. Contraindications to use: individual hypersensitivity.

0.1-0.2% hexethidine

The drug is a derivative of pyrimidine, a representative of antifungal agents. In addition to fungal infection, hexetidine contributes to the destruction of gram-positive microorganisms, and also has a slight analgesic effect. The remedy is contraindicated in children under the age of eight, pregnant women, persons with atrophic and erosive processes in the oral cavity. During treatment, side effects may occur in the form of allergies, digestive and respiratory system disorders.

Nitrofural 0.02%

Antibacterial agent with a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity, effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It is successfully used in the most common infectious lesions: it affects streptococci, staphylococci, shigella, clostridia. Contraindications to use are considered hypersensitivity, allergic dermatoses, bleeding.

Soda solution

Gargling with a solution of baking soda has an antiseptic effect if used regularly. For 250 ml of warm boiled water take 1 tsp. Of baking soda, gargle the throat up to five times a day, until sustained relief. To enhance the effect, you can add 2 drops of iodine tincture to the solution (provided there is no allergy).

Solution with propolis tincture

Propolis tincture is used for viral, microbial and fungal infections. However, small children, pregnant women, people suffering from allergies, eczema and pollinosis, this remedy is better not to use. If there is no allergy to bee products, for gargles take 100 ml of warm water and 5-7 drops of pharmacy tincture of propolis. The procedures are repeated 3-5 times a day.

Alcohol tinctures

For gargles you can use solutions of pharmacy alcohol tinctures of such plants as calendula, sage, aloe, eucalyptus. These remedies have a local antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and antitussive effect. If there is no allergy, the solution is prepared as follows: mix 100 ml of warm water and five to ten drops of herbal tincture. Procedures are carried out regularly, from three to five times a day.

Gargles not only mechanically wash out purulent plugs from the throat. These procedures eliminate the nutrient environment for pathogenic microorganisms, soften and moisturize mucous tissues, accelerate the recovery of tissues damaged by the inflammatory process.

Doctors recommend gargling the throat 4-5 times a day, alternating different therapeutic solutions. This will allow to realize a diverse medicinal effect and prevent possible dryness of the mucosa. After gargling, do not eat or drink for 2 hours. To enhance the effect immediately after the procedure tonsils can be lubricated with sea buckthorn oil, diluted propolis tincture, Lugol's solution, fir oil, aloe juice.

Physiotherapy treatment

In the acute period of purulent process in the throat, physiotherapy is contraindicated. After washing and cleansing the tonsils from purulent plugs, UHF therapy is prescribed for the throat area. This is a method of electrotherapy, based on the impact of mainly ultra-high-frequency electromagnetic field. The physical effect of the UHF field consists in the active absorption of its energy by the body's coverings: the energy is converted into thermal energy, develops an oscillatory effect typical of electromagnetic waves of high frequency. There is intra-tissue heat generation with tight conduction of electric current. UHF has anti-inflammatory properties, improves lymph and blood circulation, reduces tissue edema and exudation, stimulates the functionality of connective tissue, activates the mechanisms of cell proliferation. Simultaneously with these processes smooth muscle spasms are eliminated, tissue regeneration is accelerated, nerve conduction is enhanced, nerve receptor sensitivity is reduced, capillary tone is decreased.

As a reparative-restorative method, ultrasonophoresis with hydrocortisone is applied to the tonsil area. The procedure consists of a complex effect on certain areas on the body ultrasound and applied solutions, emulsions, ointments.

To ensure immunostimulating effect, high-frequency magnetic therapy of the thymus is prescribed. This procedure promotes activation of sympathoadrenal and pituitary-adrenal-hypothalamic systems, optimizes the autonomic nervous system, restores immune protection.

Additionally, it is possible to prescribe inhalations with medicinal solutions.

Herbal treatment

To accelerate recovery and remove pus plugs from the throat, you can use active gargling with herbal decoctions - in particular, such herbs as sage, St. John's wort, oak bark are excellent. These plants are natural antiseptics: destroy pathogenic flora, prevent the spread of infection, stop the development of inflammation. In addition, tannin components of plants have a beneficial effect on inflamed tissues, reduce swelling, eliminate pain.

To prepare a remedy prepare a collection based on 1 tbsp. Sage leaves, 1 tbsp. Oak bark, 3 tbsp. Herb St. John's wort. The mixture is poured 0.5 liters of boiling water, and then kept on a steam bath for half an hour. Then the decoction is removed from the fire, insist about 10 minutes under a lid, filtered. Used for gargling several times a day.

Not a bad effect has fir oil: they lubricate the tonsils, using cotton swabs.

With severe sore throat helps aloe juice: first squeeze the juice from 2-3 of the oldest (lower) leaves of the plant, then mix it with 1 tsp. Honey. The mixture is taken 1 tsp. Three times a day about a quarter of an hour before meals.

Such procedure as gargling the throat with warm water with ½ teaspoon of salt and the same amount of baking soda speeds up recovery. In the water also add 3 drops of iodine tincture and 4-6 drops of calendula tincture. The resulting solution rinses the throat at least 4 times a day, and after each meal.

Since ancient times, one of the best remedies for sore throat was considered a mixture of crushed leaves of raspberries and linden. Decoction of this mixture is successfully used for purulent plugs in the throat. One tablespoon of the collection brewed 250 ml of boiling water, boiled for 5 minutes on low heat, covered with a lid and insist about half an hour. Then the decoction is filtered and used for gargling 5-6 times a day, after meals.

Important: folk treatment is used as an auxiliary therapy or first aid means for a patient with tonsillitis, but in no case replaces the doctor's appointments.

Surgical treatment

The need for surgery appears in the absence of effect from conservative therapy or the development of complications - in particular, paratonsillar abscess.

The most common surgical intervention is tonsillectomy, which is the complete removal of the tonsils together with the capsule. This intervention can take up to 60 minutes. The patient stays in hospital for 24 hours, followed by home observation for several weeks (up to one month).

Tonsillectomy is performed routinely after removal of active inflammation and removal of purulent plugs in the throat. Immediately before the intervention, preoperative diagnostics is performed, including blood chemistry and blood coagulation studies. Additionally, the patient is consulted by a cardiologist and an anesthesiologist.

It is preferable to perform the operation using general anesthesia, which allows the surgeon to get a better view of the operating field and control the general condition of the patient. The intervention itself involves excision of the tonsils together with the capsule from the surrounding tissues using a rasp. After removal, the surgeon coagulates (cauterizes) the damaged vessels to stop bleeding.

The rehabilitation period after tonsillectomy lasts for several weeks, up to one month. During this time, it is better to limit physical activity, temporarily eliminate salty, spicy foods and coarse food from the diet. For 7 days you should treat the throat with antiseptic and anesthetic solutions, follow the home regime.

Prevention

Pus plugs in the throat - a sign of the development of purulent process in the tonsils. To prevent the appearance of such pathology, it is necessary, first of all, to take care of your own immune defense: include in the diet enough fresh fruits and vegetables, be outdoors more, do not get hypothermic, keep physically active.

The basic rules of prevention are as follows:

• It is necessary to observe general and individual hygiene: use only your own towel, toothbrush, and in any disease - and utensils.
• It is important to eat properly: food should contain the necessary vitamins and trace elements, as well as a balanced amount of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. In winter and spring, the diet should be additionally enriched with ascorbic acid.
• It is necessary to seek medical attention in a timely manner for any infectious and inflammatory diseases. Risk factors for the appearance of purulent plugs in the throat are often maxillary sinuses, rhinitis, dental caries, helminthiasis. If sore throats often bother, it is worth consulting with a doctor about further treatment tactics: it may make sense to undergo several courses of physiotherapy, or think about surgical intervention.
• It is necessary to strengthen the immune system by maintaining a comfortable indoor microclimate (ratio of air temperature and humidity), providing the body with enough water, vitamins, minerals. In case of severe weakness of immune defense, it may be necessary to take immunomodulators, vitamin complexes.

Regular sports, physical activity in the form of hiking, morning exercises, contrast showers contribute to strengthening the immune system. Sun and air baths and hardening are also useful.

Forecast

The disease on average lasts about 2 weeks and ends with recovery, provided timely and adequate treatment, with compliance with all medical recommendations and appointments.

If complications develop, the prognosis is sharply worsened. In particular, with purulent lesions of nearby tissues and structures, the risk of entry of purulent microorganisms into the bloodstream and their further spread throughout the body increases. Especially dangerous is the development of sepsis: pathogenic flora settles on various tissues of organs, secondary infectious foci are formed. Such a condition is life-threatening and requires urgent medical intervention.

If pus plugs in the throat exist for a long time, there is a risk of replacing normal lymphoid tissues with connective tissue. This transformation is explained by the fact that in the area of inflammation there is an activation of fibroblasts - cells that take part in the formation of collagen and elastin fibers (components of scar tissue).