How to rinse tonsils with an irrigator

Is it possible to wash tonsils with an irrigator?

In this article

• Is it possible to wash tonsils with an irrigator?
• Why rinse your tonsils?
• Is it possible to rinse tonsils with an irrigator?
• Flushing the tonsils with an irrigator
• How to rinse tonsils at home with an irrigator
• When is tonsil flushing contraindicated?
• Basic recommendations: how to properly rinse tonsils at home

First, a few words about tonsils and tonsillitis. The human throat provides ideal conditions for the proliferation of fungi, viruses and bacteria. Tonsils (tonsils) protect the respiratory system from pathogenic microorganisms. They have microscopic lacunae into which food debris, dead epithelial cells and microbes fall. Tonsils are an important part of the body's immune system; they protect the lungs from infectious diseases, but at the same time become vulnerable to disease. A viral or bacterial inflammatory process in the lacunae of the tonsils causes chronic tonsillitis - a long-term inflammatory process of the pharyngeal or palatine tonsils.

This pathology can cause a person many problems, causing bad breath, fatigue, pain and sore throat. In addition, tonsillitis can cause tonsillitis and other complications. Treatment of this disease is carried out by an otolaryngologist. He prescribes a course of antibiotics and drugs for washing the tonsils.

Symptoms of tonsillitis

Clinical manifestations are quite varied and depend on the type of tonsillitis. The disease debuts acutely, against the background of hypothermia or stress. First there is a sore throat. It may intensify when swallowing, after smoking, or eating hard, dry foods. There is a cough, a feeling of a foreign body in the throat, rawness, soreness in the throat. The body temperature rises, the patient feels weak, tired, unwell, quickly gets tired, and there is pain in the joints and muscles. Upon examination, the doctor reveals enlarged and painful submandibular and cervical lymph nodes; the pharyngoscopic picture varies from hyperemia of the tonsils to friability, purulent changes (lacunae and follicles), and enlarged tonsils. The mucous membrane becomes swollen. In the presence of purulent plaque, a characteristic unpleasant odor from the mouth may appear.

Treatment for tonsillitis depends on its type and cause. Let's look at it in detail:

Etiotropic treatment (impact on the cause of the disease) depends on the causative agent of the disease. If a sore throat is bacterial in nature and if there are indications, antibiotics are used, which are prescribed by a doctor. Self-treatment of tonsillitis with antibiotics is not recommended, since an insufficient dose or the wrong choice of drug can lead to the development of resistance (persistence) in the microorganism, as well as to complications of angina (for example, peritonsillar, retropharyngeal abscess, diphtheria croup in children, acquired heart defects). For a viral infection, symptomatic therapy is prescribed, as the patient’s general condition remains satisfactory. Physiotherapy methods are also effective: ultraviolet irradiation increases the barrier function, the resistance of the tonsils, improves, stimulates local and general immunity, and has an antimicrobial effect. Laser treatment of tonsillitis in the submandibular area is carried out daily, in a course. The therapeutic effect is achieved by dilating small blood vessels and increasing blood circulation in the area of ​​inflammation1.

Symptomatic treatment

Anti-inflammatory drugs (paracetamol, ibuprofen, aspirin) have proven themselves well in the treatment of tonsillitis. They reduce swelling, inflammation, and as a result, pain. Antihistamines (Zyrtec, Tavegil) and analgesics are also used. For the duration of treatment, smoking, drinking alcohol, and spicy and hot foods are excluded. A gentle diet and bed rest are prescribed for 5-7 days.

If the patient’s general condition does not suffer, we can limit ourselves to the use of local means of treating tonsillitis.

Local treatment consists of prescribing medications that have an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effect2. Drugs for local therapy should not only relieve sore throat, but also have a wide spectrum of antibacterial activity, low allergenicity, and be non-toxic.

Hexoral ® has all these properties. The drug is active against a wide range of gram-positive bacteria, as well as pathogenic fungi of the genus Candida; the drug Hexoral ® can have its effect in the treatment of infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus. At a concentration of 100 mg/ml, the drug inhibits the growth of most bacterial strains. Hexetidine, being the active ingredient of the drug Hexoral ®, also has an anesthetic effect on the mucous membrane3. The variety of dosage forms of Hexoral ® makes its use accessible to the whole family. Hexoral ® spray is a convenient, effective and proven form for the treatment of tonsillitis in adults and children from 3 years of age. The Hexoral® line also includes a rinse solution (from 3 years old), Hexoral® tabs tablets (from 4 years old), Hexoral® tabs Classic (from 6 years old), Hexoral® tabs Extra (from 12 years old) years). In the form of a rinse solution, lozenges and sprays, the medicine is convenient to use, which makes patient adherence to treatment high.

In all cases of tonsillitis, it is necessary to consult a doctor, so that only a specialist can prescribe adequate treatment and prevent complications.

Surgery

Tonsillectomy is the removal of tonsil tissue and the underlying capsule. It is used in cases of unsuccessful conservative therapy, in the presence of a focus of chronic infection in the tonsils. A tonsillectomy is performed by an ENT doctor. Before the operation, you should consult with a therapist, do blood and urine tests, perform an ECG, and a chest x-ray. If there are concomitant diseases, undergo additional examination by specialized specialists.

Tonsillectomy is usually performed under local anesthesia with the patient sitting. Local anesthesia is performed, and then the tonsils are removed along with the capsule. The operation does not last long, about 10 minutes, complications are quite rare. Indications for surgical treatment are chronic persistent inflammation of the palatine tonsils in the stage of decompensation, frequent exacerbations of chronic tonsillitis, purulent complications in the form of abscesses and phlegmon.

Contraindications for tonsillectomy are: blood diseases (hemorrhagic diathesis), neuropsychiatric diseases in the stage of decompensation, which can interfere with the course of the operation and compliance with the postoperative regimen, open form of respiratory tuberculosis, cardiac, renal failure, severe diabetes mellitus. In each specific case, the issue of performing an operation is decided individually1.

Cryotherapy is a gentle method of semi-surgical treatment. Cryotonsillotomy - exposure to the tonsils with a special applicator (cryoprobe), in a closed system of which liquid nitrogen circulates at a temperature of -196 °C4. Areas of chronic inflammation where the tonsil no longer performs its functions are removed. Since cryotherapy is painless and bloodless, it is the method of choice for weakened patients, patients with blood diseases and those for whom surgical treatment is contraindicated (allergy to novocaine, severe diabetes mellitus, uncontrolled hypertension, severe heart failure, renal failure, hemophilia) and also in children. After cryodestruction, the body recovers more quickly and the patient returns to normal life. However, along with the advantages, the cryosurgical method has a number of disadvantages: several stages are assumed over 1.5 months, but in some cases it is not possible to achieve complete removal of tonsil tissue.

Contraindications to cryotherapy: decompensation of diabetes mellitus, some oncological diseases, acute myocardial infarction, high-grade heart failure, severe hypertension.

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Why rinse your tonsils?

Washing of the tonsils is carried out taking into account the characteristics of this organ. The tonsils are a collection of lymphoid tissue, inside of which there are small cavities and passages. They quickly fill with food debris, saliva and plaque from the teeth, which subsequently cause tonsillitis. Its manifestations can be minimized by washing the tonsils. You should contact an ENT specialist, who will prepare an antibacterial solution and carry out the procedure with a syringe or irrigator. Doing this yourself at home is dangerous, it can damage the tissue and cause complications.

The doctor may prescribe a course of physiotherapeutic procedures, the duration of which is 5-10 sessions - it all depends on the degree of the disease. When washing the tonsils, foreign substances and pus are removed from the lacunae. After several procedures, the process of self-cleaning of the tonsils begins. To avoid injury to the tonsils during tonsillitis, they can only be washed in the otolaryngologist’s office. Rinsing for the purpose of prevention is carried out at home using oral irrigators.

Syringe method

This is the most common and accessible method of performing the procedure. And most likely, when you go to the district clinic, you will be offered exactly this.

To carry out the procedure, a needle-free syringe with a curved cannula attached to it is used. An antiseptic solution, for example, a furatsilin solution, is drawn into the syringe. The syringe directs a stream of solution directly into the lacuna. The jet “breaks” the tonsillitis plug. Purulent masses, washed out of the lacunae by the solution, enter the mouth. At this moment, the patient must spit the washing solution into a special tray along with the washed purulent contents. As soon as the manipulation is completed, the surface of the tonsils is lubricated with Lugol's solution.

This method is referred to as the old, “grandfather” methods. Yes, this method is inexpensive, but it cannot be called very effective either. With this technique it is impossible to completely rinse the tonsils and remove deeply located caseous masses. Also, such sanitation requires good professional training from the otolaryngologist. An inexperienced ENT doctor can injure the surface of the tonsils with a syringe, which will lead to the spread of infection to healthy tissue, which will only worsen the situation.

The apparent simplicity of performing such a flush convinces patients to buy a syringe at a pharmacy and try to carry out the procedure at home. But only a few manage to cope. Firstly, we should not forget about the traumatic nature of the method, and secondly, it is not possible to maintain the proper level of sterility at home.

Sanitation with a syringe is an inexpensive and accessible method. But it is much more effective to carry out vacuum rinsing using the Tonzillor apparatus.

Is it possible to rinse tonsils with an irrigator?

An oral irrigator is a device that, by supplying pulsating water, cleanses the teeth and gums of food debris. According to dentists, regular use of such devices helps prevent the development of caries, gingivitis, periodontitis and other dental diseases. The irrigator should be used as an additional hygiene product, along with a toothbrush and floss. You need to use it at least 2-3 times a week, and better yet, every evening after traditional teeth brushing.

Modern irrigators are multifunctional devices that are suitable for cleansing the oral cavity, massaging the gums and rinsing the tonsils. The device reservoir should be filled with plain water or a disinfectant solution, furatsilin and other products approved by a doctor and compatible with a specific device. Let's learn how to wash your tonsils at home using an irrigator.

How often to rinse your tonsils

How often you need to rinse your throat depends on what disease is present and how quickly the lacunae fill. For some patients, one wash is enough, while others require a course of therapy of 10-15 procedures.

If the throat lesion is severe and it is not possible to completely clear the tonsils on your own, then vacuum lavage in an ENT office is recommended. This procedure allows you to remove all pus from the tonsils.

A device for washing the tonsils first removes pus, and then fills the lacunae with a drug. In case of purulent sore throat, rinsing can only be carried out by a doctor.

Flushing the tonsils with an irrigator

First you need to choose a suitable irrigator model. It can be portable or stationary, pulsed or microbubble. Portable models are not suitable for washing tonsils, as they have one significant drawback - the inability to smoothly switch the water supply mode. A sudden change in pressure and jet pressure can lead to tissue injury. Therefore, it is better to choose stationary models for washing the tonsils.

They are more functional and have several operating modes, including for cleaning gums and tonsils. In addition, stationary irrigators come with several nozzles, while portable ones are sold with one, or maximum two nozzles.

The minimum value of the cleaning jet pressure created by an irrigator suitable for washing tonsils should not be more than 150 kPa. Waterpik WP-108 E2 Ultra is ideal for this procedure - a stationary device that supplies pressure from 70 to 560 kPa. There is a lever on the handle for smooth switching of modes. You need to start the procedure with the weakest pressure, gradually increasing it. The device comes complete with 7 attachments. One of them is designed to clean gum pockets. It can also be used to wash the tonsils. Two standard attachments are also suitable for this.

Another suitable irrigator that can be used to wash tonsils is available under the brand name Aquapick AQ-300. It has several operating modes and 4 attachments included. The reservoir is quite large - 600 ml. It is enough for a complete cleaning for two or three family members. This device can be mounted on the bathroom wall using a bracket. It is not cheap, but it is one of the most functional. There is also a more budget option - B.Well WI-922. This device can be used to clear tonsils, but the minimum power it produces is 200 kPa. This irrigator is not suitable for children to wash their tonsils.

Our online store offers many stationary irrigators that can be used for washing tonsils. When purchasing, consider the following indicators: jet power, minimum pressure, number of operating modes, pulsation frequency and tank volume. Now we’ll find out how to rinse your tonsils with an irrigator at home.

How to rinse tonsils at home with an irrigator

It is better to rinse the tonsils on an empty stomach in the morning, since a stream of water entering the larynx can cause vomiting. Such reflexes cease to bother you after regular procedures. The duration of rinsing the tonsils is 2-3 minutes, but you can start from 30-40 seconds until slight discomfort appears in the throat. Washing is performed according to the following algorithm:

• stand in front of the mirror and take the irrigator handle;
• set the jet pressure to the minimum level;
• insert the tip of the device into your mouth and turn on the device;
• When changing the position of the device, turn it off each time.

Before washing, make sure the device is in working order. Fill the reservoir with a suitable solution.

Do not use decoctions and infusions. The smallest plant particles included in them can become clogged in the device’s filter and damage it.

After the procedure, you need to thoroughly clean the nozzle and put it in the case. When washing, do not swallow the solution, as it contains microbes washed out of the lacunae of the glands. Do not tilt your head back to prevent liquid from entering your respiratory tract.

After the procedure, you may feel dry mouth and sore throat. This is a normal reaction of the body to the solution used and the pulsation of the liquid. Subsequently, the larynx will get used to the effects of pulsating water. However, if you experience a sore throat and blood in your saliva, stop using the irrigator and consult a doctor. At home, only preventive cleaning of the tonsils is possible. For tonsillitis, you need to undergo the procedure in the ENT office.

When is tonsil flushing contraindicated?

The procedure is not recommended for people with arterial hypertension - there is a risk of a sharp increase in blood pressure. Also among the contraindications:

• acute infectious diseases of the gums, teeth and throat;
• increased body temperature;
• retinal pathologies and glaucoma;
• severe heart failure;
• 1st and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy;
• allergy to solutions used for rinsing.

Do not use faulty appliances. An irrigator can damage your gums and tonsils if the jet pressure is too strong. If the device does not work well, replace it.

Benefits of the procedure

There are two ways to rinse the tonsils: using a syringe or using the vacuum method using the Tonzillor apparatus. The ENT doctor decides how to rinse, based on the patient’s condition and his physiological characteristics.

The washing procedure has a number of undeniable advantages:

• persistent therapeutic effect (if you rinse your throat in courses, you can achieve long-term remission, and the symptoms of tonsillitis will not remind you of themselves for a long time);
• During the procedure, antiseptics and local antibacterial drugs are used, which act exclusively on the inflamed area, unlike conventional antibiotics taken orally;
• no allergic reactions;
• Children and pregnant women can wash their tonsils.

How often do rinses need to be done? For long-lasting results, otorhinolaryngologists recommend performing the procedure several times a year.

Friends! Timely and correct treatment will ensure you a speedy recovery!

Before washing your tonsils, you must stop eating at least an hour before visiting the doctor. After the session you need to abstain from food for a couple of hours.

Complex therapy for chronic tonsillitis usually includes ten rinsing sessions, which are carried out daily or every other day.

Contraindications to washing are: cancer, tuberculosis, acute infectious diseases, mental disorders, hypertension.

Regular rinsing allows you to avoid tonsillectomy (surgery to remove tonsils) and significantly increase the period of remission.

Basic recommendations: how to properly rinse tonsils at home

Experts advise adhering to the following rules when washing your tonsils:

• choose only high-quality irrigators with several operating modes and the ability to regulate pressure;
• wash your tonsils to prevent tonsillitis if it has already been diagnosed once;
• carry out the procedure in courses of 5-10 procedures with intervals of several months;
• during the period of preventive treatment, avoid spicy and hard foods (crackers, chips, etc.), which can burn or scratch the larynx;
• After rinsing, gargle with an antiseptic solution.