Chronic Tonsillitis: Modern Perspectives On Etiology, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Chronic tonsillitis is one of the most common diseases in modern otorhinolaryngology and represents a long-term infectious-inflammatory process in the palatine tonsils accompanied by local and systemic toxic-allergic manifestations. The disease is characterized by a recurrent course, frequent episodes of tonsillitis, impaired immune response, and the development of complications affecting the cardiovascular, renal, and musculoskeletal systems. The pathogenesis is based on the prolonged persistence of pathogenic microflora, the formation of chronic infection foci, and autoimmune inflammatory mechanisms. This article discusses current data on the functions of the palatine tonsils, the causes of chronic tonsillitis, diagnostic methods, and treatment principles. Particular attention is paid to modern approaches to antibacterial therapy, immunocorrection, and surgical treatment.