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Published on: November 16, 2015
Management of recurrent tonsillitis in children
Diaa El Din El Hennawi1, Ahmed Geneid2, Salah Zaher3
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt.
Azithromycin (AZT) and benzathine penicillin (BP) effectively treat recurrent tonsillitis in children, showing comparable results to surgery. AZT demonstrated better patient compliance in this comparative study.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Pharmacology and therapeutics
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Recurrent tonsillitis poses a significant health challenge in pediatric populations.
- Conventional treatments include surgical intervention (tonsillectomy) and antibiotic therapy.
- Comparing the efficacy and safety of different antibiotic regimens is crucial for optimal patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of azithromycin (AZT) and benzathine penicillin (BP) in managing recurrent tonsillitis in children.
- To evaluate drug safety and patient compliance between the two treatment groups.
- To assess the outcomes in relation to conventional surgical treatment.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled study involving 350 children diagnosed with recurrent streptococcal tonsillitis.
- 122 children were randomly assigned to receive either intramuscular benzathine penicillin or oral azithromycin for six months.
- Treatment protocols involved specific dosages based on child weight, administered at defined intervals.
Main Results:
- Both azithromycin and benzathine penicillin groups exhibited significant reductions in recurrent tonsillitis episodes.
- Treatment outcomes were comparable to those achieved with tonsillectomy.
- No statistical differences in infection recurrence or drug safety were observed between the azithromycin and benzathine penicillin groups after six months. Azithromycin showed superior compliance.
Conclusions:
- Azithromycin serves as a viable alternative to benzathine penicillin for the management of recurrent tonsillitis in pediatric patients.
- The therapeutic efficacy of azithromycin is comparable to benzathine penicillin and surgical tonsillectomy.
- Improved compliance with oral azithromycin suggests potential benefits for long-term treatment adherence.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
Chronic Pharyngitis
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
Tonsillitis I: Introduction
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Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
Tonsillitis II: Management
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Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

