Alternative names : Pharyngitis, laryngitis, Tonsils.
What is tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is an acute inflammation of the tonsils. Chronic tonsillitis refers to the condition in which there is enlargement of the tonsils accompanied by repeated attacks of infection. Tonsillitis is one the most common ailments encountered at childhood. Its incidence is especially high among children in the age group between 5 to 10 years. It is indicative of a toxic condition of the system and is a continuous source of distress both for the child and his parents.
The tonsils are two almond shaped small glands situated one on each side of the throat. They can be seen just at the back of the mouth between two folds of membranes running up to the soft palate. They are tiny at birth but show a spurt of growth and activity during the early months of life. They can become very large when severely infected. They protect the throat against disease germs.
In early childhood, especially in the first months at school. Children meet a wide variety of infections, most of which are transmitted through the nose and mouth. So the tonsils are ideally situated to attack and destroy these germs before they can enter the respiratory tract to set up a serious infection such as bronchitis or pneumonia. In fulfilling this protective function, the tonsils become red and swollen.
What are the symptoms of tonsillitis?
The symptoms of tonsillitis are sore throat, fever, headache, pain in various parts of the body, difficulty in swallowing, hoarseness of voice and general weakness. The tonsils are seen to be inflamed and red when mouth is opened wide. In many cases, spots of pus exude from them. Externally, the tonsillitis lymph glands, which lie just behind the angle of the jaw, are tender and enlarged. In several cases there may be pain in the ear.
The children suffering from tonsillitis (tonsils) are often listless and pale. They may vomit frequently due to the irritation of large tonsils. In case of chronic tonsillitis the children may lose weight, they may be irritable, lethargic and weak in studies.
What are the causes of tonsillitis?
Inflammation of the tonsils is usually due to infection by streptococcus progenies. This infection is facilitated by the toxic condition of child’s system generally, resulting from wrong feeding and unhygienic condition of living. Overeating, consumption of refined foods like sugar, whit flour and products made from them, fired foods, condiments, excessive tea and coffee all contribute to tonsillitis (tonsils) and constipation.
Tonsillitis Home Remedies
1. Acacia Bark
Use pounded acacia bark to make a decoction. Add a pinch of salt and gargle – for enlarged tonsils.
2. Lettuce
Dry water lettuce or tropical duckweed and burn it an ash. Moisten it with a drop of mustard oil, and apply a thin layer on chronic, enlarged tonsils, twice a day. Helps to get rid of tonsillitis.
3. Figs
Dried figs, boiled, softened and then mashed and the warm paste applied to tonsils is soothing and quite palatable too. Add honey to this and eat the stewed figs with just a little water/ syrup – ideal for hoarseness caused by laryngitis.
4. Lime
One of the most effective home remedy is the use of lime. Half a fresh lime squeezed in a glass of warm water, mixed with two teaspoons of honey and little salt, should be sipped slowly in such cases.
5. Milk
The use of milk has been found valuable in this disease. A glass of pure boiled milk, mixed with a pinch of turmeric powder and pepper powder, should be taken every night for three nights. It will provide great relief from tonsillitis (tonsils).
6. Vegetable Juice
Raw vegetable juice are also beneficial in the treatment of tonsillitis. The juices of carrot, beet and cucumber taken individually or in combination are especially valuable. Formula proportions found helpful, when used in combination are carrot 150ml, beet 50ml and cucumber 50ml to prepare 250ml of combined juice.
7. Gargle
The throat may be gargled with hot water mixed with a little salt and lime juice several times daily. This will help draw out fluids from the inflamed throat, their by relieving discomfort. Gargling with solutions made from the fenugreek (methi) seeds is effective in sereve cases. To make such a gargle, two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds should be allowed to simmer for half an hour in a liter of water and then set aside to cool. The entire quantity should be used as a soothing gargle in a day with beneficial results. Hot packs may be applied to neck. A warm water bath will also be helpful.
Tonsillitis can be successfully treated by the natural home remedy outlined above. Surgery for the removal of the tonsils will be necessary only in very rare cases, when tonsils are seriously diseased, rugged and contain hopelessly incurable pus pockets.
Useful References