subject: Tonsillitis: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment [print this page] Tonsillitis is a very common childhood ailment that is caused by the inflammation of the throat glands and often results in a sore throat. It occurs when the tonsils are inflamed. Bacteria and viruses can both cause inflammation. So, what are tonsils? Tonsils may be considered as two guards standing at the throat, protecting the human system from bacteria and viruses. They are basically natural protectors and are also vital organs of the body's self-defense mechanism. It is similar situation to the soldiers that become aggravated on the border while protecting their country.
Any person, at any age, may suffer from bacterial infection resulting in tonsillitis. However, children are most affected by tonsillitis, but it rarely occurs below the age of two years. A peritonsillar abscess is found in young adults, but it can also occur in children as well. There are different types of tonsillitis, i.e., acute, recurrent, chronic. The patient's history helps to identify the type of tonsillitis that is present.
Various causes of tonsillitis are:
As previously mentioned, the main causes of tonsillitis are bacterial or viral infections. Other causes of tonsillitis are as follows:
- Throat infections
- Excessive intake of spices and condiments
- Frequent dry coughs
- Constant use of the voice at a high pitch
- Blockage of the nose
- Congestion
- Excessive intake of toffees, sweets and chewing gums
Symptoms
Tonsillitis is mainly detected by swelling of the tonsils, which become red and inflamed and might even show a coating of white spots. Most common symptoms of tonsillitis are:
- Severe pain in the throat
- Sore throat
- Sleep apnea
- Swollen, tender glands on either side of the neck or jaw
- Aching in the ear
- Difficulty swallowing food
- Fever
- Chills
- Severe headache
- Snoring
- Bad breath
Other general symptoms include fatigue, feelings of stress, body aches, loss of appetite, and low energy levels.
Treatment of Tonsillitis
- Continuous gargling of a fenugreek-seed mouthwash
- Raw vegetable juices (Combinations of carrot, beet, and cucumber juices are a very effective treatment for tonsillitis.)
- Drinking lots and lots of water
- Gargling lukewarm salt water several times
- Maintaining good hygiene
- Resting your throat and speaking less
- In case of difficulties swallowing, breathing or talking, then it is suggested that you consult a doctor immediately.
- Try to avoid spicy food as it may harm your throat. Also avoid sour foods like curds and buttermilk, and also fried foods.
You can avoid tonsillitis by washing your hands frequently to prevent infection from viruses or bacteria that result in tonsillitis, and also by avoiding contact with people with strep throat until 24 hours after antibiotics are started. Tonsillitis normally goes away within 7-10 days, and when treated with penicillin, strep throat can be cured 90% of the time with a single course of antibiotics.
