Tonsillitis is a common condition in which the tonsils become inflamed, usually due to a bacterial or viral infection. It can cause a sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and difficulty swallowing. While it can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, tonsillitis is usually not serious and can be treated with antibiotics or other medications. In this post, we will discuss the benefits of treating tonsillitis and provide a guide to understanding the condition and its treatments. We will cover the causes of tonsillitis, the symptoms to look out for, and the treatment options available. We will also discuss how to prevent and manage tonsillitis to reduce the risk of complications and improve quality of life. By the end of this post, you should have a better understanding of tonsillitis and its treatments so you can make an informed decision about your health. Let’s get started!
Common Indian Names
Tonsillitis is also known as (Scientific Binomial Name), Tonsil Inflammation (Common English), (Unani), Tonsil soojan (Hindi / Urdu), Atina alarci / Tancil vikkam (Tamil), Ghashatil gathincha dah (Marathi), (Sanskrit), Tansila pradaha / Tansilera pradahamulaka byadhi (Bengali), Tansils / Tansil manta (Telugu), Galagranthiya uriyuta / Tansil uriyuta (Kannada), gulaganthi jalanam (Malayalam), Biantaoti yan (Chinese), amigdala inflamacion (Spanish), Amigdalite (Portuguese), Tonzillit / mindalina vospaleniye (Russian). The tonsils are small packs of lymphatic tissue at the back of the throat which help protect the body from infection. Recurrent tonsillitis can often indicate some underlying stress on the system, such as food allergy, with the immune system having to work overtime to combat the problem. In severe cases the tonsils can become filled with pus, causing an abscess which can need surgical treatment. There are many opinions about weather to take out tonsils or not? Some people think, children with no tonsils faces a constant round of allergies and infections. Doctors now know that tonsils do help fight off infections. And medical opinion is that to hold it as mush as possible.
Symptoms of Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils, the small round lymph glands sitting on the sides of the throat. It occurs most frequently in children under nine. Usually the tonsils become inflamed because they have been exposed to infection-causing microorganisms, frequently streptococcal bacteria or a virus. Tonsillitis is more common in children than in adults. The main symptoms of tonsillitis are sore throat, fever, headache, pain in various parts of the body, difficulty in swallowing and general weakness. The tonsils are seen to be inflamed and red when the mouth is opened wide. In many cases, spots of pus exude from them. Externally, the tonsillar 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. Other symptoms may include swelling and tenderness of the lymph nodes in the neck, sore throat with pain on swallowing, headache, earache, general weakness, malaise, fever, bad breath and constipation. In chronic tonsillitis the tonsils tend to flare up in episodes of acute infection, causing scarring that makes them difficult to treat in subsequent attacks.
Causes of Tonsils Inflammation
Tonsillitis refer to acute inflammation of the tonsils. It is also known as acute sore throat. The chief cause of tonsilities is a toxic condition of the system generally and is brought to a head by sudden lowering of vitality resulting from exposure and sudden chill. Tonsils enlarge and get inflamed when the toxins cannot be got rid of through the normal channels of elimination such as the bowels, kidneys and skin. Throat afflictions of this kind is also associated with the result of chronic constipation, when toxin, which should should have been ejected from the system in the normal way, are reabsorbed into the blood-stream. Chronic tonsillitis is a term applied to cases in which there is enlargement of the tonsils accompanied by repeated attacks of infection. Tonsillitis usually develops suddenly as a result of a streptococcal infection but may also be caused by a viral infection. The tonsils are two small lymphoid organs that lie one on each side of the throat. They can be seen just behind the back of the tongue between two folds of membrane running up to the soft palate. Normally, they are about the size of a lima bean but they can become very much larger if severely infected. They are valuable organs of selective elimination and perform a two-fold function. Firstly, they protect the throat against disease germs. Secondly, they serve as barometers for indicating infection elsewhere in the body, when they become sore and swollen.
Tonsillitis Home Remedies for Tonsils Inflammation
If you have tonsillitis, you should see a doctor for treatment. It’s especially important to treat a strep infection with antibiotics because this kind of infection can lead to a heart-damaging bout of rheumatic fever. The treatment of the tonsillitis on the lines of modern medical system by means of painting and spraying is both harmful and suppressive. It does not help to rid the system of the toxins, which are the root of the trouble. In fact it forces these toxins back into the system, which may cause more serious trouble later on. The correct way to treat the disease is to cleanse the system of toxic waste through proper dietary and other natural methods. Tonsillitis and – inflammation of the related glands, the adenoids – shows that the body is defending itself from infection. Here are the herbs that can help fight off the infection and soothe the inflammation.
- Sage Home Cure: In Germany, where herbal medicine is more mainstream than it is in the United States, physicians recommend a hot sage gargle for tonsillitis. The reason appears to be that sage has fairly high levels of tannins, substances that have a soothing, astringent action and an antimicrobial effect. Sage is loaded with other antiseptics, too. A tea made of the leaves of sage provides soothing, healing relief for sore throat, loss of voice and tonsillitis, as well as helping to remove mucus from congested lungs. Steep 2 tsp. dried or fresh leaves in 1-1/4 cups of boiling water for 35 mins. Strain, sweeten with honey if desired and take 1/2 cup every few hours as needed. Add 1/4 tsp. of fresh lime juice and gargle well before swallowing for raw, irritated throat.
- Treat Throat Infection: Blackcurrant tea or juice (hot) will treat infection and relieve the sore throat. Many cultures use elderberry juice to treat tonsillitis, as this herb has antiviral action and helps treat influenza.
- Fight Infection: Drink plenty of hot honey and lemon or honey and apple cider vinegar to fight infection and boost immunity.
American Folk Remedy: Blackberry root and persimmon, either alone or in combination, were early American folk remedies for tonsillitis. Since both are rich in tannins, this is a rational formula. - Gargle with Green Herbs: Gargles of any astringent herb will generally be helpful. Try sage, rosemary, marigold, or fennel using 2 teaspoons of herb to a cup of boiling water in each case. Allow the mixture to cool thoroughly before straining and using as a gargle. Adding a small pinch of cayenne power can be helpful, but do not put in too much as it makes the gargle very warming indeed.
- For Dry Cough and Irritation: If you have a dry cough or irritation in the throat due to slight congestion in the tonsils then try milk with turmeric and ginger. Boil 1 cup milk with 1/2 teaspoon turmeric and 1/4 teaspoon ginger, making a golden yellow milk. If you drink this at night, it will relieve the irritation in the throat and take care of a dry cough.
- Apply a cloth with mustard oil to the forehead to ease the pain and reduce fever.
- Tansy Gargle for Pain: An effective remedy for tonsillitis or a subsequent tonsillectomy is tansy herb. What you do first is gargle with it, then take a swallow. Tansy will soothe your throat which is bound to hurt for awhile from the surgery. Before you take any healing remedies for your throat, however, get your doctor’s approval. Sometimes antibiotics don’t agree with home remedies and you have to stop taking the latter.
- Echinacea to Fight Bacteria: Echinacea is the herb that enhance immunity are useful in almost all infections. Echinacea and Goldenseal are a good bet to treat Tonsillitis. Echinacea, also known as cone flower, is a fine one, according to many European studies. Echinacea stimulates phagocytosis, the devouring of bacteria and viruses by certain types of white blood cells. As with so many mouth and throat infections, we would recommend going with a double whammy by taking echinacea along with golden seal, another potent antiseptic, antibiotic and immune stimulant. Combine the two as a tea and gargle as well as ingest.
- Clear Mucus from Throat: The throat may be gargled several times daily with neat lemon juice. Gargle made from the fenugreek seeds is very effective in severe cases. To make such a gargle, two tablespoonful 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.
- Coat and Moisturize with Licorice: For sore throat, a licorice lozenge used every few hours for several days allows the coating properties of licorice to soothe inflamed tonsils and throats.
- Garlic Clears Infection: Garlic is useful in treating any kind of throat infection, including tonsillitis. Take two garlic capsules a day for either sore throat or tonsillitis. Capsules are a convenient way to take garlic, but not all experts give them top billing. Also try any garlic soup recipe with hot spices that contain vitamin C and other good sore throat fighters, including chili pepper, ginger, horseradish, mustard seed and pepper.
- Dandelion – A Good Recommendation for Tonsillitis: The Chinese suggest simmering about an ounce of dandelion root in two to three cups of boiling water until only half of the liquid remains. The resulting syrup is recommended for tonsillitis.
- Soothing Drink with Ginger: Root ginger can be chewed, and mixed with honey and lemon to make a soothing drink.
- Chinese Herbalism: Treatment would be aimed at Fire, Poison, Wind, and Heat. Avoid spicy food and drink honeysuckle tea. Honeysuckle flowers are used in China to treat tonsillitis, bronchitis, colds, flu and pneumonia. Extracts made from these flowers act strongly against a broad spectrum of bacteria. It’s small wonder, since the flowers contain more than a dozen antiseptic compounds.
- Vitamins and Minerals: There is some evidence that the vitamin C in citrus fruit is effective in treating the strep bacteria that often cause tonsillitis. Vitamin C also stimulates the immune system to produce more macrophages, scavenger cells that literally gobble up strep bacteria. Besides citrus fruits, good plant sources of vitamin C include bitter melon, rose hips, bell peppers, red pepper, pokeweed shoots, guavas and watercress.
Tonsillitis can be successfully treated by the natural methods. Surgery for the removal of the tonsils is necessary only in very rare cases, when tonsils are seriously diseased, rugged and contain hopelessly incurable pus pockets.
FAQs.
Q. What is tonsils?
Tonsils are small clusters of lymphoid tissue located on either side of the throat. They are part of the body’s immune system and help to fight off infection.
Q. What causes tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection, most often a virus. It can also be caused by allergies, irritants, or a reaction to certain medications.
Q. How does tonsillitis differ from tonsil stones?
Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils, usually caused by a virus or bacteria. Symptoms include a sore throat, swollen tonsils, fever, headache, and difficulty swallowing. Tonsil stones are small, round lumps of calcium and other debris that form in the crevices of the tonsils. They are often caused by food particles, dead cells, and bacteria that become trapped in the tonsils. Symptoms of tonsil stones include sore throat, bad breath, difficulty swallowing, and a lumpy feeling in the back of the throat.
Q. What are some good home remedies for tonsillitis?
- Saltwater Gargle: Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle for several seconds, several times a day.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Mix 1 tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar in a cup of warm water, gargle and swallow.
- Honey and Lemon: Mix 1 tablespoon of raw honey with 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Take this mixture several times a day.
- Cinnamon: Make a paste of 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1 teaspoon of honey. Take it 2-3 times a day.
- Turmeric: Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with 1 teaspoon of warm water to form a paste. Apply it directly to the affected area.
- Marshmallow Root: Boil 1 teaspoon of marshmallow root in a cup of water for 10 minutes. Strain and sip the tea slowly.
- Licorice Root: Boil 1 teaspoon of licorice root in a cup of water for 10 minutes. Strain and sip the tea slowly.
Q. What are tonsils for?
Tonsils are two small glands located in the back of the throat. They are part of the lymphatic system and help the body fight infection. They produce white blood cells and antibodies that fight bacteria and viruses that enter the body through the nose and mouth.
Q. Does getting your tonsils removed change the sound of your voice?
Yes, getting your tonsils removed can change the sound of your voice. After a tonsillectomy, the throat can become swollen and can cause a temporary change in the sound of your voice. The throat may also become more dry and this can cause the voice to sound hoarse. With time, the swelling should go down and the voice should return to normal.
Q. How do I get rid the problem of tonsilitis?
Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils, and it is usually caused by a virus or a bacterial infection. The main treatment for tonsillitis is antibiotics, which your doctor can prescribe. If the infection is caused by a virus, antibiotics will not be effective and the infection will likely need to run its course. Other treatments for tonsillitis include gargling with salt water, drinking warm liquids, avoiding irritants such as alcohol and smoke, and pain relievers. If the condition does not improve with these treatments, your doctor may recommend that the tonsils be surgically removed.
Q. What are some symptoms of tonsillitis?
Symptoms of tonsillitis include sore throat, pain when swallowing, swollen tonsils, fever, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, headache, bad breath, and a hoarse voice.
Q. What does a black spot on a tonsil mean?
A black spot on a tonsil can be a sign of a bacterial infection, such as strep throat, or a sign of a tonsil stone. It is important to see a doctor to determine the cause of the black spot.
Q. Can smoking cause tonsillitis?
Yes, smoking can cause tonsillitis. Smoking can weaken the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off infections like tonsillitis. Exposure to secondhand smoke can also increase the risk of tonsillitis.
Q. Do tonsils grow back after surgery?
No, once the tonsils are removed, they do not grow back.
Q. What is the best food for tonsillitis?
The best foods for tonsillitis are those that are rich in vitamins A, C and E, as well as minerals such as zinc, selenium and iron. Foods high in these nutrients include leafy greens, citrus fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, yogurt and probiotic-rich foods. Drinking plenty of fluids can also help soothe a sore throat.
Q. What food should be avoided in tonsils?
Foods that are high in acid, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar, should be avoided if you have tonsils. Also, foods and drinks that are high in sugar should be limited, as they can lead to an increase in bacteria that can cause infection. Other foods to limit or avoid include processed foods, spicy foods, dairy, and fatty and fried foods.
Q. Why is tonsillitis worse at night?
Tonsillitis is often worse at night because when you are lying down, mucus can more easily accumulate in the back of your throat, which can cause irritation and discomfort. Additionally, when you are lying down, it can be more difficult to drain mucus from your throat, leading to further irritation.
Q. Why are my tonsils always swollen?
Most of the time, swollen tonsils are caused by a bacterial or viral infection, such as strep throat or a tonsillitis. In some cases, swollen tonsils can be caused by allergies or a side effect of certain medications. It is important to consult with a doctor to determine the cause of your swollen tonsils.
Q. Can a person get strep throat after having tonsils removed?
Yes, it is possible to get strep throat after having tonsils removed. Strep throat is caused by a type of bacteria called Streptococcus, which can be found in other areas of the body, such as the nose and throat. Therefore, even if the tonsils have been removed, a person may still be susceptible to strep throat.
Q. Will tonsillitis go away on its own?
In many cases, tonsillitis can go away on its own without the need for treatment. However, if it is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be necessary to treat it. If the tonsillitis is caused by a virus, such as the common cold, it will usually go away on its own within a few days.
Q. If I remove my tonsil, will my height be increased?
No, removing your tonsil will not increase your height. Height is determined by genetics and is not related to the presence or absence of tonsils.
Q. How serious is tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis can range from mild to severe. If it is severe, it can cause complications such as dehydration, respiratory infections, and difficulty breathing. If you have severe symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Q. What is the fastest way to cure tonsillitis? What kills tonsillitis fast?
- Salt Water Gargle: Gargling with warm salt water helps reduce inflammation and also prevents the tonsil stones from forming again.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has many antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which can help in reducing the size of tonsil stones and also reducing the infection caused due to them.
- Garlic: Garlic is a natural antibiotic and can help reduce inflammation and fight the infection caused due to tonsil stones.
- Turmeric: Turmeric is a natural antiseptic and has anti-inflammatory properties which can help in reducing the swelling and infection caused due to tonsil stones.
- Basil: Basil leaves are rich in antiviral and antibacterial properties which can help in reducing the infection and swelling caused due to tonsil stones.
- Lemon: Lemon juice is a rich source of vitamin C which can help in reducing the inflammation and infection caused due to tonsil stones.
Q. What are the first signs of tonsillitis?
The first signs of tonsillitis include sore throat, difficulty swallowing, swollen tonsils, fever, fatigue, headache, and enlarged lymph nodes.
Q. Should you stay away from people if you have tonsillitis?
Yes, it is best to stay away from people if you have tonsillitis, as it is a highly contagious infection. If you must be around people, make sure you cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and wash your hands often.
Q. How to cure tonsils permanently?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to cure tonsils permanently. The best way to treat tonsils is to reduce the inflammation and manage the symptoms. This can be done with a combination of antibiotics, home remedies, and lifestyle changes. You may also need to have surgery to remove the tonsils if the symptoms cannot be managed.
Q. How to treat swollen tonsils in adults?
- Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated helps thin mucus secretions and keeps your throat moist.
- Gargle with salt water. This helps reduce swelling and relieve soreness.
- Take over-the-counter pain medications. This can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Avoid irritants. Anything that could irritate your throat, such as smoking, spicy foods, and alcohol, should be avoided.
- Try a throat spray. Sprays containing pain relievers and anti-inflammatories can help reduce swelling and pain.
- Use a humidifier. Staying hydrated keeps your throat moist and comfortable. A humidifier can help with this.
- See a doctor. If your symptoms persist or worsen, you should see a doctor for further evaluation and treatment.