Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is an infection in the tonsils and is very common; almost everyone once in their lifetime has been suffered from a sore throat that is linked with Tonsillitis. Children’s and teenagers are more vulnerable to Tonsillitis than the adult.
What is Tonsillitis
When you open your mouth, you can see one of the most important organs that help to fight infection known as tonsils. They are located near the roof of the mouth, they act as a sentry point for the throat, collecting the viruses and particles of bacteria that are inhaled or swallowed. The surface of the tonsils is pitted with several little recesses, also called tonsil crypts. When the tonsils get clogged with bacteria or viruses and food particles, the tonsils themselves become infected and start to get swollen due to inflammation leading to a condition known as tonsilitis. Viruses that cause cold or influenza are responsible for tonsilitis in children.
Classification of Tonsillitis (Based on location)
Palatine Tonsils
Inflammation of the palatine tonsil, palatine is located on the posterior and lateral wall of the oropharynx.
Pharyngeal Tonsils
It is the Superior most of the tonsils, they are located at the posterior wall of the nasopharynx.
Lingual Tonsils
It is present at the base of the tongue
Tonsillitis Based on Severity
Acute Tonsillitis
In acute tonsilitis, at first, the infection starts rapidly, and it limits itself within three to four days. They are mostly caused by bacteria like streptococcus and streptococci pyrogen even Epstein Barr virus is also involved.
Sub-Acute Tonsillitis
Sub-acute Tonsilitis is caused mainly due to bacteria, and the infection lasts for 7 to 8 days or more.
Chronic Tonsillitis
It is a complicated persistent infection of tonsilitis which lasts for months. Most streptococcus species are involved in this.
Symptoms of Tonsillitis
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Difficulty swallowing
- Frequent headaches
- Runny nose
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Swelling of the lymph nodes
- Bad breath
Complications of Tonsillitis
- Sinusitis: It is the inflammation of the sinus due to which there is a snoring effect, or a person can not breathe properly.
- Otitis Media: It is an ear infection mostly caused by tonsilitis.
- Peritonsillar Abscess: It is like neck pain, fever
- Retropherengial Abscess: Exudate of tonsils
- Glomerulonephritis: It arises from the viral tonsilitis—complex deposition in the nephron.
- Snoring: Sound producing during sleep
- Apnea: It is related to disturbed sleep or no sleep.
- Prevetebral Infection: Infection can be accessed to the vertebral area.
Tonsillitis Treatment
Natural Remedies for Tonsillitis
Salt Water Gargle
Salt has an analgesic potential and is also somewhat anti-inflammatory. Gargling and rinsing with lukewarm water create an osmosis effect resulting in a reduction of pain and inflammation caused by tonsillitis.
Apple Cider Vinegar
The acid in the apple cider vinegar is an active compound that helps to eliminate infections and can be used in treating tonsilitis.
Lemon Juice
The antibacterial properties of lemon can treat tonsilitis caused by bacteria. Vitamin C in lemon also strengthens your immune system.
Ginger
This spice has a strong anti-inflammatory property and is a good antibiotic too. You can boil some ginger and drink it as tea.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a natural antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant spice. Due to these properties, turmeric can naturally treat tonsil infection.
Cold Compress
Chills from the ice can reduce the swelling and ease the pain by numbing that area. Apply cold press directly on the tonsil area every 2hour for about 10 to 15 minutes for temporary pain relief.
By following these Home Remedies, it will be easier to deal with the pain and inflammation related to Tonsillitis.