Overview
What is Tonsillitis?
Tonsils are lumps of tissue on both sides of the back of the throat that help the immune system protect the body from infections. They are the human body’s first line of defense as part of the immune system.They filter bacteria and viruses that enter the body through the mouth or nose, but they themselves can sometimes become infected.
Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils caused by viruses and
bacteria. When tonsillitisoccurs the tonsils get inflamed and swell up
causing nasal obstruction and/or breathing, swallowing, and sleep
problems. Tonsillitis usually is contagious for about 7-10 days.It is a
very common childhood condition and can occur at any age. Tonsils
produce white blood cells which combat viruses and bacteria that enter
the body through the mouth. But if the immune system is weak, especially
in children, overworked, and elderly people then the tonsils become
vulnerable during the attack by the viruses and bacteria and get
infected.
Symptoms and Signs
- A sore throat, which may be severe
- Red, swollen tonsils
- Trouble swallowing
- A white or yellow coating on the tonsils
- Swollen glands in the neck
- Fever with or without chills
- Bad breath
- Earache
- Stomaches
Types
Recurrent tonsillitis: multiple episodes of acute tonsillitis a year
Chronic tonsillitis: episodes last longer than acute tonsillitis in addition to other symptoms that include:
- chronic sore throat
- bad breath, or halitosis
- tender lymph nodes in the neck
Causes
The most common cause of tonsillitis is viruses. The viruses cause infections such as the common cold and flu, and there is the EBV virus (part of the herpes family which spreads through bodily fluids, most commonly through kissing) that causes mononucleosis or mono also known as the kissing disease. Here are some of the common viruses that cause tonsillitis:
- Adenoviruses
- Influenza virus
- Epstein-Barr virus
- Parainfluenza viruses
- Enteroviruses
- Herpes simplex virus
Risk factors
Young age: Tonsillitis most often occurs in children, but rarely in those younger than age 2. Tonsillitis caused by bacteria is most common in children ages 5 to 15, while viral tonsillitis is more common in younger children. Frequent exposure to germs: School-age children are in close contact with their peers and frequently exposed to viruses or bacteria that can cause tonsillitis.
How Homeopathy helps?
Tonsils are part of immune’s defense mechanism. If there is Frequent attacks of Tonsillitis,than 9 that suggest low Immunity. Immunity need to be corrected instead of removing the tonsils. Removing tonsils does not suggest whether the patient again will have any complaints of throat. There is an excellent treatment in Homeopathic that not only helps in correcting the inflammation of Tonsils but also helps in keeping immunity stronger.