Tonsils refer to masses of lymphoid tissues lying in the back of the throat, one on either side. Tonsils have a protective role and act as the first line of defense against the bacteria and virus that get inhaled or ingested. Inflammation of tonsils, on one side or on both, is known as tonsillitis.
Types of tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is divided into three types, which is dependent upon frequency of times tonsillitis occurs and how long it lasts:
- Acute tonsillitis: Acute tonsillitis includes cases where symptoms last anywhere from three days to about two weeks.
- Recurrent tonsillitis: Recurrent tonsillitis occurs when a person suffers multiple episodes of acute tonsillitis a year.
- Chronic tonsillitis: It occurs when a person suffers episodes of last longer than acute tonsillitis.
Causes of tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is most often caused by viruses, & bacterial infections according to the etiological factors
The viral tonsillitis: Viruses are the most common cause of tonsillitis. Viruses that cause most of the acute tonsillitis are the adenovirus, rhinovirus, influenza, coronavirus, and respiratory syncytial virus. Less common viruses are the herpes simplex virus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus, and HIV. There are many different viruses that can cause tonsillitis, including:
- Adenovirus
- Enterovirus
- Influenza Virus
- Parainfluenza Virus
- Epstein-Barr Virus (Mononucleosis)
- Cytomegalovirus
- Measles Virus
- Herpes Simplex Virus
Bacterial tonsillitis: Bacterial infections can also cause tonsillitis. The bacterial tonsillitis (strep throat) is caused by Group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus pyogenes (GABHS).
Other common Causative Factors:
- Tonsillitis can spread from one person to another person by coughing and sneezing.
- Adults who have some form immune deficiency condition (for e.g. HIV-infected patients) are also susceptible to tonsillitis.
- Abuse of antibiotics- abuse of antibiotics can destroys the normal flora of organisms in the mouth and triggers the tonsillitis
- uncontrolled diabetes is also one causes of tonsillitis.
Risk factors
Young age: This condition most commonly affects children between preschool ages and the mid-teenage years. The tonsil’s immune system function declines after puberty — a factor that may account for the rare cases of tonsillitis in adults.
Frequent exposure to germs can lead to tonsillitis: For instance, the school-going kids, who are in close contact with their peers, are at a greater risk of suffering from tonsillitis.
Sign and symptoms of tonsillitis
Common signs and symptoms of tonsillitis are as follows:
- Red, swollen tonsils
- White or yellow coating on tonsils
- Patches on tonsils
- Sore throat
- Pain while swallowing
- Fever
- An itchy throat or a muffled voice
- Bad breath
- Headache
- Enlarged, tender glands (lymph nodes) in the neck
- Possible irritability or a poor appetite among children too young to express themselves
Diagnosis
- Throat swab
- Complete blood cell count (CBC)
Homeopathic management
Homeopathy has always worked wonders in every case of tonsillitis and tonsillectomy has been prevented in most of the cases.
Homeopathy helps by:
- Reducing the inflammation of the tonsils
- Acts like a natural pain killer and an anti-pyretic drug
- Helps relive soreness & irritation
- Aligning the body with nature and bringing about a natural healing in the body.
Homeopathy is safe, natural and can be dispensed to everyone without having to worry about the side effects. Homeopathy is the treatment which is known to boost the body’s immune system and restore the body’s defences to normal. Homeopathic medicines are selected on the basis of individualization and each case is taken after a thorough history, extracting the causative factors, modalities as well as characteristic symptoms.
Homeopathic remedies
Belladonna
Belladonna top listed medicines for tonsillitis. Belladonna is suitable for treating acute tonsillitis. The guiding features for use of Belladonna are red, inflamed, enlarged tonsils and dry throat attended with fever. Swallowing food is difficult. Heat, constriction and lump in the throat may also be felt.
Calcarea Carb
Calcarea Carb is an excellent medicine for treating chronic tonsillitis. An indicative symptom for use of Calcarea Carb is the tendency to catch a cold with the slight change in weather.
Merc Sol
Merc Sol is an extremely effective medicine for treating tonsillitis with marked burning, smarting pains in the throat. Excessive salivation is also observed in such cases. There is a constant inclination to swallow. White deposits on tonsils may be present. Fetid or foul odor from the mouth may also be observed. Another attending feature is pain radiating from the throat to ear.
Hepar Sulph
The symptoms to look out for before advising Hepar Sulph are quinsy with stitching pain in the throat. Pain from throat may radiate to the ear. The pain is mainly felt on swallowing. Hoarseness of voice may also be noted. The person may hawk up yellow mucus.
Baryta Carb
It is indicated when there is smarting or stinging pain in the tonsils. Empty swallowing usually worsens the pain. A burning sensation is felt in the throat. Liquid alone can be swallowed with ease. Persons needing Baryta Carb also have the tendency to catch a cold easily, with the cold settling in the throat every time.
Merc Iodatus Ruber
Merc Iodatus Ruber is indicated medicines for treating left-sided tonsillitis. Indications for use of Merc Iodatus Ruber are swollen tonsil with dark red fauces on the left side, lump sensation in the throat and tendency to hawk.
Lachesis
Lachesis is selected when the symptoms include swollen tonsil on the left side, a purplish appearance of left side tonsil and throat pain radiating to the ear. Difficulty in swallowing liquids may be observed. Taking hot drinks may worsen the pain. Merc Iodatus Ruber and Lachesis is also the best prescriptions when tonsillitis starts from the left side and shifts to the right tonsil.
Merc Iodatus Flavus
The guiding features for use of Merc Iodatus Flavus are is swollen tonsil on the right side, tough mucus in throat and constant inclination to swallow. Other symptoms that may arise are the feeling of a lump in the throat, relief from taking cold drinks.
Lycopodium
The symptoms guiding use of Lycopodium Clavatum are swollen right-sided tonsil, sharp pain in right tonsil, mainly on swallowing, ulcers on the tonsils. Cold drinks may worsen the pain in the right tonsil. Warm drinks may relieve the pain.
Phytolacca Decendra
For treating tonsillitis where pain from tonsils radiates to the ears, Phytolacca Decendra is considered a top-grade remedy. The pain worsens from swallowing. Eating hot things worsens the pain. Other indications to look out for before prescribing Phytolacca Decendra are roughness and burning sensation in the throat. The tonsils are dark red or bluish in appearance.
Streptococcinum
Streptococcinum is an excellent medicine for treating a strep throat infection. The symptoms to use this medicine are enlarged, swollen tonsils, infected tonsils, and recurrent tonsillitis. The tonsils may get infected with purulent matter. This medicine is also useful for treating debility after a streptococcal infection.
Arsenicum album
It is indicated for tonsillitis when there is a burning pain in the throat. Pain is relieved by warm food or drinks and aggravated by cold food or drinks. The symptoms begin with a nasal discharge and then affect the throat. The pain is worse on the right side.
Ferrum phosphoricum
It is indicated for acute attacks of tonsillitis. The symptoms are slow to develop and are less painful. The throat is red and swollen, especially in the morning. Pain on swallowing which gets better from cold food and drinks. Hoarseness of voice.
Ignatia
It is indicated for tonsillitis where the pain is relieved by swallowing foods and is aggravated by empty swallowing. Sensation of a lump in throat with hoarseness or a complete loss of voice.