Tonsils are masses of lymphoid tissues located at the back of the throat. Two on either side, the function of the tonsils as protective oval shields against viruses and bacteria. Nonetheless, when tonsils swell, it causes much pain and discomfort. When tonsils inflame, it is called tonsillitis. It is a common type of pharyngitis. Once its onset, the symptoms aggravate rapidly.
Table of Contents
Tonsillitis Common symptoms:
- Sore throat
- Enlargement of tonsils
- Fever
- Trouble swallowing
- Swelling of cervical lymph nodes
- Throat redness
- Whitish Spots
- Malaise
- Runny nose
- Vomiting
- Blisters in throat or mouth
- Hoarse Voice
- Headache
Main Causes of Tonsillitis
The two major causes of tonsillitis are:
- Viral Infection
- Bacterial Infection
Viral Infection
It causes about 40% to 60% of cases. Tonsillitis is infectious and can spread through the air from one person to another. Viruses that cause tonsillitis are parainfluenza, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, coronavirus, rhinovirus, herpes simplex, cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr. About, 10% of cases are because of the virus called Epstein-Barr.
Bacterial Infection
Predominantly Group A β-hemolytic streptococci (GABHS) is responsible for causing strep throat. Rarely do bacteria like Corynebacterium diphtheria or Haemophilus influenza cause tonsillitis. Often bacterial infection follows the initial viral infection of the tonsils. Antibiotics are often effective in fighting such bacterial infections. Anaerobic bacteria are also responsible for causing tonsillitis.
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Other Causes
These include allergens in food items such as sour or citric fruits, bananas, artificial colour in sweets, preservatives in beverages, frozen food products, ice-creams etc. Environmental factors, like cold weather, damp climate or sudden change in weather, and exposure to pollutants can cause tonsillitis.
Either way, when an individual’s tonsils are infected, the white blood cells of the immune system fight back against the virus or the bacteria responsible. T and B lymphocytes are the white blood cells that combat infections. They produce inflammatory cytokines such as phospholipase A2 leading to fever, sore throat and associated symptoms. Infection in the throat can also cause the pharynx to swell.
How Frequently Tonsillitis Occur?
In three months, about 7.5% of people report having a sore throat. About 2% of people infected visit the doctor for treatment in a year. School children are the most affected, especially during seasonal change and colder months. People with mild symptoms recover without any treatment. Symptoms vanish within three days in 40% of people and, 80% get cured within a week. Antibiotics are always helpful in reducing the symptoms approximately within sixteen hours.
Complication
In severe cases of tonsillitis, a complication called Peritonsillar Abscess (PTA) may occur. It is also known as quinsy. It involves pus accumulation due to infection behind the tonsil. Complications may include aspiration pneumonitis and blockage of the airway. Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Severe pain on one side
- Severe sore throat
- Persistent pain
- Trouble opening the mouth
- Trouble Swallowing
- Redness and Swelling of the Tonsillar area
- Swelling of jugulodigastric lymph nodes.
- Foul breath
- Airway obstruction
- Displacement of Uvula towards the Unaffected Side
- Voice Change
- Headache
- Neck and ear pain
- Tender lymph nodes
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How PTA is Different from Tonsillitis?
PTA occurs both in children and adults, unlike tonsillitis which is more common in children. Tonsillitis develops over a week’s duration, while symptoms of PTA are visible two to eight days before the onset of an abscess. There are similarities between the symptoms of tonsillitis and PTA. So, one should look into the matter seriously if an affected person is having trouble opening their mouth and consuming anything. Persistent and severe pain on one side of the throat is a distinctive sign of having PTA. PTA often follows streptococcal pharyngitis. Treatment usually involves removing the pus, pain killers, antibiotics and fluids. Unlike tonsillitis, PTA is caused by multiple types of bacteria, aerobic and anaerobic pathogens. Medical imaging and Screening is always helpful in ruling out such complications.
Diagnosis of Tonsillitis
There are no distinctive methods to diagnose tonsillitis. Diagnosis is by the symptoms and the severity of them. A severe sore throat is likely to be a symptom of tonsillitis, pharyngitis or tonsillopharyngitis. It depends upon clinical observations and findings. Often throat swabs and rapid strep tests are used to inspect the tonsillar area. Other diagnostic methods used are:
Centor Criteria Scoring System
It helps in determining possible causes of tonsillitis. The scoring system helps in determining the presence of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus virus (GABHS). The upgraded version of the Centor Criteria includes five major diagnostic criteria :
- Painful neck lymph nodes
- History of fever
- Presence of tonsillar exudate
- Age
- Absence of cough
A person infected with hemolytic streptococcus virus has an increased score in every criterion.
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Bacterial Culture
It is for cases where streptococcus virus is negligent. An increase in the rate of antistreptolysin O antibody following severe infection provides evidence of GABHS infection. It is definitive proof of GABHS infection. Blood tests are required for those needing hospitalization or undergoing tonsillectomy.
Naso endoscopy
It is for diagnosing patients having severe neck pain. The inability to swallow any food or fluid with trouble in opening the mouth may be recommended to take this test.
Homeopathy Treatment for Tonsillitis
Homeopathy treatment is the best alternative system of medicine to allopathy. Homoeopathic medicines come from plant extracts, minerals, animals and synthetic substances. The diluted solutions are very effective for treating the symptoms of tonsillitis and its other forms.
Homeopathic medicines are helpful for treating the underlying cause of tonsillitis. Consuming homeopathic medicines at an early stage of cirrhosis can reduce the count of viruses. It provides symptomatic relief.
Advantages of Homeopathy Treatment for Tonsillitis
- Homeopathic remedies are natural and can treat symptoms of both mild and chronic symptoms of tonsillitis.
- Homeopathic medicines can boost the immune system of children who suffer tonsillitis frequently.
- Homeopathy treatment is safe, organic with no additives and side effects.
- Surgical removal of tonsils can be avoided with homeopathic treatment.
- Effective homeopathy medicines include Belladonna, Lachesis, Calcarea Carbonica, Hepar Sulphuricum, Mercurius Solubilis and Tuberculinum.
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Duration of Homeopathy Treatment
The duration of treatment varies depending on the severity of the infection and the onset of the symptoms. Several patients suffering from tonsillitis have shown remarkable improvement within six months of undergoing homeopathic treatment. Even children having tonsillitis frequently, benefit from homeopathic medicines. It prevents them from undergoing tonsillectomy. The improvement in children was visible within 10 to 14 months. Homeopathic immunity boosters are highly effective for both children and adults in combating infections.
Popularly Prescribed Homeopathic Medication for Tonsillitis
Here’s a list of homeopathic medicines that have proven effective for treating symptoms of tonsillitis:
- Belladonna – It provides relief from sore throat and inflammation of tonsils. It is also beneficial for treating mild to high fever due to tonsil infection. Irritation in the throat due to cold, malaise and headache is treated with belladonna.
- Phytolacca– It is best for treating symptoms of tonsillitis like sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and acute pain in either side of the throat. It is also beneficial for treating symptoms of PTA. The medicine can prevent symptoms from aggravating, providing early relief from pain.
- Calcarea Carb– It is a medicine beneficial for those susceptible to cold and tonsillitis. For children, Calcarea carb can work wonders. It can boost up their energy and immunity system. It treats the red patches formed in the throat and provides relief from the sore tongue, dry mouth, irritation and choking sensation in the pharynx.
- Other Medications – These include Baryta Carb, Merc Iodatus Ruber, Phytolacca Decendra, Merc Iodatus Flavus and Lycopodium Clavatum.
Conclusion
Homeopathy is now the most commonly preferred alternative branch of medicine with a well established global market. Homeopathy is practised by qualified and experienced professionals with licenses. According to a report by WHO in 2019, about 100 out of 133 member states agreed with people opting for homeopathic treatment. In countries like India, UK, Mexico and Srilanka, homeopathy treatment has been integrated into the national health care system. With research and other scientific and technological developments, homeopathy is gaining ground. Though its effectiveness in treating conditions is debatable, a significant part of the global population claims to have benefitted from it in several ways. One must always consult specialists and doctors for proper diagnosis and prescription of homeopathic medication.
