Tonsils are the two lymph nodes on each side of the back of the throat. These small nodes safeguard the body from getting an infection. When tonsils become infected or inflamed, it is called tonsillitis. The majority of cases are triggered by infection from a common virus, but bacteria such as Streptococcal bacteria are also the cause. If strep throat is the cause, it can lead to serious complications if not managed properly.
Signs and symptoms of tonsillitis include difficulty swallowing, tender lymph nodes, swollen tonsils, and sore throat.
The treatment usually includes treating the underlying cause, so it is important to get yourself diagnosed and begin with the right medical intervention.
There are surgeries to remove tonsils which are quite common, but Ayurveda is a generalized treatment that can help with this condition.
There are three types of tonsilitis.
- Acute tonsillitis. This type of tonsillitis can last for up to 2 weeks. Acute tonsillitis may likely improve with home treatments, or sometimes antibiotics are required.
- Recurrent tonsillitis. This type of tonsillitis occurs several times a year. The signs include a sore throat that occurs 5 to 7 times a year.
- Chronic tonsillitis. It is a chronic tonsil infection. Chronic tonsilitis may also cause tonsil stones, caused by the buildup of dead cells, food, saliva in the tonsils’ crevices. Such waste buildup hardens in the form of stones.
What are the symptoms of tonsilitis?
The following are the signs linked to the occurrence of tonsillitis:
- tonsils that appear red and swollen
- tonsils that have white or yellow spots
- a very sore throat
- pain while swallowing food
- bad breath
- fever
- pain in the inner or outer ear
- a scratchy-sounding voice
- chills
- stomachaches
- headaches
- a stiff neck
- jaw and neck tenderness from swollen lymph nodes
In children, the signs that can be noticed
- poor appetite
- excessive drooling
- irritability
When to see a doctor
You should see a doctor if you are experiencing the signs such as:
- fever that’s high
- muscle weakness
- stiffness in the neck
- a sore throat that doesn’t go away
In rare cases, tonsillitis is so swollen that you may have trouble breathing. If this is happening with you right now, get consulted right away. While some tonsillitis may go on its own, in some cases, this requires other treatments.
What are the causes of tonsilitis?
Tonsillitis prevents the virus and bacteria that enter the body through the mouth and nose from infecting. So, tonsillitis is a more vulnerable infection because of invaders.
Viral tonsillitis
Viruses often lead to viral tonsillitis. The virus which causes you the common cold is often the cause of tonsillitis. Rarely, other viruses may also cause tonsillitis, including HIV, hepatitis A, Epstein-Barr virus, rhinovirus, etc.
The signs and symptoms may include Cough and Runny nose. Antibiotics may or may not work on viruses, so you can practice measures to run away with infection, such as drinking enough fluid, consuming OTC, and taking rest.
Bacterial tonsillitis
This form of tonsillitis is more prevalent in children aged between 5 and 15.
Around one-third of tonsillitis may occur because of bacteria. Usually, it is the strep bacteria that lead to strep throat and tonsillitis. Other bacteria are also associated with tonsillitis.
Your doctor can recommend antibiotics for bacterial tonsilitis.
What are the risk factors for tonsilitis?
Risk factors for tonsillitis include:
Young age. It is common to witness tonsilitis in children aging around 5 to 15. The most common cause is bacteria.
Exposure to germs. Infants and young children are more exposed to viruses or bacteria that can cause tonsilitis.
Why does tonsillitis inflame?
The tonsils are the core of the immune system’s protection against bacteria and viruses that may enter through the mouth. This likely makes them prone to inflammation and infection.
It is also known that puberty results in the impaired tonsil’s immune system function.
Complications
Complications that may arise because of tonsillitis are as follow:
- Obstructive sleep apnea due to disrupted breathing
- Infection may grow deep into surrounding tissue
- The buildup of pus behind a tonsil
What are the diagnosis tests for tonsilitis?
The doctor begins with a physical examination.
- Using a lighted instrument to view the throat.
- Examining a rash known as scarlatina
- Check for swollen glands
- Checking for enlargement of the spleen
Throat swab
Using this test, the doctor gets a sample of secretions over the throat. The sample is examined for streptococcal bacteria.
Complete blood count
CBC is also done to determine the cause of a bacterial or viral agent.
Are there any preventive measures?
Following these preventive measures will help reduce the risk of tonsillitis.
- Wash hands thoroughly and frequently
- Avoid sharing water bottles, or utensils
- Treat viral or bacterial infections early
Ayurvedic treatment
Ayurveda name tonsillitis as Galaayu, mainly triggered by the poor digestion leading to toxins buildup in the body. The aim of ayurvedic treatment is to boost the immune system and prevent bacteria or viruses from invading. Ayurvedic herbs are helpful in preventing inflammation and infection, and the right blend of diet and medicinal herbs is beneficial in the treatment.