The tonsils are the two masses of tissue on either side of the back of the throat. Normal tonsils are usually about the same size and have the same pink color as the surrounding area. On their surfaces are little depressions, called crypts, which may appear deep and contain pus pockets or stones. The tonsils are composed of tissues that are similar to the lymph nodes or glands found in the neck or other parts of the body
Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the Tonsils, which results in a sore throat. Tonsillitis can be caused by either viruses or bacteria. Most cases of tonsillitis go away without antibiotic medication
Your child may
Find that it hurts to swallow. If the pain is intense, the child may stop swallowing saliva and start to drool
Complain of an earache
Have a fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
Complain of a headache
Complain of a stomachache (this is quite common).
Complain of general aches and pains, loss of appetite and may vomit
Have bad smelling breath
Because the tonsils are swollen and enlarged, the child may have trouble speaking and may even experience difficulty breathing
What Does Tonsillitis Look Like ?
When tonsils are infected, they will look redder than usual and swollen
A grayish-white or yellowish coating may cover part or all of the tonsils
The surrounding area of the throat near the tonsils also may appear red and inflamed. There may be swelling at the sides of the neck as the lymph nodes grow larger while producing cells to fight the infection
Only about 30% of tonsillitis in children is caused by strep throat
Only 10% of tonsillitis in adults is caused by strep throat
Tonsillitis Causes
In modern terms, tonsillitis is caused by microorganisms, but this statement is often denied by some group of people like homeopaths, immunologists, etc., who argue that it is mainly due to weak defence system. Whether viral or bacterial, tonsillitis is transmitted most commonly from one person to another by social contact such as droplets in the air from sneezing. Most of the time, tonsillitis is caused by a viral infection.
Bacterial tonsillitis can be caused by Streptococcus-the organism that causes strep throat. If left untreated, strep throat may lead to a more serious condition called rheumatic fever, which can affect the heart several years later.
Streptococcus (commonly referred to as "strep") bacteria (the most common cause of tonsillitis)
Adenoviruses
Influenza virus
Epstein-Barr virus
Parainfluenza viruses
Enteroviruses
Herpes simplex virus
Tonsillitis Symptoms
Sore throat
Difficulty feeding (in babies)
Pain with swallowing
Fever
Headache
Abdominal pain
Nausea and vomiting
Cough
Hoarseness
Runny nose
Redness of the tonsils and throat
Tenderness in the glands of the neck (swollen lymph glands)
White patches on the tonsils
Redness of the eyes
Rash
Ear pain (nerves that go to the back of the throat also go to the ear)
Is Tonsillitis Ever Serious?
Tonsillitis can occasionally become serious. For example, infection may spread beyond the tonsil to form an abscess, which is a localized collection of pus
An abscess that forms around an inflamed tonsil is known as a peritonsillar abscess or quinsy. This almost always develops on one side only and usually in adults rather than children
Another type of abscess, one that develops mainly in young children, is a retropharyngeal (behind the throat) abscess. This usually causes high fever and great difficulty in swallowing. If detected very early, peritonsillar or retropharyngeal abscesses can sometimes be treated successfully with antibiotics. In most cases, however, surgery is required to drain the abscess
Other Possible Complications
The most serious complication of tonsillitis is rheumatic fever, which often is accompanied by rheumatic heart disease. Rheumatic fever develops only if the tonsillitis is due to a type of bacterium known as group A beta hemolytic streptococcus. It also usually occurs only in children who have had repeated infections that have not been adequately treated with antibiotics
Another complication of streptococcal tonsillitis is a type of kidney disease known as acute glomerulonephritis. However, whether glomerulonephritis can be prevented by early antibiotic treatment of streptococcal tonsillitis is not clear
A common complication of tonsillitis is infection of the lymph nodes in the neck, known as cervical adenitis. This type of infection can usually be successfully treated with antibiotics. Occasionally the infection progresses, an abscess forms, and surgery is required to drain it
Other possible complications of tonsillitis include middle-ear infections (otitis media) and sinus infections. More often, however, these infections develop at the same time as, or independently of, tonsillitis
Homeopathic Treatment for Tonsillitis
At AUROH we believe and practice in treating the person as a whole. It means that homeopathic treatment focuses on the patient as a person, as well as his pathological condition. The homeopathic medicines are selected after a full individualizing examination and case-analysis, which includes the medical history of the patient, physical and mental constitution etc.
homeopathy discerns that the body has within it a controlling and defending force and power. Tt is only when this fighting power or resistance is disturbed, do we fall ill. The disease is thus not an affection of the parts but a disorder in the patient as a whole. Since one patient differs from another each requires a different medicine based on his individual and mental symptoms.
homeopathy is highly recommended for treating Tonsillitis
Prevention
Wash your hands frequently to prevent the spread of the virus or bacteria that cause tonsillitis
Avoid prolonged contact with people with strep throat until 24 hours after antibiotics are started