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On right is a normal tonsil and on left is a red, inflammed, swollen tonsil with white spots
The inflammation of the tonsil is called tonsillitis. The infected tonsils become red and swollen, to work better to trap or stop the disease force - bacteria or virus. They also get coated (either partly or entirely) with yellow, grey, or white substance, depending upon the type of infection and |
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pus formation. Tonsillitis begin with a sudden sore throat and painful swallowing. The tonsils infection is common in childhood and teenagers but rare in adults.
Bacteria or viral infection : Bacteria, specifically beta-hemolytic streptococci, is the main offender. Virus can also cause tonsillitis. The source of infection may be food or water or droplet infection from coughing or mucus secretions of an infected person. Bacteria or viruses tend to flourish in crowded areas and hence patients who are prone to tonsillitis can easily catch the infection in schools, parks, theatres and so on. |
| Types of Tonsillitis |
| Acute tonsillitis : Sudden onset inflammation that lasts for about 4 to 6 days. Commonly affects children of ages 5 to 10.
Chronic tonsillitis occurs when there is recurrent infection. The tonsils remain infected and do not respond to treatment. They are usually a complicated form which are seen in maltreated or untreated children and teenagers. |
| Symptoms of Tonsillitis (Enlarged Tonsils) |
Symptoms of tonsillitis (enlarged tonsils) differ from patient to patient depending upon the size and involvement of sides (single or both) :Red, swollen tonsils - felt or visualized as a lump in throat.
Sore throat : Pain in throat is the most common presentation. However, young babies may not present with pain but may present with inability to eat.
Dysphagia, that is, difficulty swallowing. This may either be due to pain or due to huge increase in the size of the tonsils due to frequent inflammation.
Difficulty in breathing : Due to the blockage of airway by enlarged tonsil. This may lead to snoring, mouth breathing and restlessness at night due to sleep apnea (large pauses between 2 breaths). Sleep apnea, a disturbed sleep disorder may occur due to an obstruction to the air passage due to heavily enlarged tonsils. However, it is interesting to note that most children with sleep apnea do not recover of this disorder after the removal of the tonsils.
Due to sleeplessness at night, there will be excessive tiredness in daytime.
Fever : Acute infection of the tonsils may present with moderate to high rise in body temperature. In case of septic foci on the tonsils, there may be fever with chills.
Excess salivation and dribbling of saliva, often with bad breath (halitosis).
Earache due to infection and pus formation.
White spots or yellow or gray coating over the tonsils.
Painful or painless lymph node enlargement below the angle of lower jaw.
General symptoms : General fatigue, loss of appetite, low energy level, headache, constipation.
Recurrent or repeated attacks of cold and cough.
Complications of Enlarged Tonsils (Tonsillitis)
CSOM : Chronic suppurative otits media (ear infection).
Quinsy.
Obstruction causing choking.
Headache with sinusitis.
Rheumatism and heart strain. |
| Homeopathic Treatment of Tonsillitis (Enlarged Tonsils) |
| Homeopathy offers a very safe and effective way to cure enlarged tonsils and can save the little ones from the surgeon's knife. Homeopathic treatment has always stood by the view that whenever possible the tonsils should be saved as they are an important defense tissue of our body and provide the children with the much required immunity. |
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