How do you know if you have tonsillitis?

Did you know that most cases of tonsillitis are caused by bacterial infections? Well, you should know that tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils. Keep reading to know more.

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Tonsillitis symptoms

Did you know that tonsillitis most commonly affects children between preschool ages and the mid-teenage years? Well, read further to learn the common tonsillitis symptoms.

• Red, swollen tonsils
• Sore throat
• Difficult or painful swallowing
• Fever
• Enlarged, tender glands in the neck
• A scratchy, muffled or throaty voice
• Bad breath
• Stomachache, particularly in younger children
• Stiff neck
• Headache
• Drooling due to difficult or painful swallowing
• Refusal to eat
• Unusual fussiness

Watch Video: Tips to keep tonsillitis symptoms in check

Tonsillitis complications

Let’s put some light on complications of long-standing tonsillitis.

• Peritonsillar abscess: Some have a tendency to develop an abscess (also known as quinsy medically) several days after onset of tonsillitis symptoms. The abscess clinically presents as a pus-filled sac that forms between the wall of the throat and the back of one of the tonsils.
• The spread of infection: Bacteria present in the abscess may infect the surrounding area like the nearby vein which could infect the blood and give rise to septicemia. This condition, also called Lemierre's syndrome, can be fatal if not treated quickly and appropriately. Infection from the tonsils may also spread to the middle ear resulting in its infection.
• Crypt formation: The bacteria can also colonize in the pits on the surface of the tonsils resulting in the formation of crypts. These crypts are yellow or white in color and form foul-smelling stones called tonsilloliths.
• Breathing difficulty: Tonsils get inflamed severely and almost touch each other (also called kissing tonsils). This might lead to snoring, disturbed sleep and mouth breathing. This condition is known as obstructive apnea.
• Streptococcus infection: Streptococcal infection of the tonsils can lead to complications such as rheumatic fever which might affect the heart valves and the joints or glomerulonephritis which is an infection of the kidney.

Tonsillitis treatment

The conventional treatment includes prescribing antibiotics when the symptoms of pain and inflammation do not diminish within four days. This is done in order to prevent secondary bacterial infection. Due to the emerging resistance of antibiotics, the usual practice is to identify the bacteria's sensitivity towards antibiotics before prescribing it. But this can be exhausting after some time.

Surgical removal of the tonsils is a widely applied procedure in cases of recurrent or chronic tonsillitis. But you should know that tonsils are an important component of the immune system and should not be removed unless required.

Timely intervention with the best tonsillitis treatment option would save you from complications of tonsillitis. Homeopathy provides exceptional treatment for tonsillitis. International studies show that children who take homeopathic treatment for tonsillitis are less prone to infections and the use of antibiotics, and have better attendance at school.

Homeopathic medicines work on strengthening the immune system allowing the body to deal with infections in an efficient manner. They are safe and provide relief from the acute tonsillitis symptoms. They are selected based on the symptoms and individual case history. The constitutional homeopathic medicine prescribed on the basis of the case history helps in overcoming the pain and difficulty of acute tonsillitis attacks and raises the child’s immunity so that frequent tonsillitis attacks are avoided.

A few commonly used homeopathic medicines used for tonsillitis are Bartya Carb and Belladonna. Bartya Carb is indicated when there is a stinging pain in the tonsils and burning sensation in the throat. Bartya Carb is advised for a personality who has a tendency to catch a cold easily. Belladonna is the next most commonly used homeopathic remedy for treating acute tonsillitis. A person requiring Belladonna has tonsils which are red, inflamed, enlarged and also has a dry throat accompanied with fever. There is a sensation of heat and constriction in the throat.

Conclusion

It is highly recommended to book an appointment with your homeopath as soon as you notice tonsillitis symptoms and seek homeopathic tonsillitis treatment.