Tonsillitis Treatment
Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils, the two fleshy pads on the back of the throat. These may become infected with a virus or bacteria. These tonsils are an important part of the body’s immune system. This infection is commonly found in children. Until very recently, doctors recommended that the tonsils be surgically removed (tonsillectomy) in the case of tonsillitis. Now, the function of the tonsils in the immune system has been recognised, and removal is only recommended if the tonsils do not get better with other treatment.
Symptoms include white patches on the tonsils, sore throat, headache, fever, chills, painful swallowing, enlarged lymph nodes and laryngitis.
Treatment: The infection is caused by a virus, and normally runs its own course. In some cases, the infection may be caused by bacteria, in which case, your doctor may provide antibiotics. Penicillin may be taken for up to 10 days, and other antibiotics may have shorter courses. Only in the most severe cases will doctors recommend steroids to reduce swelling, or removal of the tonsils.
Natural Remedies:
• The juice of a fresh lime, mixed with water, honey, and salt can be made. This juice should be heated and sipped slowly to provide relief, and to speed up the healing process. Children can even be given lemons to suck on, with a little salt or pepper sprinkled on it to make the taste less sour.
• A glass of hot milk, with a teaspoon of turmeric can be drunk once or twice or day. Turmeric is a part of many traditional medicinal systems like Ayurveda, and is known to have many healing and anti-bacterial properties.
• Juices of different vegetables like carrot, beet root, or cucumber will aid healing for inflamed tonsils. The juices can be taken individually, or mixed to make a healthy cocktail. This can be consumed many times a day, and has no adverse effects.
• Gargle with warm salt water many times a day. The salt will prevent bacterial growth, and thus help the throat to recover faster.
• Sucking on a sweet or a lozenge will encourage saliva production, which will destroy bacteria in the mouth and aid recovery.
• Drink lots of fluids throughout the day. Meals should be soft and easy to chew, and soups, broths, lentils, and curds are very beneficial. The diet should also be healthy and high on fruits and vegetables.
