Tonsils are two small glands that can be found at the back of your throat. They act as a barrier that traps germs and helps fight against infection. Tonsillitis is when your tonsils themselves become inflamed and starts swelling due to a viral infection. It is a very common condition, especially among children and may recur frequently. I can be contagious as infection may spread through droplets in the air that is produced by the infected person’s sneezing and coughing. So how long does tonsillitis last? Often, the symptoms gradually disappear within a week. But if they last longer, then the possibility that the infection has spread to the surrounding tissues is higher. Hence this time, HNBT takes a look into the symptoms of tonsillitis, its treatment, its removal and also the condition of a tonsil cancer.
Symptoms Of Tonsillitis
These are common symptoms of tonsillitis in adults and children too :
- Hard to breathe
- Intense pain in throat
- Redness
- Formation of yellow coating on them.
- Fever and feeling weak
- Cough
- Headache ( sometimes pain in the ears)
- Pain when swallowing
- Loss of voice
- Bad breath
- Swollen jaws
Here are some pictures of tonsillitis :
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Tonsil Removal ( Tonsillectomy) ?
As we mentioned earlier, tonsils fight against bacterial infection and are important to help maintain a strong immune system in our bodies. Hence, removing them is not advisable. But however, if it recurs frequently, causing it to enlarge which may make it difficult for you to eat, swallow and even breath, then it is better to have them removed. There are many alternatives to have your tonsillectomy done ( non-surgical methods); doctors these days use lasers, radio waves, ultrasonic energy or even electrocautery. And of course, there are also two other ways to treat this condition, that is by using medications and home remedies. Following are few of the medications and remedies that are commonly used in treating this inflamed tonsils :
- Medications
To kill the pain triggered by sore throat, you can always use over-the-counter painkillers such as Ibuprofen, Paracetamol and Aspirin. And if you ever plan to treat your children with painkillers, then it is crucial that you use the right dosage. And you should also bear in mind that children who are aged below than 16 should not be given aspirin. Some doctors may prescribe you with antibiotics too. But this is very unlikely as antibiotics may worsen your symptoms by producing some side effects. Therefore, doctors may give you antibiotics only if they feel your symptoms are too severe or if your immune system becomes weakened. - Home Remedies
- Salt water.
Salt water is the best yet effective method that has been used for treatment, especially in children. All that you have to do is add ½ teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water. Use this solution to gargle by the opening of your throat. Make sure not to swallow it though. - Lemon/ lime juice.
This can kill all the bacteria’s around. Don’t worry about the pain or burn it may cause, because it is worth. This remedy really works. Mix three tablespoons of lime/ lemon juice into a glass of water. Add in a tablespoon of honey and sip this drink slowly. Another method is by sucking the juice directly from the lemon/lime. - Milk with black pepper powder.
Boil the milk first. Later add a pinch of black pepper powder into the milk and drink. You should drink this every night before going to bed. And you will notice a reduce in the pain and swelling. - Fenugreek seeds.
This is also an amazing remedy to relieve menstrual cramps. This is because fenugreek seeds have high anti-cramping and antibacterial properties. All that you have to do is boil about a handful of fenugreek seeds in water for about 30 minutes. Later, strain and drink while it’s still warm. You can also use it to gargle. - Green tea and holy basil leaves.
This is a good anti inflammatory and anti bacterial remedy. Prepare a cup of really hot green tea. Add in a tablespoon of honey, and three holy basil leaves. Cover the cup. And leave it on for about 30 minutes. Slowly sip this tea. Repeat this every 5 hours. It will soothe the inflammation and reduce the pain.
What About Tonsil Cancer?
I know that many of you would probably be thinking that severe tonsillitis leads to tonsil cancer. Fortunately, it is not that way. It develops only when one is infected with the human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV infection causes not only the cancer of tonsils, but also of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis and anus.
We have shared with you all that we know regarding symptoms of tonsillitis, its treatment and also the cancer. If you think we have missed out any facts, do not hesitate to let us know. We would also love to have you share your tips and home remedies on tonsillitis with us here in HNBT.
