Tonsillitis
What are the tonsils?
These are areas of the body that are used to help fight off infection. They make up part of our immune system. They are composed of lymphoid tissue, which is a type of immune tissue. Lymphoid tissue contains a form of white blood cells called lymphocytes, which are used to fight off infection. When a virus, bacteria or other pathogen enters into the body through the nose or the mouth it is the role of the tonsils such as the adenoid to immediately detect this threat and alert the immune system to start mounting an immune response against it.
There are four tonsils that are found at the back of the throat and mouth. These are known as the adenoid (pharyngeal), two palatine tonsils, and the lingual. The ones that we can see when you look in the back of the throat are the palatine. These are the ones that are most often talked about when it is said that the tonsils are inflamed, red or swollen. These are seen on the base of the tongue in the right and left. At a doctor’s appointment, the doctor will often visualize these when they push down your tongue with the tongue depressor.
What is tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils. It is common in young children. This can happen because of an infection such as a bacterial infection. When a pathogen invades the mouth or nose the immune cells in this area are immediately activated. The body sends more blood and immune cells to the area to help them fight off the pathogen resulting in swelling of the tonsils (swollen glands) as they accommodate these extra immune cells. Inflammation in these areas occurs because of the immune response and the invading pathogen or virus infecting the tonsillar cells. When these become inflamed they swell and may put pressure on the base of the throat making it more difficult to swallow. In some severe cases of swelling, it can obstruct the airway. Tonsillitis is often accompanied by a sore throat, scratchy throat, white spots on the throat or hoarseness. It can also have bad breath, tonsilloliths (tonsil stones) or an accompanying ear infection. This can either be acute tonsillitis or chronic tonsillitis depending on the course of the disease. It can be bilateral, if both palatine tonsils are inflamed, or unilateral if only one is. It can also infect the adenoids. In severe cases, it can develop into a peritonsillar abscess which is a medical emergency. This, as well as other complications, can lead to a tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils).
What are the signs of tonsillitis?
Characteristic symptoms are pain on swallowing, swollen tonsils and swallowing difficulties. Speech may also be muffled. Depending on the severity of the inflammation, lymph nodes may swell at the angle of the jaw. They can become palpable and tender. In addition to these typical symptoms, non-specific general symptoms commonly occur such as headache, fatigue, feeling unwell and fever. This condition can also be accompanied by an ear infection or an abscess if the case is more severe. It is always important to watch out for a peritonsillar abscess in more severe or chronic cases. Health care providers or other care providers can help in this regard.
What is purulent tonsillitis?
This is a type of tonsillitis where pus develops and is seen in the areas. It develops depending on the severity of the inflammation and type of pathogen that the tonsils are trying to fight against. Most often purulent tonsillitis is associated with a bacterial infection whereas non-purulent versions are usually originally triggered by a viral infection causing flu-like symptoms. Once viruses have damaged the mucous membranes of the tonsils, they are more susceptible to colonization by bacteria. The bacteria can also establish themselves on these areas leading to the formation of pus or yellow spots or white spots that can be seen on the palatine tonsils. This means they are pus-filled. This is known as purulent tonsillitis.
Strep throat, Scarlet fever or tonsillitis?
Scarlet fever and strep throat are two other conditions that can present similarly to tonsillitis. They both will cause a sore throat, fever, bad breath that is foul-smelling, headache, and swollen lymph nodes. What differentiates scarlet fever is that it has a distinct red rash. It also has a white coat on the tongue which when removed reveals a red tongue (often called a strawberry tongue) that accompanies these general symptoms. These conditions are differentiated from tonsillitis because of the type of pathogen/bacteria that causes them. Both scarlet fever and strep throat are caused by a bacterium known as group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS). This is the only pathogen that can cause strep throat. A streptococcal infection does not always have to cause strep throat it can also cause tonsillitis. If the strep bacterium is the cause of tonsillitis it will have only invaded into the tonsils and not have gotten as far into the body to cause strep throat or scarlet fever. Tonsillitis can precede a diagnosis of these other two conditions. In addition to streptococcus bacterial infection, there are a whole host of other pathogens that can also cause tonsillitis. It is always important to know the root cause of any condition to be able to distinguish it from these more serious infectious conditions. Knowing the cause also makes it easier to treat the presenting infection if necessary. An easy way to differentiate between the type of pathogen causing the infection is to use a rapid strep test or a strep test with a throat culture which can be done at a family doctors office. This will let you know if the cause of the sore throat is a streptococcal infection or not. This test is a type of swab. Streptococcal infections leading to strep throat can have more intense side effects then tonsillitis including a condition known as rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis. Because of this, it is always important to identify if the cause including whether it is from a bacterial or viral infection.
What is causing the sore throat?
Sore throats commonly occur during a cold. Most of the time they resolve quickly on their own after a few days. However, there are some causes of sore throats such as strep throat or scarlet fever that can have more serious side effects and complications such as rheumatic fever. It is less likely for some of these conditions to resolve on their own. Some symptoms of a more serious condition are long-lasting symptoms such as tender lymph nodes, severe fever, muffled speech, difficulty breathing etc. Some forms of the sore throat might need medications to help them resolve. With purulent or bacterial tonsillitis, you may have to take antibiotics. A swab can be used to help identify the offending pathogen. The reason for this is that some of the bacterial candidates for the pathogen are extremely dangerous and can also spread to other organs. Bacterial tonsillitis often needs antibiotics. In extreme causes, it may be necessary to remove the tonsils with a tonsillectomy. This is a form of neck surgery that is used to take out the tonsils. It can remove multiple or a single type of tonsils. For example, an adenotonsillectomy is a form of surgery done to only remove the adenoid. This is only done if necessary because of the important function that the tonsils play in the body’s defences and the immune system. Most often surgery is done for cases of chronic tonsillitis especially if it is impeding on the airway or become life-threatening. In general, most cases are non-surgical and can be treated with over-the-counter medications such as lozenges, self-care and home remedies.
Some further causes of sore throat include
- Tonsillitis or swollen tonsils
- Pharyngitis
- Laryngitis
- Epiglottitis
- Strep Throat
- sleep apnea (obstructive sleep apnea)
- Infectious diseases: Scarlet fever, diphtheria, mumps
- Glandular fever
- Irritated respiratory tract due to smoking, dusty air, toxic fumes or
- Thyroid diseases
- Allergies
- Overuse of vocal cords
- mononucleosis (Epstein Barr virus)
- infectious mononucleosis
- measles
- tonsil cancer
- adenoid infection
- peritonsillar abscess or abscesses in general
What helps tonsillitis?
Many home remedies have proven themselves for generations for a sore throat. They have an anti-inflammatory effect and reduce swelling decreasing pain and swallowing difficulties.
It is always important to drink plenty so that the mucous membranes in the throat remain moist. Warm teas that are not hot are often preferred. For example, teas with sage, thyme and chamomile. These herbs have a soothing effect on the throat but also have an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial action to try and get rid of any extra pathogens in the area. Honey can be added to tea or can be had on its own. It is a powerful soothing and nourishing food that also has antimicrobial effects.
Gargling can also be helpful. Saltwater, sage or chamomile tea are suitable for this. The tea for this should be strong and have drawn for a long time. For the salt water, add a quarter teaspoon of salt to 0.2 litres lukewarm water.
As swallowing is commonly difficult, lukewarm foods that are not too dry are good. Soups provide the body with fluid, are pleasantly warming and can be prepared with plenty of fresh vegetables and lean meat to boost the immune system and prevent the body from being overloaded.
Packs for a sore throat
Throat packs are a rewarding measure for relief. For cooling, throat packs place a chilled tea towel around the throat. A dry towel or a wool scarf is wrapped around this. The tea towel should be left in place for around 20 to 30 minutes. Warm compresses can also be used, in the same fashion however the tea towel will be warm instead of chilled. These compresses can also be alternated having the warm compress around the throat for 3minutes and the cold compress for 1 and rotating between the two. These forms of water therapy can soothe the throat and stimulate the immune system in the area helping the body to fight off the infection faster.
Homeopathy to counter a sore throat
Good throat infection remedies act in several ways: They support the immune response, ease inflammation, swelling and pain and shorten the duration of symptoms. There are some homeopathic remedies that have been shown to help with these things.
There’s a Pascoe Remedy for that!
Tonsils are the areas of the body that are used to help fight off infection, which are made up of lymphoid tissue, which is a type of immune tissue. They make up part of our immune system. Lymphoid tissue contains a form of white blood cells called lymphocytes, which are used to fight off infection. When a virus, bacteria or other pathogen enters into the body through the nose or the mouth it is the role of the tonsils such as the adenoid to immediately detect this threat and alert the immune system to start mounting an immune response against it. There are four tonsils that are found at the back of the throat and mouth.
These are known as
- the adenoid (pharyngeal)
- two palatine tonsils - can be seen when in the back of the throat
- the lingual
The two palatine tonsils are the ones most often talked about when the tonsils are inflamed, red or swollen. These are seen on the base of the tongue in the right and left. When the doctor inspects your tonsils, they will push down your tongue with the tongue depressor.
What is tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, which is caused by a bacterial infection and is most common in young children. When a pathogen invades the mouth or nose the immune cells in this area are immediately activated. The body sends more blood and immune cells to the area to help them fight off the pathogen resulting in swelling of the tonsils (swollen glands) as they accommodate these extra immune cells.
Inflammation in these areas occurs because of the immune response and the invading pathogen or virus infecting the tonsillar cells. When these become inflamed, they swell and may put pressure on the base of the throat making it more difficult to swallow. In some severe cases of swelling, it can obstruct the airway.
Symptoms of Tonsillitis other than inflammation or swelling often include:
- A sore throat,
- Scratchy throat,
- White spots on the throat
- Hoarseness.
- Bad breath,
- Tonsilloliths (tonsil stones)
- An accompanying ear infection
This can either be acute tonsillitis or chronic tonsillitis depending on the course of the disease. It can be bilateral, if both palatine tonsils are inflamed, or unilateral if only one is. It can also infect the adenoids. In severe cases, it can develop into a peritonsillar abscess which is a medical emergency. This, as well as other complications, can lead to a tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils).
Characteristic symptoms of Tonsillitis are:
- Pain on swallowing,
- Swollen tonsils and swallowing difficulties
- Speech may also be muffled.
- Depending on the severity of the inflammation, lymph nodes may swell at the angle of the jaw. They can become palpable and tender.
Non-specific general symptoms commonly occur such as:
This condition can also be accompanied by an ear infection or an abscess if the case is more severe. It is always important to watch out for a peritonsillar abscess in more severe or chronic cases. Health care providers or other care providers can help in this regard.
Purulent tonsillitis is a type of tonsillitis where pus develops and is seen in the areas. It develops depending on the severity of the inflammation and type of pathogen that the tonsils are trying to fight against. Most often purulent tonsillitis is associated with a bacterial infection whereas non-purulent versions are usually originally triggered by a viral infection causing flu-like symptoms.
Once viruses have damaged the mucous membranes of the tonsils, they are more susceptible to colonization by bacteria. The bacteria can also establish themselves on these areas leading to the formation of pus or yellow spots or white spots that can be seen on the palatine tonsils. This means they are pus-filled. This is known as purulent tonsillitis.
Scarlet fever and strep throat are two other conditions that can present similarly to tonsillitis.
They both will cause a:
- Sore throat,
- fever,
- bad breath that is foul-smelling,
- headache, and
- swollen lymph nodes.
What differentiates scarlet fever is that it has a distinct red rash. It also has a white coat on the tongue which when removed reveals a red tongue (often called a strawberry tongue) that accompanies these general symptoms. These conditions are differentiated from tonsillitis because of the type of pathogen/bacteria that causes them.
Both scarlet fever and strep throat are caused by a bacterium known as group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS). This is the only pathogen that can cause strep throat. A streptococcal infection does not always have to cause strep throat it can also cause tonsillitis. If the strep bacterium is the cause of tonsillitis it will have only invaded into the tonsils and not have gotten as far into the body to cause strep throat or scarlet fever.
Tonsillitis can precede a diagnosis of these other two conditions. In addition to streptococcus bacterial infection, there are a whole host of other pathogens that can also cause tonsillitis. It is always important to know the root cause of any condition to be able to distinguish it from these more serious infectious conditions. Knowing the cause also makes it easier to treat the presenting infection if necessary.
An easy way to differentiate between the type of pathogen causing the infection is to use a rapid strep test or a strep test with a throat culture that can be done at a family doctor's office. This will let you know if the cause of the sore throat is a streptococcal infection or not. This test is a type of swab. Streptococcal infections leading to strep throat can have more intense side effects than tonsillitis including a condition known as rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis. Because of this, it is always important to identify if the cause including whether it is from a bacterial or viral infection.
What is causing the sore throat?
Sore throats commonly occur during a cold. Most of the time they resolve quickly on their own after a few days. However, there are some causes of sore throats such as strep throat or scarlet fever that can have more serious side effects and complications such as rheumatic fever. It is less likely for some of these conditions to resolve on their own.
Some symptoms of a more serious condition are long-lasting symptoms such as:
- Tender lymph nodes,
- Severe fever,
- Muffled speech,
- Difficulty breathing
- etc.
Some forms of sore throat might need medications to help them resolve. With purulent or bacterial tonsillitis, you may have to take antibiotics. A swab can be used to help identify the offending pathogen. The reason for this is that some of the bacterial candidates for the pathogen are extremely dangerous and can also spread to other organs. Bacterial tonsillitis often needs antibiotics.
In extreme causes, it may be necessary to remove the tonsils with a tonsillectomy. This is a form of neck surgery that is used to take out the tonsils. It can remove multiple or a single type of tonsils. For example, an adenotonsillectomy is a form of surgery done to only remove the adenoid. This is only done if necessary, because of the important function that the tonsils play in the body’s defences and the immune system.
Most often surgery is done for cases of chronic tonsillitis especially if it is impeding on the airway or become life-threatening. In general, most cases are non-surgical and can be treated with over-the-counter medications such as lozenges, self-care and home remedies.
- Tonsillitis or swollen tonsils
- Pharyngitis, laryngitis, or epiglottitis
- Sleep apnea (obstructive sleep apnea)
- Infectious diseases: Glandular fever, scarlet fever, diphtheria, mumps, and strep throat
- Irritated respiratory tract due to smoking, dusty air, toxic fumes
- Thyroid diseases
- Mononucleosis (Epstein Barr virus) or infectious mononucleosis
- Measles
- Tonsil cancer
- Adenoid infection
- Peritonsillar abscess or abscesses in general
Homeopathy to counter a sore throat
Good throat infection remedies act in several ways: They support the immune response, ease inflammation, swelling and pain and shorten the duration of symptoms. There are some homeopathic remedies that have been shown to help with these things.
Tonsillopas is a homeopathic remedy for tonsillitis and for relieving the symptoms of gingivitis such as swollen, bleeding or red gums and sore mouth. It works quickly. Within the first 24 hours of taking the product as recommended, there should be a noticeable improvement. In acute conditions, keep the undiluted drops in the mouth for a while as absorption via the oral mucosa intensifies the remedy's rapid onset. If the symptoms persist longer than 1 week, please see your healthcare practitioner. Tonsillopas is suitable for all ages and should be taken undiluted.
Many home remedies have proven themselves for generations for a sore throat. They have an anti-inflammatory effect and reduce swelling decreasing pain and swallowing difficulties.
It is always important to drink plenty so that the mucous membranes in the throat remain moist. Warm teas that are not hot are often preferred. For example, teas with sage, thyme and chamomile. These herbs have a soothing effect on the throat but also have an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial action to try and get rid of any extra pathogens in the area. Honey can be added to tea or can be had on its own. It is a powerful soothing and nourishing food that also has antimicrobial effects.
Gargling can also be helpful. Saltwater, sage or chamomile tea are suitable for this. The tea for this should be strong and have drawn for a long time. For the salt water, add a quarter teaspoon of salt to 0.2 litres luke warm water.
As swallowing is commonly difficult, lukewarm foods that are not too dry are good. Soups provide the body with fluid, are pleasantly warming and can be prepared with plenty of fresh vegetables and lean meat to boost the immune system and prevent the body from being overloaded.
Packs for a sore throat
Throat packs are a rewarding measure for relief. For cooling, throat packs place a chilled tea towel around the throat. A dry towel or a wool scarf is wrapped around this. The tea towel should be left in place for around 20 to 30 minutes. Warm compresses can also be used, in the same fashion however the tea towel will be warm instead of chilled. These compresses can also be alternated having the warm compress around the throat for 3 minutes and the cold compress for 1 and rotating between the two. These forms of water therapy can soothe the throat and stimulate the immune system in the area helping the body to fight off the infection faster.