All you need to know about tonsils, tonsillitis, infections and treatments What are tonsils
Tonsils are real organs, and they are not “useless” as was believed until recently. In fact, today, medicine believes they are to be kept (if possible) and not to be removed, as they play a fundamental role in controlling infections. The tonsil is a lymph gland, that is, an organ with specific tasks of protecting the organism (or immune), able to keep attacks from pathogens under control. How many tonsils are
there When we talk about tonsils we immediately think of those two more or less evident cushions located on the sides of the bottom of the throat, called palatine tonsils. However, the pharyngeal tonsils are also a lymph gland: these are usually called adenoids and are located on the posterior wall of the nasopharynx, behind the nasal passages. There is also a third type of tonsil, the lingual tonsils located back at the base of the tongue. What is tonsillitis
In short, it is an inflammation of the tonsils. Often it is the consequence of a recently contracted infection: for example a complication of the flu or other bacterial infection, which happens in the majority of cases. The causes of tonsillitis
As mentioned, the causes of tonsillitis are infections. When pathogens enter the organism through the mouth or nose, the tonsils move to attack: their role is that of filters and of triggering white blood cells (or leukocytes ) against viruses and bacteria (in particular Streptococcus ) . These are the first defense of the immune system. This process, so to speak, takes on this burden, and thus the tonsils become infected. If the infection is not serious and is treated in time and adequately, everything returns to normal after a while. When this is not the case, the tonsils can swell, become painful and cause a whole host of symptoms and ailments. Symptoms of tonsillitis
The main and most common symptoms are
- Swelling and redness of the palatine tonsils
- Sore throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Lowering or loss of voice (laryngitis)
- Fever, which can reach up to 40 degrees Centigrade
- White plaques in the throat and on the tonsils
- Painful and swollen glands (lymph nodes) in the jaw and neck
- Headache
- Belly pains may occur in children
Treatments for tonsillitis
Until recently, due to the recurrence, it was customary to remove the tonsils (tonsillectomy). Today, however, that their role has been re-evaluated, we tend to keep them – whenever possible.
Since in most cases tonsillitis is caused by bacteria, the main treatment is by means of antibiotics – in the case of viruses these drugs are useless. A supportive therapy is that with antipyretic drugs, in the case of very high fever. Natural remedies for tonsillitis
In less serious cases, and when you want to try sweeter remedies than antibiotics, you can resort to natural or folk medicine. One of the most used grandmother’s remedies is water and salt: salt has disinfectant properties, so it is used in gargling and can relieve inflammation. In addition, always the salt, has the ability to extract fluids from cellular organisms, in this way the bacteria cannot proliferate.
Another effective remedy is propolis , a real natural antibiotic produced by bees. Its antibacterial properties, proven in several scientific studies, make it a useful remedy for fighting throat infections. It is used orally or for gargling.
Other gargling can be done with water and lemon juice , which also has disinfectant properties. Homeopathy
toohas its remedies. In the case of swelling (swelling) of the tonsils and redness, Apis (5CH) is used. Belladonna is indicated when inflammation is associated with pain. In the case of painful and plaque-covered tonsils, Mercurius solubilis is used. For more info and for the dosage, contact your homeopathic doctor.
