Tonsils are a pair of soft tissue masses located at the rear of the throat (pharynx). Or simply they are the two lymph nodes located on each side of the back of your throat. They are part of the lymphatic system, whose main purpose is to help to fight infections. They are defense mechanism of human body. They help prevent our body from infection. Tonsils produces white blood cells to help you fight infection, but sometimes the tonsils themselves become infected. The condition of tonsils when become infected is known as tonsillitis.
Tonsillitis can affect us at any age but they are very common in childhood. It can be easily diagnosed as there will be severe pain at throat following with fever and neck pain. Tonsils get affected by the viruses and bacteria especially from common cold. They can trouble a lot especially in cold season but may occur any season. A bacteria or virus infects the tonsils, causing swelling and a sore throat preventing you from eating and drinking easily without any pain. The tonsil may develop a gray or white coating which creates difficulty in oral intake of food.
Symptoms of tonsillitis : There are several types of tonsillitis, and there are many possible symptoms that include:
- a very sore throat
- difficulty swallowing or painful swallowing
- bad breath
- fever
- earaches
- weak muscles
- headaches
- a stiff neck
- jaw and neck tenderness due to swollen lymph nodes
Treatment for tonsillitis
A normal case of tonsillitis does not require special treatment, especially when a virus like from cold, causes it. But in case of severe tonsillitis, we need antibiotics or even operate to remove the tonsils. >Antibiotics are prescribed to fight a bacterial infection. But it is very important to complete the full dose of antibiotics as directed by doctors . If one don’t take a full dose of antibiotics or simply say the antibiotics don’t kill the bacteria, there is possible high risk a person could develop complications.
If you have frequent episodes of tonsillitis you might need to remove the tonsils by simple surgical procedure known as tonsillectomy. The procedure is only recommended for people who experience chronic or recurrent tonsillitis and to the one whom the treatment do not respond well. A tonsillectomy can also be a treatment for breathing problems, like heavy snoring.
IF TONSILLITIS ARE LEFT UNTREATED IT CAN RESULT IN THE INFECTION SPREADING TO THE AREA BEHIND THE TONSILS OR TO THE SURROUNDING TISSUE WHICH SOMETIMES EVEN INFECTS OUR HEART.
Treatment for sore throat
- drink plenty of fluids esp. hot or warm get plenty of rest
- gargle with warm salt water several times a day
- or use iodine germicide gargle
- use throat lozenges
- avoid smoke
- avoid cold drinks
- avoid chilly and oily foods
Prevention of tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is highly contagious which means it can transfer from person to person from different means. To decrease your risk of getting tonsillitis, stay away too cold drinks and oily foods. Also stay away from people who have active infections. Always wash your hands, especially after coming into contact with someone who has a sore throat, or is coughing or sneezing. Also if you have tonsillitis, try to stay away from others until you are no longer contagious.
Source : Healthline
