Tonsilitis

Two oval-shaped pads of tissue at the back of the throat i.e. one tonsil is on each side, when inflamed is known as tonsillitis. Signs and symptoms of tonsillitis include, sore throat, swollen tonsils, difficulty in swallowing and  lymph nodes become tender on the sides of the neck. Mostly all the cases of tonsillitis are caused by infection with a common virus, but bacterial infections can also cause tonsillitis. As appropriate treatment for tonsillitis depends on the causes, it’s very important to get a prompt and accurate diagnosis. A common procedure to treat tonsillitis is surgery is usually performed  when bacterial tonsillitis occurs repeatedly, doesn’t respond to other treatments or causes serious complications.

Sign and Symptoms:

Tonsillitis in children occur between preschool ages and the mid-teenage years. Common signs and symptoms of tonsillitis include:

• Swollen tonsils which are red.
• Yellow and white patches on the tongue.
• Throat was sour.
• Painful and difficult swallowing.
• Fever occurs.
• Enlarged neck and swollen glands.
• Scratchy throat.
• Bad breath is experienced.
• Stomach ache is experienced particularly in younger children.
• Neck becomes stiff.
• Headache occurs.

Young children who are unable to describe the pain, signs of tonsillitis may include:

• Drooling occurs due to difficult or painful swallowing.
• Children is not able to eat properly.
• Irritating Behavior.

It’s very important to get a proper diagnose if the child has symptoms of tonsillitis.

Causes

Tonsillitis is mostly  caused by common viruses, but bacterial infections can also be the cause. The most common bacteria which cause tonsillitis is Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus), the bacterium that causes strep throat. The tonsils are known as immune system’s first line of defense against bacteria and viruses that enter the mouth. This function tends to make the tonsils particularly vulnerable to infection and inflammation. However, the tonsil’s immune system function decreases after puberty a factor which may account for the rare cases of tonsillitis in adults.

The tonsils sit at the back of the throat. They are collections of lymphoid tissue that form part of the immune system.Although tonsillitis can be uncomfortable and unpleasant, the condition is rarely a major health concern. Most people will recover from tonsillitis within a few days, whether they take medication or not. Most symptoms will resolve within 7–10 days.

In this article, we explain the causes, diagnosis, and symptoms of tonsillitis. We also provide some facts about treatment, including the removal of tonsils.

Risk factors

Risk factors for tonsillitis are:

• Young age:  Tonsillitis mostly  occurs in children, but rarely occurs in children younger than age 2.  Tonsillitis which is caused by bacteria is most common in children ages 5 to 15, while viral tonsillitis is more common in younger children.
• Frequent exposure to germs: School-age children are more susceptible to close contact with their peers and frequently exposed to viruses or bacteria that can cause tonsillitis.

Complications

Swelling or inflammation of the tonsils from ongoing (chronic) or frequent tonsillitis can cause complications such as:

• Difficulty in breathing.
•  Breathing is disrupted during sleep which is known as obstructive sleep apnea.
• Infection that may spread deep into the surrounding tissue which is known as tonsillar cellulitis.
• Infection that can cause a collection of pus behind a tonsil which is known as peritonsillar abscess.

WHAT IS THE AYURVEDIC VIEW OF TONSILITIS?

As per Ayurvedic  view, tonsillitis is correlated to Tundikeri. Tundikeri is a disease which is mentioned the Urdhvajatrugata roga; mentioned in Talugataroga (diseases of palate) as well as Kanthagataroga (diseases of throat).The common  cause is mentioned in the context of Mukharoga is for  Tundikeri  as  well.  These  aetiologies  can  be  divided  into  Aharaja  hetus i.e.  dietary  causes.

WHAT IS THE AYURVEDIC TREATMENT OF TONSILITIS?

As we already said that tonsilitis is mostly treated with surgery, but after surgery it does not have permanent cure. Chandigarh Ayurveda Centre has “Tonsilitis Care Kit” which will help in permanent cure of the problem. This kit contains six products which are totally herbal and ayurvedic. These are the details of the products:

1. KAPHA DETOX POWDER: This herbal powder contains a mixture of herbal ingredients which are mainly made for the treatment of asthma. Their properties usually balance the vata and kapha dosha. These sachet contains ingredients like – Sitopladi churna, Abhrak bhasma, Laxmi vilas ras, Godanti bhasma, etc. It is mainly used in chronic cough, trouble breathing and whooping cough. It also helps in relieving congestion of chest and also sore throat. The ingredients helps in loosening the mucus accumulated in the chest thus make it easy to cough it out. Its main therapeutic effects appear on lungs, airways and pleura.

Recommended Dosage – Intake of one Sachet twice  daily with normal water is recommended.

2. KAPH KETU RAS: It is an amazing Ayurvedic remedy which helps to balance all the doshas and it contains Shuddha Tankan, Shuddha Vatsnabh, Shankha Bhasma, etc. It is mainly used in the treatment of cough, cold, rhinitis, bronchitis, asthma, throat, and eyes problem.

Recommended Dosage – Consume two tablets twice  daily with normal water.

3. GILOY CAPSULES: Giloy herb has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous, digestive, anti-arthritic, anti-pyretic, blood-purifying properties.

Recommended Dosage – Consume two tablets twice  daily with normal water.

4. TRIPHALA SYRUP: This syrup is basically made up of the herbal extract of fruits Bibhitaki, Haritaki and Amla. It act as an antioxidant, it’s also helps in detoxifying the bodyand support the immune system.

Recommended Dosage – Take two tsp thrice a  day.

5. TULSI DROPS:  The herbs used for formulation of this syrup has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, immuno-modulator properties.

Recommended Dosage – Put 2-4 drops of this in one glass of water and drink it twice or thrice a day.