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Infection
of the tonsils caused by bacteria or a virus.
What to look for
fever.
a very sore throat with red, swollen tonsils with white discharge or
spots on the tonsils.
swollen and tender lymph
nodes in the neck under the jaw.
headache.
severe pain at the roof
of the mouth, and difficulty swallowing.
muffled speech
The tonsils are part of the
lymphatic system. They are present at birth and grow during the early years of life and
regress later on at puberty.
When they become infected,
the resulting condition is called tonsillitis.
Tonsillitis most commonly
affects young children as the tonsils are apparently at their most potent and strong,
taking in any foreign material that threatens the body. But as the child grows, the
tonsils shrink, and infections become less common.
Causes
Tonsillitis is caused by
the streptococcus bacterium. Cold or flu viruses sometimes
also cause tonsillitis.
Traditional Treatment
You can check your
child’s tonsils by asking the child to open their mouth and looking at them at the
back of the throat. If they are red and swollen, go and see your doctor.
Alternative/Natural
Treatments
Some alternative therapies
are effective in relieving the symptoms of tonsillitis.
Herbal
Therapies - To reduce inflammation, medical herbalists suggest drinking a
tea made from cleavers: A gargle made from sage is thought
to help fight infection: To reduce inflammation, medical herbalists suggest drinking a
tea made from cleavers: A gargle made from sage is thought
to help fight infection:
Homoeopathy
- Belladonna, Hepar sulphuris, or Mercurius vivus; for chronic enlarged
tonsils, Baryta carbonica or Calcarea
carbonica. Belladonna, Hepar sulphuris, or Mercurius vivus; for chronic enlarged
tonsils, Baryta carbonica or Calcarea
carbonica.
Personal Care
Prevention
Your child’s tonsils
may have to be removed if the tonsillitis is a recurring problem otherwise the condition
will usually improve with time and treatments.
When to seek
further professional advice
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