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Tonsillitis is an acute inflammation of the
tonsils. Chronic tonsillitis refers to the condition in
which there is enlargement of the tonsils accompanied by
repeated attacks of infection.
Many respiratory diseases begin with sore throat caused
by streptococcus germs. It is the work of the tonsils and
adenoids to destroy these germs, but sometimes they
multiply so rapidly that they cannot be overcome by those
organs.
Tonsillitis is one the most common ailments encountered
at childhood. Its incidence is especially high among
children in the age group between five and 10 years. It
is indicative of a toxic condition of the system and is a
continuous source of distress both for the child and his
parents.
The tonsils are two almond-shaped small glands situated
one on each side of the throat. They can be seen just at
the back of the mouth between two folds of membranes
running up to the soft palate. They are tiny at birth but
show a spurt of growth and activity during the early
months of life. They can become very large when severely
infected. They protect the throat against disease germs.
In early childhood, especially in the first months at
school. Children meet a wide variety of infections, most
of which are transmitted through the nose and mouth. So,
the tonsils are ideally situated to attack and destroy
these germs before they can enter the respiratory tract
to set up a serious infection such as bronchitis or
pneumonia. In fulfilling this protective function, the
tonsils become red and swollen.Symptoms
The main symptoms
of tonsillitis are sore throat, fever, headache, pain in
various parts of the body, difficulty in swallowing,
hoarseness of voice and general weakness. The tonsils are
seen to be inflamed and red when the mouth is opened
wide. In many cases, spots of pus exude from them.
Externally, the tonsillar lymph glands, which lie just
behind the angle of the jaw, are tender and enlarged. In
several cases, there may be pain in the ear.
The children suffering from this disease are often
listless and pale. They may vomit frequently due to the
irritation of large tonsils. In case of chronic
tonsillitis, the children may lose weight. They may be
irritable, lethargic and weak in studies.
Causes
Inflammation of
the tonsils is usually due to infection by streptococcus
pyogenes. This infection is fecilitated by the toxic
condition of child’s system generally, resulting
from wrong feeding and unhygenic condition of living. It
is precipitated by a sudden lowering of vitality due to
exposure and sudden chill. Overeating consumption of
refined foods like sugar, white flour and products made
from them, fried foods, condiments, excessive tea and
coffee all contribute to this disease. Other predisposing
factors are cold, dyspepsia, loss of sleep and
constipation.
Treatment
The treatment of
tonsillitis by means of painting and spzaying is both
harmful and suppressive. It does not help to rid the
system of toxins, which at the root of the trouble. In
fact, it forces these toxins back into the system, which
may cause more serious trouble later on. The removal of
tonsils by surgery, in case of chronic tonsillitis, may
appear as a simple measure. But it is responsible for
serious ill-health in later life, as the system of the
child concerned will be working at a permanently impaired
level of efficiency.
The correct way to treat the disease is to cleanse the
system of toxic waste through proper dietary and other
natural methods. The child should be kept isolated in
bed. The bedroom should be well- ventilated. He should
not be given solid foods and should be encouraged to take
sufficient fluids and juices. Orange and lemon juices,
diluted with water and mixed with honey, will be
especially beneficial. If the child shows reluctance to
take juices, he may be given fresh juicy fruits such as
apple, grapes, orange, pears, pineapple, peach and melon.
In no circumstances, he should be given foods which
produce or increase acidity. He should be persuaded to
take warm-water enema to cleanse the bowels for the first
few days of the treatment. If he is reluctant, he may be
given glycerine suppository.
A heating compress should be applied to the throat. It is
a very valuable measure to relieve sore throat and reduce
swelling and inflammation. The procedure for this
application has been explained in the Appendix. The
patient will feel warm within a short time and this will
have a soothing effect on the throat. This compress
should be changed every eight hours.
The throat may be gargled with hot water mixed with a
little salt and lime juice several times daily. This will
help draw out fluids from the inflammed throat, thereby
relieving discomfort. Gargling with solutions made from
the fenugreek (methi) seeds is effective in severe cases.
To make such a gargle, two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds
should be allowed to simmer for half an hour in a litre
of water and then set aside to cool. The entire quantity
should be used as a soothing gargle in a day with
beneficial results. Hot packs may be applied to the neck.
A warm-water bath will also be helpful.
After the acute symptoms of tonsillities are over, the
childpatient may be allowed to gradualy embark upon a
well-balanced diet, according to his age. The emphasis
should be on fresh fruits, raw vegetables , whole grain
cereals and milk.
Certain home remedies have been found beneficial in the
treatment of inflamed tonsils. One of the most effective
of these remedies is the use of lime. Half a freshlime
squeezed in a glass of warm water , mixed with two
teaspoons of honey and little salt, should be sipped
slowly in such cases.
The use of milk has been found valuable in this disease.
A glass of pure boiled milk, mixed with a pinch of
turmeric powder and pepper powder, should be taken every
night for three nghts. It will provide great relief.
Raw vegetable juices are also beneficial in the treatment
of tonsillitis. The juices of carrot, beet and cucumber,
taken individually or in combination, are especially
valuable. Formula proportions found helpful, when used in
combination, are carrot 150 ml. beet 50 ml. and cucumber
50 ml. to prepare 250 ml. of combined juice.
Massage of the throat is also very valuable
intonsillitis. The procedure for this massage has been
explained in the Appendix. Fresh air, deep breathing and
other exercises should all form a part of the daily
health regiment of the patient.
Tonsillitis can be successfully treated by the natural
methods outlined above. Surgery for the removal of the
tonsils will be necessary only in very rare cases, when
tonsils are seriously diseased, rugged and contain
hopelessly incurable pus pockets.
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