Tonsils- they are a multiple aggregation of large lymphatic nodules embedded in a mucous membrane. They are arranged in a ring at the junction of the oral cavity and pharynx.  Their lymphocytes respond to infectious agents that are swallowed with food and inspired air and they normally subside by the time the kids are in their teens.

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils which results in a sore throat.

Causes-
It can be caused by bacteria as well as viruses. Tonsillitis is transmitted most commonly from one person to another by social contact such as droplets in the air from sneezing. Most of the time, tonsillitis is caused by a viral infection.
Bacterial tonsillitis can be caused by Streptococcus pyogenes-the organism that causes strep throat. If left untreated, strep throat may lead to a more serious condition called rheumatic fever, which can affect the heart several years later.

• Only about 30% of tonsillitis in children is caused by strep throat.
• Only 10% of tonsillitis in adults is caused by strep throat.

The viruses that cause tonsillitis are often the ones that frequently affect the respiratory system or breathing. Most cases are caused by a virus and will only require treatment of
This generally takes place in persons with weakened immune systems. sore throat remedies that can be bought over the counter.

Symptoms and signs-

• Difficulty swallowing
• Ear pain
• Fever, chills
• Headache
• Sore throat - lasts longer than 48 hours and may be severe
• Tenderness of the jaw and throat
• Voice changes, loss of voice
• Running nose
• Redness of throat and tonsils.
• Redness of eyes.
• In some cases- nausea and vomiting.

Diagnosis-

• The doctor will conduct a physical examination. Sore throats caused by viruses may look exactly like those caused by bacteria.
• The doctor looks for these conditions:

         >> Signs of infection (redness, discharge, swollen lymph glands)
         >> Abscess (a shift in 1 tonsil toward the center and a shift of the uvula away from the infected side)
         >> Airway compromise (muffled speech, drooling, and inability to swallow)

• The doctor may order diagnostic tests that will look for strep infection. In some cases, the doctor may start antibiotic treatment without tests.
• If the doctor performs a rapid diagnostic test with a swab specimen from the back of the throat, positive results for strep throat may be available during the office visit. However, it typically takes 24-48 hours to confirm rapid test results of a bacterial infection.
• Rarely, other conditions such as diphtheria, a foreign body, or cancer may start with a sore throat. If an abscess or a more worrisome condition (cancer, diphtheria) appears to be present, the doctor may consult an ear, nose, and throat specialist.

Complications-

• Greatly enlarged tonsils, i.e. when tonsils meet each other in midline, can lead to difficulty in breathing.
• Attacks of acute tonsillitis can be associated with recurrent attacks of pain & infection in the ears.
• When certain bacteria are the causative organisms of acute tonsillitis and the infection is not resolved it may lead to heart disease in these patients.
• A child suffering from recurrent attacks has a slow development & frequently misses out on school.
• In adults, recurrent attacks of acute tonsillitis can predispose to formation of intraoral abscesses which then present as emergencies.

Treatment-
1.Home- care-
             a. warm drinks like soups, tea with honey should be given.
             b. Patient should do gargles from salty warm water.
             c. spicy food and cold drinks should be avoided.
2. Medication
3. Surgery- known as tonsillectomy that is removal of tonsils. In some cases, a tonsillectomy becomes a necessity; the tonsils become so enlarged that they can cause difficulty in breathing and obstructive sleep apnea.
                               
Role of homoeopathy
Homoeopathic medicines will help in treating acute phase of tonsillitis as well in reducing the recurrent attacks of tonsillitis by boosting host immunity. With the help of these medicines chances of surgery can be reduced. In homeopathy, medicines for tonsillitis are normally selected with the mode of onset and temperament of the disease as well as patient.

Prognosis-
Tonsillitis symptoms usually improve 2 or 3 days after treatment starts. The infection usually is cured after treatment is completed, but some people may need more than one course medications.
Complications of untreated strep tonsillitis may be severe. Children with tonsillitis related to strep throat or pharyngitis should generally be kept home from school to avoid spread of illness.

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