Tonsils
and adenoids are masses of tissue that are similar to the lymph nodes or
"glands" found in the neck, groin and armpits.
Tonsils are the two masses seen in the back of the throat,
one on either side at the back of the mouth. Tonsils can normally seen by
opening mouth wide and looking in a mirror. They are the two fleshy lumps that
can see at the sides and back of the mouth. Tonsils are made of soft glandular
tissue and are part of the immune system. A main function of tonsils is to trap
bacteria and viruses (germs) which may breathe in. Antibodies and immune cells
in the tonsils help to kill germs and help to prevent throat and lung
infections.
Adenoids
are also made of glandular tissue and are part of the immune system. They hang
from the upper part of the back of the nasal cavity. Adenoids get bigger
after born but usually stop growing between the ages of three and seven
years. Adenoids are not visible through the mouth without special
instruments.
The most common problems affecting the tonsils and adenoids
are recurrent infections (throat or ear) and significant enlargement or
obstruction that causes breathing and swallowing problems.
Abscesses around the tonsils, chronic tonsillitis, and
infections of small pockets within the tonsils that produce foul-smelling,
cheese-like formations can also affect the tonsils and adenoids, making them
sore and swollen. Tumors are rare in children.
Tonsil diseases and its associated symptoms
Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis refers to a viral or bacterial inflammation of
the tonsils. Most cases of tonsillitis are caused by infection with a common
virus, but bacterial infections also may cause tonsillitis. The tonsils
actually serve as a filter for bacteria, sometimes certain bacteria, such as
group A Streptoccocci, can infiltrate the tonsils and cause tonsillitis.
However, viruses such as the Epstein Barr virus typically cause
tonsillitis. Being a child and having
close contacts with viral or bacterial-laden persons increase the risk for
developing tonsillitis.
Tonsillitis most commonly affects
children between preschool ages and the mid-teenage years. Common signs and
symptoms of tonsillitis include - Red, swollen tonsils, White or yellow coating
or patches on the tonsils, Sore throat, Difficult or painful swallowing, Fever,
Enlarged, tender glands (lymph nodes) in the neck, A scratchy, muffled or
throaty voice, Bad breath, Stomachache, particularly in younger children, Stiff
neck, Headache
In young children who are unable to
describe how they feel, signs of tonsillitis may include: Drooling due to difficult
or painful swallowing, Refusal to eat, Unusual fussiness.
Viral tonsillitis typically requires no special treatment.
Rather, gargling with salt water, drinking warm liquids such as broth or tea is
enough.
Inflammation or swelling of the
tonsils from frequent or ongoing (chronic) tonsillitis can cause complications
such as: Difficulty breathing, Disrupted breathing during sleep (obstructive
sleep apnea), Infection that spreads deep into surrounding tissue (tonsillar
cellulitis), Infection that results in a collection of pus behind a tonsil
(tonsillar abscess)
If tonsillitis caused by group A
streptococcus or another strain of streptococcal bacteria isn't treated, or if
antibiotic treatment is incomplete, child has an increased risk of rare
disorders such as: Rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disorder that affects
the heart, joints and other tissues. Post-streptococcal
glomerulonephritis, an inflammatory disorder of the kidneys that results
in inadequate removal of waste and excess fluids from blood.
Chronic tonsillitis is a persistent infection in the tonsils. Since this
infection is repetitive, crypts or pockets can form in the tonsils where
bacteria can store. Frequently, small, foul smelling stones (tonsilloliths) are
found within these crypts that are made of high quantities of sulfur. These
stones cause a symptom of a full throat or a throat that has something caught
in the back. A foul breath that is characterized by the smell of rotten eggs
(because of the sulfur) is also a symptom of this condition. Other symptoms
that can be caused by tonsillitis that are not normally associated with it
include snoring and disturbed sleep patterns. These conditions develop as the
tonsils enlarge and begin to obstruct other areas of the throat. A person's
voice is generally affected by this type of illness and changes in the tone of
voice a person normally has.
Peritonsillar Abcess (Quinsy)
Peritonsillar abscess is a collection of infected material
in the area around the tonsils. Peritonsillar abscess is a complication
of tonsillitis.
It is most often caused by a type of bacteria called group A
beta-hemolytic streptococcus.
Peritonsillar abscess is usually a condition of
older children, adolescents, and young adults. It has become uncommon with the
use of antibiotics to treat tonsillitis.
One or both tonsils become infected.
The infection usually spreads behind the tonsil and can then
spread down into the neck and chest. Swollen tissues can block the
airway. This is a life-threatening medical emergency.The abscess can break
open (rupture) into the throat. The content of the abscess can then travel
into the lungs and cause pneumonia.
Symptoms of peritonsillar abscess
include: Fever an chills, Severe throat pain that is usually on one side, Difficulty
opening the mouth, and pain with opening the mouth, Difficulty swallowing, Drooling or
inability to swallow saliva, Facial or neck swelling, Fever,
Headache,
Muffled voice, Tender glands of the jaw and throat.
If
not properly treated it may complicated
includes Airway
obstruction, Cellulitis of
the jaw, neck, or chest, Endocarditis (rare),
Fluid around the lungs (pleural
effusion), Inflammation around the heart (pericarditis),
Pneumonia,
Sepsis (infection
in the blood)
Tonsillar hypertrophy
Tonsillar hypertrophy is the enlargement of the tonsils, but without the
history of inflammation. Obstructive tonsillar hypertrophy is currently the
most common reason for tonsillectomy. These patients present with varying
degrees of disturbed sleep which may include symptoms of loud snoring,
irregular breathing, nocturnal choking and coughing, frequent awakenings, sleep apnea,
dysphagia
and/or daytime hypersomnolence. These may lead to behavioral/mood changes in
patients and facilitate the need for a polysomnography
in order to determine the degree to which these symptoms are disrupting their
sleep.
Tonsillar Cancer
The
tonsillar cancer is typically found in men who drink and smoke. It also states
that cancer of the tonsils typically affects people who are between the ages of
50 and 70 years. Symptoms of tonsillar cancer include a sore throat that
can move to the ear. In some cases, a neck lump may be felt and seen. The
lump's cells may spread to the lymph nodes and then spread to the rest of the
body. Radiation, chemotherapy and surgery are the treatment options for
tonsillar cancer.
Adenoiditis
An inflammation of the adenoids due to viral and bacterial
infection and allergy. The inflammation is usually associated with swelling of
the adenoids which can affect breathing, especially during sleep. The adenoids
are located above the tonsils.
Enlarged
adenoids, it may help be hard to breathe through the nose. Other signs of
constant enlargement are: breathing through the mouth instead of the nose most
of the time, nose sounding blocked when he person speaks, noisy breathing
during the day, recurrent ear infections, snoring at night, breathing stops for
a few seconds at night during snoring or loud breathing (sleep apnea)
Chronic
adenoid enlargement may lead to changes in the growth of the upper jaw and
changes in tooth position. There is some evidence in older children (over age
four), that chronically infected adenoids may sometimes contribute to the
development of glue ear and recurrent ear infections.
MANAGEMENT:
Self-Care Tips
-
Turmeric and
ginger are powerful anti-inflammatory spices and can easily be integrated into
diet or taken in raw form.
-
Try gargling
with a saline solution of half a teaspoon of salt to one cup of tepid water to
remove mucous and reduce swelling. Suck zinc lozenges as zinc helps the immune
system.
-
Garlic is
useful in treating any kind of throat infection, including tonsillitis. An
onion and garlic soup are excellent foods to eat during a bout of tonsillitis.
-
Cut out all
processed and refined foods as well as fast foods. Try to find time to cook
wholesome meals, focusing on whole grains, vegetables and proteins such as fish
and legumes.
-
Take an
echinacea and goldenseal tincture. Echinacea boosts the immune system, while
goldenseal has antibiotic, anti-catarrhal, anti-infective, anti-inflammatory
properties.
-
Drink fresh
vegetable juice—made from carrots, cucumbers, beets and celery—with a little
fresh ginger, which will alkalize our body and is an excellent tonic for
tonsillitis.
-
Try to omit sugar
from regular diet. sugar consumption has also been shown to reduce the body's
ability to fight viruses and infection. If you need your sweet fix, take a
spoonful of manuka honey, as it is said to have many health benefits, including
antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
-
Do not share
utensils, drinking glasses, toothbrushes, etc., with anyone who has tonsillitis or a sore throat.
-
Wash your (and
your child's) hands frequently.
-
Cover your
mouth when you cough or sneeze, and teach your children to do the same
Tonsillectomy
A
tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure in which the tonsils are removed from
either side of the throat. The procedure is performed in response to cases of
repeated occurrence of acute tonsillitis or adenoiditis, obstructive sleep
apnea, nasal airway obstruction, snoring, or peritonsillar abscess. Sometimes
the adenoids are removed at the same time, a procedure called adenoidectomy.
Tonsillectomy remains one of the most common surgical procedures in children.
Adenotonsillectomy
An adenotonsillectomy is a
surgical procedure in which the tonsils and the adenoids are removed.
This procedure is most commonly carried out in young children, although there
are sometimes cases in which it is indicated for an adult.
Homoeopathic
Management:
Homoeopathy
treats the person as a whole. It means that homoeopathic treatment focuses on
the patient as a person, as well as his pathological condition. The
homoeopathic medicines are selected after a full individualizing examination
and case-analysis, which includes the medical history of the patient, physical
and mental constitution etc. A miasmatic tendency (predisposition/susceptibility)
is also often taken into account for the treatment of chronic conditions. The
medicines given below indicate the therapeutic affinity but this is not a
complete and definite guide to the treatment of this condition. Homoeopathy
medicines are effective in treating the recurrent attacks of acute tonsillitis
as well as chronic tonsillitis. In a significant number of children,
homeopathic treatment can help prevent recurrence of frequent tonsillitis, thus
helping children avoid tonsillectomy. The treatment of enlarged tonsils with
homeopathy has two stages in cases of long standing. Acute inflammation needs
to be treated with a different set of medicines and its recurrence to be
treated once the acute stage is over. Deep-acting medicines are required to
treat the constitution and bring about lasting relief. It is true that this
method takes a longer time, but it is also the best one because not only the
tonsils are cured but also the patient.
Apis mell: Stinging-burning pain when swallowing;
dryness in mouth and throat; red and
highly inflamed tonsils; deep ulcers on
tonsils and palate, with erysipelatous or Oedematous appearance around ulcers;
Oedema glottidis, tenacious mucus in throat;
Aggravation heat or hot drinks,
Amelioration from cold or cool drinks.
Baryta carb: Liability to quinsy after
every cold or suppressed sweat of feet; tonsils tend
to suppurate, especially the right;
throat feels worse from empty swallowing; pricking
sensation when swallowing; general
malaise; palate swollen; chronic induration of
tonsils; sensation as of a plug in
throat, worse when swallowing solids; paresis of
muscular structure of throat;
scrofulosis, enlargement of glands in neck, under jaws and
behind ears.
Belladonna: Tonsillitis, worse right side, parts
bright-red; worse swallowing liquids;
during deglutition sensation as if
throat were too narrow and as if nothing would pass
properly; rapidly forming aphthous
ulcers on tonsils; intense congestion, throbbing of
carotids; throbbing of carotids;
swelling of neck, extremely painful to touch and motion.
Ferrum phos: Tonsils swollen and raw, great pain
in swallowing; high fever.
Hepar sulph: Chronic tonsillitis, especially when
accompanied by hardness of hearing,
with sensation like splinter or
fishbone in throat when swallowing; sharp, lancinating
pains, throbbing, rigors and chills,
with stitches in throat, extending to ears, worse when
swallowing; cannot bear cold air.
Kali bichrom: Tonsillitis herpetica with membranous
exudations, inflammation of uvula
and pharynx, foul, yellow tongue,
fauces covered with ropy mucus (often mistaken for
true diphtheria); Eustachian tubes
blocked up; pain shoots from ear down throat.
Kali Mur: Acute and chronic swelling of the
tonsils, which are covered with a whitish
coating; hawking up cheesy lumps having
a disgusting odor and taste.
Lac caninum: Tonsils inflamed, shining and very
sore, swollen so as almost to close the
throat; suppuration from left to right,
or changing from side to side, or both tonsils
equally affected; whole posterior
portion and throat Oedematous; tonsils enlarged;
pricking; cutting pains from empty
swallowing; great dryness of tonsils at night; throat
sensitive to touch externally;
ashy-gray exudation.
Lachesis: Throat purplish, patient very nervous,
least touch unbearable; tonsils swollen,
left Aggravation with tendency to
right; inability to swallow, threatening, suffocation;
liquids escape by the nose when
swallowing is attempted and are more difficult to
swallow than solids; Aggravation from hot
drinks; on swallowing burning pains shoot in
left ear; pus from tonsils unhealthy,
with tendency to degenerate into ulcers; excessive
dryness, particularly if it appears in
spots, Aggravation by inhaling cold air. It may break
up the disease in its conception or
promote resolution in later stages.
Lycopodium: Tonsils enlarged, indurated and
studded with many small ulcers; swelling
and suppuration of tonsils, going from
right to left; chronic enlargement of tonsils;
Aggravation from cold drinks, and smarting
in throat from hot drinks.
Mercurius: Parenchymatous tonsillitis (after
Bell.); throbbing pain, tonsils and fauces
yellowish-red, often covered with a
thin false membrane; tongue pale, flabby and
indented by the teeth; pain on
deglutition and speaking; pain on empty swallowing;
salivation increased; throat sore
externally when pressed upon; tonsils dark-red, studded
with ulcers; quinsy with stinging pain
in fauces; when pus has formed it hastens
maturation; mercurial breath (Merc.
biniod.); aphthae; profuse nightsweats, bringing no
relief.
Mercurius iod. Flav: Hypertrophy of tonsils with
enlargement of cervical and salivary
glands and inflammation of the mucous
membrane of mouth and pharynx, which is
succulent and freely secreting;
ptyalism; foetor oris; swallowing difficult.
Mercurius iod. Rub: Scalded feeling in throat, dark-red
fauces, left tonsil most affected;
Extensive implication of submaxillary
glands.
Phytolacca: Chills alternating with fever; great
weakness; tonsils large, bluish, ulcerated;
intense dryness of throat; rough,
burning, smarting fauces; pain in throat extends to ears
when swallowing; aching in back, neck,
head and limbs; ulceration on tonsils and fauces;
with grayish-white, sloughs and little
or no foetor; cannot hot fluids; great prostration.
Silicea: Deep ulcers, even gangrene; tonsils;
swollen, each effort to swallow distorts face;
tonsillitis, when the suppurating gland
will not head; pricking in throat, as from a pin,
causing cough; left side.
Echinacea Angustifolia: Irritation of larynx. Voice husky.
Constant clearing of mucus
from throat. Sore throat. Frothy mucus,
hawks from throat. Tonsils purple or
black, gray exudation extending to
posterior sinuses and air-passages. Ulcerated sore
throat. Mucus in throat with raw sensation.
Soreness of throat, worse on left side.
Baptisia Tinctoria: Aphonia. Larynx sore to touch, painful
swallowing or speaking.
Fauces dark-red, dark, putrid ulcers.
Tonsils and soft palate dark red and swollen.
Painless sore throat and offensive discharge.
Numb inside but sensitive outside. Can
swallow liquids only, least solid food
gags. Ragged ulcers in the throat. Spasms of gullet.
Constriction at cardiac orifice of
esophagus. Constrictive feeling in throat causing
frequent efforts at swallowing.
Streptococcinum: Adenopathy of the neck. Big, infected,
purulent tonsils. Red angina.
Persistent pain and redness of the
throat. Acute and chronic laryngitis. It is most suited
for Tonsillectomy recurrence infection.
Tuberculinum: Chronic recurring Tonsillitis and
Adenoids <change of weather from
damp to cold.
Vibrionic preparations like Throat 30,
Infection 200 and War 1M also found veryeffective in the
treatment of Tonsillitis.
