Dr. Hema Raju

Tonsils are a pair of lymph nodes situated at the back of our throat.They are a part of our body's defense mechanism.When these tonsils become enlarged, inflamed and infected it is termed as tonsillitis.

>Causes
A bacterial or a viral infection is the most common cause of tonsillitis.
Esp streptococcus bacteria and epstein barr virus.
This infection is contagious and can spread through the droplet nuclei ie via sneeze and cough and saliva (kissing or sharing beverages). 

>Symptoms 

• Sore throat 
• Difficulty in swallowing 
• Fever
• Running nose/ nose block
• Referred pain in ears
• Painful lymph nodes 
• If the infection gets worse there can be pus formation in the tonsils. 

>Prevention 

• Hand hygiene 
• Covering the nose and mouth while coughing/sneezing 

>Treatment and homoeopathic management 

• Abundant rest
• Plenty of fluids 
• Salt water gargles
• Soft diet 

>Common homoeopathic remedies 

• Baryta carb - indicated in infancy.
• Suppurating tonsils from exposure to cold. Stinging & smarting pains 

Merc sol - shooting pains in the throat, sensation of a lump, has to constantly swallow. Red inflamed tonsils. Pain on empty swallowing. Dryness of throat 
 

Tuberculinum - enlarged tonsils. Dry cough. Sensation of suffocation. Suitable to children who are easily affected by change of weather.