Tonsillitis is a disorder of the tonsils present on the back of your throat. The tonsils acts as a defensive mechanism in the body as they prevent the body from infections. This is a contagious condition and can occur at any age. It is widely prevalent among school going kids.
Tonsillitis may be classified into two types:
Causes: Tonsils prevent various virus and bacteria from entering the body through the mouth by producing antibodies. The tonsils, however, may become vulnerable to these infections. A virus that causes common cold or the bacteria that causes strep throat may result in tonsillitis. The most common cause of this disorder is the strep bacteria. School going children are especially vulnerable to this disorder because they are most prone to various infections.
The various viruses that may cause tonsillitis are:
Common symptoms:
The various symptoms of tonsillitis are
Treatment: The treatment for tonsillitis is usually antibiotics and in some cases, tonsillectomy. The antibiotics help in getting rid of the bacterial infection. Surgery is only done in cases where tonsillitis is chronic in nature. It is important that you drink fluids and restrict smoking to prevent tonsillitis. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult an ENT specialist.
Tonsillitis is a disorder of the tonsils present on the back of your throat. The tonsils acts as a defensive mechanism in the body as they prevent the body from infections. This is a contagious condition and can occur at any age. It is widely prevalent among school going kids.
Tonsillitis may be classified in to two types:
1. Chronic tonsillitis
This type of tonsillitis tends to last for an extended duration with symptoms of bad breath and tenderness in the lymph nodes.
2. Recurrent tonsillitis
This is a form of acute tonsillitis which repeats itself over a year.
Causes
Tonsils prevent various virus and bacteria from entering the body through the mouth by producing antibodies. The tonsils, however, may become vulnerable to these infections. A virus that causes common cold or the bacteria that causes strep throat may result in tonsillitis. The most common cause of this disorder is the strep bacteria.
School going children are especially vulnerable to this disorder because they are most prone to various infections.
The various viruses that may cause tonsillitis are:
1. Enterovirus
2. Herpes simplex virus
3. Epstein-Barr virus
4. Influenza virus
5. Adenovirus
6. Parainfluenza virus
Common Symptoms
The various symptoms of tonsillitis are -
1. Swallowing difficulties
2. A sore throat
3. The sore throat may result in bad breath
4. You may experience fever and chills
5. Pain in the head, ear and stomach
6. You may experience stiffness in the neck and the jaw
7. Swollen tonsils with possible redness
8. Changes in voice
9. Symptoms of cold
Treatment
The treatment for tonsillitis is usually antibiotics and in some cases, tonsillectomy. The antibiotics help in getting rid of the bacterial infection. Surgery is only done in cases where tonsillitis is chronic in nature. It is important that you drink fluids and restrict smoking to prevent tonsillitis.
Tonsillitis is a disorder of the tonsils present on the back of your throat. The tonsils act as a defensive mechanism in the body as they prevent the body from infections. This is a contagious condition and can occur at any age. It is widely prevalent among school-going kids.
Tonsillitis may be classified into two types:
1. Chronic tonsillitis
This type of tonsillitis tends to last for an extended duration with symptoms of bad breath and tenderness in the lymph nodes.
2. Recurrent tonsillitis
This is a form of acute tonsillitis which repeats itself over a year.
Causes
Tonsils prevent various viruses and bacteria from entering the body through the mouth by producing antibodies. The tonsils, however, may become vulnerable to these infections. A virus that causes common cold or the bacteria that causes strep throat may result in tonsillitis. The most common cause of this disorder is the strep bacteria.
School-going children are especially vulnerable to this disorder because they are most prone to various infections.
The various viruses that may cause tonsillitis are:
1. Enterovirus
2. Herpes simplex virus
3. Epstein-Barr virus
4. Influenza virus
5. Adenovirus
6. Parainfluenza virus
Common Symptoms
The various symptoms of tonsillitis are -
1. Swallowing difficulties
You may experience difficulties in swallowing food due to the inflammation in the tonsils.
2. A sore throat
3. The sore throat may result in bad breath
4. You may experience fever and chills
5. Pain in the head, ear and stomach
6. You may experience stiffness in the neck and the jaw
7. Swollen tonsils with possible redness
8. Changes in voice
9. Symptoms of cold
Treatment
The treatment for tonsillitis is usually antibiotics and in some cases, tonsillectomy. The antibiotics help in getting rid of the bacterial infection. Surgery is only done in cases where tonsillitis is chronic in nature. It is important that you drink fluids and restrict smoking to prevent tonsillitis.
There are two tissue masses (oval-shaped) at the backside of the throat and those are known as tonsils. Tonsils trap airborne germs that enter the windpipe through the nostril and such germs can cause infections. So, tonsils don’t just trap the germs, they fight the germs by producing antibodies targeted to the germs.
However, tonsils themselves can also get infected if there is an overwhelming presence of viruses or bacteria. In such a situation, the tonsils swell up and become inflamed. This condition is known as tonsillitis. If the tonsillitis is caused due to the flu virus, it can also cause stomach infection which can lead to ‘Diarrhea’.
Diarrhea is a watery, loose, and more frequent bowel movement problem that causes dehydration and weakness. Sometimes, both tonsillitis and Diarrhea, are not considered an illness, but these can be symptoms of some other diseases. For example, if a person is suffering from fever, there are chances that he/she may experience tonsillitis and Diarrhea.
Infections from bacteria and viruses are responsible for tonsillitis. The most common bacteria that can precipitate tonsillitis is Streptococcus. And among the viruses that can cause tonsillitis, there are many, such as Influenza virus, adenovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, Enteroviruses, Parainfluenza viruses, Herpes simplex virus, etc.
Usually, Diarrhea is caused due to an infection in the gastrointestinal tract. The microorganisms that can cause this infection include:
Symptoms of tonsillitis include swelling and inflammation of the tonsils. If the swelling is severe, it may even block airways causing severe distress. Other symptoms include:
Since both, Tonsillitis and Diarrhea can be caused due to the attack of viruses or bacteria, both of these can be associated with each other. This case or condition is most common in young children. Young children who suffer from tonsillitis due to the flu virus may also experience the problem of Diarrhea. They can also experience stomach infection which causes vomiting, stomach ache, dehydration, nausea, etc.
To treat any problem, doctors first identify the cause. In most cases, limiting the causes can help to get rid of the problem. This is also true in the case of Diarrhea associated with Tonsillitis. Doctors first diagnose the problem by performing different tests and if both conditions are caused by the flu virus, doctors will prescribe a few medicines. If the condition is not too severe, then within a week you can see the changes and results.
Though the problem of having both tonsillitis and Diarrhea at the same time might not seem to be associated, it is possible. If this happens due to the attack of the flu virus or any other disease, it is advisable to consult a doctor as soon as possible and get rid of it.
Update From Lybrate: Liver is the key to a healthy digestive system. Buy these Liver Care products from Lybrate and keep it healthy and strong.
Adenoiditis: An infection of infection-fighting tissue- most common childhood infection
What is adenoiditis?
Adenoiditis is an inflammation of the adenoids caused by infection. Adenoids are masses of lymphatic tissue that help the body fight infection.
Adenoids are found in the throat, also called the pharynx, just behind the nose. Along with the tonsils, adenoids are the first line of defence against bacteria and viruses.
If the adenoids become inflamed, they may not perform their function properly.
What are the symptoms of adenoiditis?
Adenoiditis may begin as swelling or enlargement of the adenoids. The swelling may block or restrict your airways. It can also make it difficult to breathe through your nose.
Other problems associated with swollen adenoids include:
What causes adenoiditis?
Adenoiditis can be caused by a bacterial infection, such as infection with the bacteria streptococcus. It can also be caused by a number of viruses, including Epstein-Barr virus, adenovirus, and rhinovirus.
Who is at risk for adenoiditis?
Certain risk factors can make you susceptible to infections of the adenoidal tissues. These may include:
Diagnosing adenoiditis -
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist called an otolaryngologist. An otolaryngologist is also known as an ear, nose, and throat (ent) doctor. An ent doctor has specialized training in infections, diseases, and conditions of the ear, nose, and throat. Your ent will most likely perform a physical examination to determine where the infection is located. They will also ask about your family history to determine if your condition is hereditary.
Tonsils are the two oval-shaped tissue pads at the back of your throat, which function as a mechanism to protect you from diseases. Any infection of the tonsils is referred to as ‘tonsillitis’.
You can suffer from tonsillitis at any age, but it is more commonly diagnosed in children. Tonsillitis is highly contagious.
Indications for Tonsillectomy are:
1. Recurrent episodes of tonsillitis accompanied by fever, occurring twice or thrice a year for two consecutive years.
2. Enlarged tonsils obstructing the airway causing snoring or obstructing swallowing of food.
Causes:
Tonsillitis can cause viral and bacterial infections. The ‘Streptococcus (strep) bacteria’ is a common cause. Some other causes include:
Symptoms:
Since tonsillitis has various causes, symptoms too tend to differ. Some symptoms include:
In children, symptoms such as excessive drooling, increased irritability or poor appetite are usually noticeable.
Treatment:
If the tonsillitis is mild, especially caused by a virus, it usually doesn’t require any treatment. More critical cases of tonsillitis might require treatments such as tonsillectomy (a surgical process used to remove the tonsils) or administration of antibiotics.
Penicillin is the most commonly administered antibiotic. Once commonly performed, tonsillectomy (surgical removal of tonsils) is now reserved for extremely critical cases.
What is Type-1 Diabetes?
Type-1 Diabetes, also known as Diabetes Mellitus type-1, is a condition which is characterised by the lack of sufficient amount of insulin in the body. This is a chronic condition and cannot be cured. The insufficient amount of insulin in the blood results in the spike in blood sugar levels, which in turn, can damage various organs in the body. However, with proper therapy and treatment, it can be controlled and the quality of life can be improved for the patient.
The tell-tale signs and symptoms of this type of diabetes are the frequent urges to urinate, increase in appetite, increased thirst, and rapid loss of weight. It is most commonly diagnosed in children or young adults and thus, it was previously known as juvenile diabetes.
Glucose and other types of sugars are essential for the body cells to absorb energy. The glucose that is present in the blood is taken up with the help of insulin and utilised for energy. The lack of this hormone renders the glucose useless as it is not being able to enter the body cells. This is precisely type-1 diabetes.
What Causes It?
The cause of type-1 diabetes is not known entirely. Although, there are certain theories that explain the cause –
Genetics: The chances of getting type-1 diabetes are increased in children if either of their parents suffers through from this disease. More than 50 genes are involved in diabetes type-1.
Environmental factors: Environmental factors are also thought to play a role in type-1 diabetes.
Viral infection: A theory suggests that viral infections are responsible for type-1 diabetes. According to this theory, the virus activates the auto-immune system of the body which in turn attacks the pancreatic beta cells along with the cells that are infected by the virus. Viruses like Epstein-Barr virus, Mumps virus, rubella virus etc. are considered to be responsible for the same.
How Is It Treated?
Many people with type-1 diabetes live long, healthy lives. The key to good health is to keep your blood sugar levels within the range your doctor gives you. You’ll need to check them often and adjust insulin, food, and activities to make that happen.
All people with type-1 diabetes must use insulin injections to control their blood sugar. Several types of insulin are available. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can ask a free question.
Bell’s palsy is a neurological condition that results in a temporary paralysis of the facial muscles. This paralysis or muscle weakness occurs when the cranial nerve responsible for controlling the facial muscles become compressed, swollen or inflamed. When this happens one side of the face may become stiff or can droop. You may experience trouble laughing, smiling or closing the eye located on the side of the face that has become affected.
Most often the condition of Bell’s palsy is temporary that will go away in a few days to a few weeks time. People between the age group of 16 and 60 years are at a risk of developing Bell’s palsy. The exact reasons why the cranial nerve becomes inflamed is not known but medical experts widely believe that it is because of viral infections.
Viruses that are sometimes instrumental behind causing Bell’s palsy are:
Symptoms of Bell’s palsy can start to show up in a week or two’s time after you have developed an ear, eye or cold infection. The symptoms can occur all of a sudden and you will see them occurring usually in the morning. Generally, Bell’s palsy affects only one side of the face but it can also affect both sides. Aside from the stiffness of the facial muscles other symptoms of Bell’s palsy are:
A Bell’s palsy condition can become risky if the person suffering from it is pregnant, has diabetes, has a pre-existing lung infection and also has a family medical history of this condition.
Most often a Bell’s palsy condition will improve on its own without requiring any treatment in a few days to few weeks time. But it can take many weeks for the facial muscles to recover their previous strength for muscle functioning.
The kinds of medications that can aid in speeding up the recovery process are:
Some home remedies that can also be duly adopted are:
Non Hodgkin Lymphoma is when the cells in your lymphatic system become cancerous. The lymphatic system is responsible for fighting off diseases, which may attack your body. Initially, tumors develop from the lymphocytes in your body. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is much more common than the other type of lymphoma which is Hodgkin lymphoma. There are various types of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma; the most common of which are diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma. Here is everything you need to know about Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Symptoms
1. Swollen lymph nodes: A swollen lymph node in the neck, underarm and armpit which comes about without any pain is a very common symptom of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
2. Fever: When you have a sudden unexplained fever, it may be due to Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
3. Night sweats: Night sweats are simply when you sweat excessively in the night.
4. Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired can be due to Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
5. Weight loss: A sudden unexplained loss of weight is a very common symptom of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
6. Itchiness: An itchy skin is a rather serious indicator of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Causes
Just like other forms of cancer, it is not known what causes Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, but there are factors, which put you more at risk compared to others.
Risk factors
1. Immunosuppressive drugs: You are most likely to develop Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, especially after taking immunosuppressive drugs after a major organ transplant.
2. Bacteria and viruses: Certain bacterial and viral infections cause Non-Hodgkin lymphoma including the HIV and Epstein-Barr virus as well as the Helicobacter pylori bacteria.
3. Pesticides: Research suggests that overexposure to the pesticides which kill weeds increases your likelihood of developing Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
4. Age: Elder people are also more likely to suffer from Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Treatment
1. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy comprises of administering drugs to kill the cancerous cells, either through injection or orally which kill cancer.
2. Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy deals with radiation which is directed at the parts of your body affected by cancer.
3. Medications to enhance the immune system: There are many medications which fight off cancer by boosting the immune system.
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