Renu came to my clinic with her 5 yrs old son with an anxious look .Her son was suffering from throat infection and this was the 3rd time in two months that he got the infection. His physical growth was also getting affected as he was not gaining weight. She had already completed two courses of conventional medicines .This time she decided to try homoeopathy as she didn’t want to give him heavy doses of medication. This is a common case which homoeopaths confront with during their practice.
Her son was suffering from acute tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is the condition where tonsils are infected and inflamed. Tonsils are the collection of lymphoid tissue situated at the back of the throat above and below the tongue. Tonsils are the guard of our body and help fight infections. They are the part of the immune system. When bacteria and viruses invade the tonsils the result is the infection and inflammation or swelling of the tonsils which is known as tonsillitis.
Causes of Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is caused by viruses or bacteria. It is seen the most common mode of transmission is through person to person by social contact such as droplets in the air from sneezing, coughing. Among the viral and bacterial tonsillitis, viral infection is more commonly seen. Tonsillitis is a defence mechanism of the body as tonsils become infected themselves to fight off the viruses and bacteria.
Signs and Symptoms
Following are signs and symptoms of the tonsillitis depending upon the severity of tonsillitis viral or bacterial.
- Sore throat
- Red and inflamed tonsils
- White patches on tonsils
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain on swallowing
- Cough
- Hoarseness
- Cold with sneezing, itch eyes
- Tenderness in the glands of the neck
- Rash
- Ear pain
Homoeopathy for Tonsils
· Homoeopathy offers a very good treatment for tonsillitis.
· Homoeopathic medicines are safe and non-toxic.
· Has preventive as well as therapeutic use by reducing the frequency and intensity of repeated infections.
· Homoeopathic medicines not only reduce the size of tonsils in chronic tonsillitis but treat the acute attack as well remarkably especially in children.
· They help in enhancing the immunity of the body (children).
· Prevent the surgical removal of tonsils. It is suggested that parents should continue the homoeopathic medicines for their children even when they have no symptoms so that long term treatment is given to prevent and control the repeated attack.
· Homoeopathic treatment is gentle and easily palatable to children.
· In the beginning when patients come for homoeopathic treatment for their children their cooperation plays a very important role in treating the acute episodes of tonsillitis. It is seen mostly because of the anxiety of the parents physician are forced to give the heavy doses of medication. It affects the general condition of the child, his appetite and he becomes weak and lethargic.
· A qualified homoeopath assesses the physical condition of the patient during an attack and advises accordingly.
· Most commonly used medicines are belladonna, baryta carb, mercurius, lycopodium, phytolacca, etc.
Prevention
- Take proper rest and avoid taking heavy medication unless the patient is very toxic.
- Drink warm water and drinks
- Do warm salt water gargles
- Wash hands frequently to prevent the spread of the virus or bacteria that cause tonsillitis.
- Avoid prolonged contact with sick people.