Have you ever experienced waking up one day with a painful feeling at the back of your throat which sometimes becomes scratchy and irritating followed by fever? That is probably a symptom of tonsillitis.
Tonsilitis – what is it?
First, it is important to understand the anatomy of our throats and why tonsillitis occurs. On either side of the back portion of your throat are where two lymph nodes are located. These are known as your tonsils. These lymph nodes act as a defense measure against bacteria and viruses that enter the body causing inflammation.
However, when our defenses against bacteria weaken, the tonsils will eventually become infected as well. This condition is what you call tonsillitis.
Tonsillitis can happen to anyone regardless of age. However, it is known to be a common infection that affects children usually in preschool to mid teenage years. This condition is also contagious and caused by different viruses and bacteria. The most common of these bacteria is Streptococcal bacteria, which is the bacteria responsible for causing strep throat.
Tonsillitis is generally very easy to diagnose and the symptoms can go away within a week. However, when tonsillitis that is caused by strep throat is not treated early, it can eventually lead to a series of health complications.
Tonsilitis – what causes it?
Before anything else, our tonsils are usually the first to attack foreign invaders that enter the body. The tonsils produce enough white blood cells to counter infection and fight the viruses causing it since many of them commonly enters through our mouth.
Unfortunately, these defenses can eventually weaken especially when our bodies do not get supplied with essential nutrients that usually help strengthen the immune system. When this happens, the tonsils themselves will become swollen and infected.
Children are commonly affected because of being in proximity to other children at school. It is because children are often exposed to a lot of viruses and bacteria that makes them vulnerable to the disease.
What are the symptoms?
When the tonsils become swollen and infected, the first clear sign is fever and an itchy, sore throat. Other symptoms would include:
– Having difficulty in swallowing
– Bad breath
– Chills
– Headaches
– Earaches
– Stiff neck
– Tenderness around the neck and jaw due to swollen lymph nodes
– Difficulty in speaking due to a scratchy voice
For young children, the symptoms that are noticed acquired by tonsillitis include loss of appetite, excessive drooling, and irritability.
How to treat tonsillitis naturally?
When you experience these clear symptoms of tonsillitis, it is highly advised to seek a doctor for treatment. However, there are also natural methods you can try at home to help with speeding up recovery from swollen lymph nodes. Listed below are eight effective ways:
1. Gargling with salt water
This is an age-old technique to remedy tonsillitis. Salt has the components to kill the bacteria in our tonsils while the warm water makes it a soothing relief to lessen throat pain. Just add one teaspoon of salt in one cup of lukewarm water. Gargle the solution without swallowing for a few minutes before spitting it out. Replicate this method as many times as needed for improvement.
2. Turmeric
Turmeric is an ancient herb that contains plenty of anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. In this method, turmeric can fight bacteria and relieve symptoms by reducing itch and pain. You can add turmeric in your warm salt water solution and gargle it many times as needed daily to lessen pain from inflammation.
3. Lemon
Lemon also contains plenty of antibacterial and antiviral properties that can relieve symptoms while soothing the throat naturally. Moreover, lemons are also loaded with vitamin C which helps in improving our immune system. You can do this by drinking lemon juice mixed into lukewarm water with honey. Consume the solution at least two times a day for better results.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV or apple cider vinegar has been well known to contain plenty of antiviral and antifungal properties that can help fight off bacteria and viruses that cause tonsil inflammation. You can do this by mixing apple cider vinegar with warm water with honey for flavor and drink or gargle the solution.
5. Bee Propolis
Bee Propolis is also referred to as bee glue which is a viscous substance that bees use to close cracks and crevices in their hive. Surprisingly, this substance contains plenty of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help in common illnesses like colds, flu, allergies as well as tonsillitis. You can purchase a bee propolis spray that is available in health stores or online.
6. Mint Tea
Mint is also a known herb containing antifungal, antiviral and analgesic properties that can help greatly in treating ailments like tonsillitis. Just boil crushed peppermint leaves in a bowl of water and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Let it cool and add honey for flavor. Drink the tea regularly to soothe the throat and relieve soreness and pain.
7. Barley
Barley is a plant that is rich in natural antioxidants as it is with essential minerals and vitamins needed by the body. Using this plant can help strengthen our body’s defenses as well as relieve pain from inflamed tonsils. Just boil one cup of barley in water and let it simmer for a few minutes. Let it cool and drink it as many times as needed.
8. Coconut Oil
With coconut oil’s lauric acid content, it gives off antibacterial compounds that can help speed up recovery while improving our immune system. It can also fight off the bacteria that is causing tonsillitis as well as help lessen the swelling. Coconut oil is also a good decongestant that can clear the phlegm that developed through the infection and inflammation.
These natural remedies can also prove to be helpful in relieving symptoms of tonsillitis. However, it is also important to know that there are also measures you can take to prevent its recurrence. These include:
– Washing and drying your hands properly at all times
– Always bring a hand sanitizer
– Utilizing a humidifier at home can help prevent your throat from drying up from the moisture
– Consume considerable soups and broths
– Eat more foods that contain probiotic
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