The tonsils are those tiny, almond-shaped organs that can be seen on both the sides of your throat. The main function on these organs is to fight off the germs that may enter the body through your nose, throat or mouth. However, there are times when the tonsils get infected while they are trying to fight off the harmful germs that have invaded the body. This infection in the tonsils is referred to, as tonsillitis. Every year, thousands of people, especially children, are affected by tonsillitis, since it is a very common ailment. While tonsillitis is not really a cause for concern, it can lead to a few uncomfortable symptoms like fever, headaches, sore throat, difficulties in swallowing, body ache and weakness. Moreover, the inflammation in the mouth is usually visible, when the mouth is open. In case of a severe infection, pus may also be visible in the tonsils. Hence, to prevent the infection from spreading any further or from worsening most people consult a doctor for relief from the symptoms and to control the condition. If you asked a doctor for methods on how to get rid of tonsillitis, you would probably be told to take medication. However, in addition to the antibiotics that are often used to treat the condition, the doctors may also recommend the use of a tonsillitis remedy, in order to expedite the healing process.
Tonsillitis can be caused by bacteria as well as viruses. If you are looking for options on how to get rid of tonsillitis without antibiotics, it is important to first undergo a test and diagnose if your condition has been caused by a viral infection or a bacterial one. Most cases of bacterial infections need medical treatment as well as household remedies for tonsillitis. However, in case of a viral infection, the only way of treating the condition is by using tonsillitis home remedies. Antibiotics are generally only prescribed if the infection is a bacterial one, because they do not work on a viral infection. Hence, for getting rid of tonsils caused by a viral infection, you will need to rely mostly on the most commonly used home remedies for tonsils. Since this condition is more common in children than it is in adults, it is important to note that a tonsillitis remedy used for adults will probably not be suitable for children.
Home remedies for tonsillitis in adults
People suffering from either form of tonsillitis are usually advised to follow a liquid diet for a couple of days. The liquids that are permitted in this diet are milk, warm water (with lime or honey), fresh fruit juices and vegetable juice. Milk is not only a good tonsillitis remedy, it also helps soothe a sore throat and reduces the discomfort caused by the condition. Grown ups should drink a glass of pure, warm milk, to which a pinch of turmeric powder and pepper powder have been added. For maximum effectiveness, this concoction should be consumed for three nights in a row. In juices, a combination of carrot juice, beetroot juice and cucumber juice is regarded as the most effective home remedy for tonsils. The recommended proportion for this juice is 300 ml of carrot juice, 100 ml of beetroot juice and 100 ml of cucumber juice. Of course, it is perfectly acceptable to drink each of these juices individually too. It is also important to drink at least one glass of lime water each day because lime has properties that can help cure acute tonsillitis, making it an excellent tonsillitis natural remedy. For better effectiveness squeeze a fresh lime into a glass of warm water and then add a few teaspoons of honey and a ¼ teaspoon of salt to it, before sipping it slowly.
Gargling is another important tonsillitis remedy, since it helps soothe the throat and alleviate the infection. It is best to make a gargle solution at home, using fenugreek seeds. Boil a liter of water and add 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds to it. Allow them to simmer together for at least half an hour, before cooling the water. The entire gargle should be used in the same day. Some people also apply an ice pack to the throat every few hours throughout the day, for relief from the pain. Another effective tonsil home remedy is taking a hot Epsom salt bath every alternate day, or preferably everyday.
Home remedies for tonsillitis in children
It is important for parents to consult a doctor for information on tonsillitis treatment. However, parents should also know how to get rid of tonsillitis at home, because the child tends to feel more comfortable with home remedies, which prompt faster recovery. Some older children may be able to take the home remedies for tonsillitis recommended for adults. However, alternative remedies for tonsillitis for children include:
- Getting plenty of rest and sleep: The child should be asked to rest his or her voice as much as possible.
- Drinking a lot of fluids: Children are a lot more prone to dehydration than adults are. Hence a child should be encouraged to sip fluids every half an hour, to moisten the throat and prevent itchiness.
- Ice cream: Strange as this may sound, ice cream and popsicles can have a very soothing effect on a sore throat, especially in the case of tonsillitis.
- Humidifiers: A dry atmosphere could lead to throat irritation, which will aggravate the infection. Hence, to make the child more comfortable, it is best to use a humidifier in the child's room at night, to add more moisture to the environment.
Although it is relatively safe for most people to use a tonsillitis remedy for soothing the pain and discomfort caused by the condition. However, it is best to consult a doctor, if home remedies for tonsillitis mentioned above do not relieve the condition within a few days. For cases of tonsillitis that recur frequently, chronic tonsillitis home remedies may not be very effect. Therefore, in such instances, a surgery for tonsillitis, known as tonsillectomy, may be required.
answered by G M