Causes of Tonsillitis and Home Remedies

Tonsils are body organs found along the throat and everybody has them. They help the body fight bacteria and viruses that enter the body through the mouth. When they are overwhelmed by these bacteria and viruses, they get infected leading to tonsillitis. Virus infections include common cold while bacterial infections are such as strep throat.

Tonsillitis is communicable disease. This means you can get it from another person who has it. The common signs of tonsillitis include sore throat, swollen tonsils that make it difficult to swallow and fever. It is usually common to children aged between 4-9.Parents should look out for refusal to eat and difficulty in swallowing which are usually the first indicators of the problem amongst children. Sneezing, coughing or even sharing eating utensils with an infected can pass the germs. Frequent washing of hands and not sharing utensils prevents the spread of the disease.

How to Treat Tonsillitis

If tonsillitis does not go away on its own within 3 days, it is advisable to seek medical attention so as to prevent other serious complications. Antibiotics such as Amoxicillin or Penicillin are used to treat tonsillitis.

Here are some known home remedies for tonsillitis:

1. Gargle warm salty water often
2. Cut a piece of lemon, sprinkle some pepper and salt onto it and suck the juice. Repeat this twice a day for effective outcome.
3. Wrap ice cubes in a piece of cloth and cold press on the tonsils for 10-15 minutes; four times a day will bring good results.
4. Prepare a mix of ginger, lemon and honey with warm water and sip severally thrice a day
5. Extract onion juice and add it to a glass of lukewarm water and gargle 3 times in a day
6. Add a teaspoonful of turmeric powder to a glass of milk, mix well and drink 2 times a day.
7. Add 3 spoons of Vodka to half (½) glass of warm water, gargle and swallow.do this twice a day for effective results. For young children, give them a boiled egg or yoghurt after this solution to coat their stomachs)
8. Drink mint tea twice a day
9. Drink plenty of warm liquids to sooth the throat
10. Get enough rest
11. Eat smooth foods such as mashed potatoes
12. Use a humidifier in the room
13. Avoid very cold , very hot, spicy or sour foods and beverages
14. Use lozenges such as strepsils

When you have tried all the above with no good results, seek medical attention as soon as possible.