TONSILLITIS:

Tonsils located in the throat are the first- line guard against respiratory infections.

In tonsillitis, the tonsils become swollen and inflamed due to infection and finally lead to pain in throat.

It is a common problem in children and generally occurs along with other upper respiratory tract infections.

 

Causes:

·           Below 3 years of age- due to viral infection.

·           Above 3 years of age- due to bacterial infection.

·           Irritant fumes of factories and smoke etc. may aggravate the condition.

 

Sign & symptoms:

·           Pain in throat

·           Enlarged tonsils

·           Hoarseness of voice

·           Bodyache

·           Fever

·           Child refuses to eat due to pain while swallowing

·           Tender, enlarged glands in neck

 

Do and Don’ts:

·           Do not go for tonsil removal unless the condition is very severe and recurrence is frequent.

·           In case of throat pain, salt water gargles relieve soreness.

·           Steam inhalation.

·           Take food that you can tolerate. Try and take liquids in case there is pain while swallowing.

·           Drink plenty of fluids and warm drinks.

·           Go to bed when symptoms are troublesome.

·           Do not self medicate. Whatever the cause, the worst of tonsillitis symptoms are over in 48 hours. If the symptoms last for more than 3 days and the sufferer start coughing green or yellow mucus, seeks medical attention.

 

ENLARGEMENT OF ADENOIDS

Adenoids are the pieces of soft tissues (glands) present at the back of the nose and throat and are not visible directly from the outside. Adenoids when get infected, may enlarge to become nearly the size of a ping pong ball completely blocking airflow through the nasal passages.

 

Causes:

·           Infection- either viral or bacterial

·           Allergy

 

Sign & symptoms:

·           Blocked nose

·           Child usually keeps mouth open due to difficulty in breathing through nose.

·           Noisy breathing

·           Nose becomes wet with discharges

·           Altered voice (nasal)

·           Obstructed nose causing difficulty in feeding

·           May have pain in the ears and impaired hearing

 

Do’s & Don’ts:

·           Strengthen your general resistance to infection by a diet rich in Vitamin C, green leafy vegetables, fruits potatoes, tomatoes etc. avoid allergens.

·           Ajwain has a remarkable power to open up clogged and congested nasal passages. Roast a tablespoon of ajwain and tie it in a cloth and use for inhaling.

·           A drop or two of salt water can act as nasal drops without any rebound effect. ( 1tsp of salt + 8 ounces of water)

·           Steam inhalation will give temporary relief, as will warm water gargles boiled with tulsi leaves.

·           Performing yoga regularly can help relieve chest, stimulate healing and relax.

·           Eucalyptus oil is a soothing external application for head colds.

·           Garlic and onion have anti-viral effects. Onion and garlic soup is very effective. 2-3 garlic cloves daily in the morning removes cough & cold.

·           The juice of holy basil leaves (tulsi) + ginger juice + lemon juice + turmeric powder + honey can be given to cut down the course of illness.

·           A good home made syrup for irritating throat is 3 tsp honey + 2 tsp lime juice + 1 tsp brandy = mixed and 2 tsp given thrice a day. The mixture is to be prepared fresh daily.

·           Consume adequate fluids at least 6-8 glasses a day- the body needs extra water to help flush itself of the cellular ‘waste’ created by its antiviral efforts. Hot beverages, broth and soups help to relieve in inflammation.

·           Fruit juices: lemon, orange, pineapple, black current etc.

·           Vegetable juices: carrot, beet, tomato, green pepper, plus onion and garlic juice in small doses added to vegetable juices.

·           Turmeric with its antiseptic properties is a household medicine for curing chronic tonsillitis.

·           Avoid cold food & drinks.

·           Avoid preserved & artificially flavoured foods.

·           Treat infections before they develop complications.

·           Avoid crowded places.

·           During active infection take rest.