Can you recall the picture of a kid with swollen tonsils from your old science textbooks? What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of it? As kids, most of us must have associated tonsillitis with a swollen lump that protruded from our throats. But well, tonsillitis is nothing like we imagined it back then. Do you want to get a better idea about this contagious infection? Go ahead and read on to know how you can treat this condition with home remedies.
23 Home Remedies For Tonsillitis + Relief Tips
What Is Tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is a condition where your lymph nodes (called tonsils) that are present at the back of your throat are sore and swollen. Although it is a common infection and can occur at any age, tonsillitis is more common among children.
What Causes Tonsillitis?
Your tonsils defend your body against various disease-causing microbes. They produce white blood cells to prevent the entry of these infectious microorganisms into your body via your mouth. But, in certain situations, your tonsils may become vulnerable to them, and this leads to inflammation and swelling and causes tonsillitis.
Tonsillitis can be caused by a common cold or even strep throat. About 30% cases of tonsillitis in children are due to a strep throat. Being a contagious condition, tonsillitis is easily spread from one person to another, especially among children.
Let us now look at the symptoms that accompany tonsillitis.
Signs And Symptoms Of Tonsillitis
The most common symptoms of tonsillitis include:
- Inflamed and swollen tonsils
- White or yellow spots on tonsils
- Severe sore throat
- Difficulty while swallowing
- A scratchy voice
- Bad breath
- Chills
- Fever
- Headache and stomach ache
- A stiff neck
- Tender jaw and neck
- Poor appetite and increased irritability in young children
These symptoms often surface with the onset of tonsillitis and can be diagnosed easily. There are also some other ways to diagnose tonsillitis, and they are discussed below.
How Is Tonsillitis Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of tonsillitis usually follows a physical examination of your throat. Laboratory testing of the swab from your throat is another way.
Tonsillitis can be easily diagnosed and easily treated. Although this condition is not of much concern, if left untreated, it can turn chronic and cause problems.
Hence, like in the case of any other disease, it is better to treat tonsillitis at the earliest. And what could be better than to treat it naturally and right at your home? Given below is a list of home remedies that have proven to be effective in the treatment of tonsillitis.
How To Cure Tonsillitis Naturally
1. Salt Water Gargle
You Will Need
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of warm water
What You Have To Do
- Add half a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water.
- Mix well and use this solution to gargle.
How Often You Should Do This
You can do this multiple times daily.
Why This Works
Gargling with salt water can help get rid of the phlegm that is stuck between the tonsils and gaps inside your mouth and throat. This phlegm usually contains the microbes responsible for tonsillitis. Also, salt has antiseptic properties that can help treat the infection. The warm water used for gargling breaks down the mucus and makes breathing easier (1).
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
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