The tonsils are two glands at the back of the throat that serve as the body’s natural filters. They are responsible for preventing viruses and harmful bacteria from entering the body. Tonsils also make antibodies to fight off foreign microorganisms and infections. Since the tonsils are exposed to harmful microbes, they are also prone to developing conditions like tonsil stones and tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils caused by viral or bacterial infections. This condition can happen to anyone with tonsils, but it mostly affects children.
There are three types of tonsillitis: acute (occurs once every few years), recurrent (occurs multiple times in a year), and chronic (long-term infection). All of these types share the same symptoms. For example, patients with tonsilitis may experience fever, red tonsils, inflamed tonsils, throat pain, difficulty swallowing, ear pain, headache, chills, muffled voice, and bad breath. Patients may also notice a yellow pus-like coating on the tonsils and ulcers on the throat. In addition, children may experience vomiting, drooling, stomach pain, and loss of appetite.
The medications and treatments will depend on the cause of tonsillitis. Aside from these, several home remedies can alleviate the symptoms of tonsilitis.
Drinking Plenty of Warm Liquids
Tonsillitis can bring discomfort and pain to the tonsils and the surrounding tissues. In most cases, tonsillitis can also cause sore throat. One of the most effective remedies to soothe or alleviate these symptoms is drinking plenty of warm liquids, such as broth, coffee, soup, and tea. A lot of anecdotal evidence from traditional medicine claims the effectiveness of this remedy. In addition, drinking herbal tea is proven to have additional benefits.
For instance, teas with pectin, glycerin, and honey can soothe irritation. These ingredients can create a protective layer around the tissues and membranes of the throat and mouth, reducing the discomfort caused by tonsillitis. Moreover, experts also recommend certain types of teas to increase the effectiveness of this home remedy. For example, green tea and fennel tea can significantly reduce inflammation, while raw honey (which is usually used as a sweetener for tea) has excellent antibacterial properties that can help fight bacterial infection.
