Tonsillitis refers to acute inflammation of the tonsils. It is one of the most common ailments encountered at “childhood and is indicative of a toxic condition of the system. Chronic tonsillitis is a term applied to cases in which there is enlargement of the tonsils accompanied by repeated attacks of infection.
The tonsils are two almond-shaped small glands situated one on each side of the throat. They can be seen just at the back of the mouth between two folds of membranes running up to the soft palate. They are tiny at birth but show a spurt of growth and activity during the early months of life. They can become very much larger if severely infected. They protect the throat against disease germs.
In early childhood, especially in the first months at school, children meet a vide variety of infections, most of which are transmitted through the nose and mouth. So, the tonsils are ideally situated to attack and destroy these germs before they can enter the respiratory tract to set up a serious infection such as bronchitis or pneumonia. In fulfilling this protective function, the tonsils become red and swollen.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of tonsillitis are sore throat, fever, headache, pain in various parts of the body, difficulty in swallowing, hoarseness of voice and general weakness. The tonsils are seen to be inflammed and red when the mouth is opened wide. In many cases, spots of pus exude from them. Externally, the tonsillar lymph glands, which lie just behind the angle of the jaw, are tender and enlarged. In several cases there may be pain in the ear.
The children suffering from this disease are often listless and pale. They may vomit frequently due to the irritation of large tonsils. In case of chronic tonsillitis, the children may lose weight. They may be irritable, lethargic and weak in studies.
Causes
Inflammation of the tonsils is usually due to infection by streptococcus pyogenes. This infection is facilitated by the toxic condition of the system generally, resulting from wrong feeding habits and unhygienic condition of living. It is brought to a head by a sudden lowering of vitality due to exposure and sudden chill.
Overeating, consumption of refined foods like sugar, white flour and products made from them, fried foods, condiments, excessive tea and coffee all contribute to this disease. Other predisposing factors are cold, dyspepsia, loss of sleep and constipation.