Tonsillitis
Description
Tonsillitis is a relatively common childhood disorder although it can occur at any age. Tonsillitis is an acute inflammation of the tonsils which are clusters of nodes of lymph tissue located on both sides on the throat behind the teeth. The tonsils and adenoids are important in defending the body against infection. Principally, they are the first line of defense against invading organisms of the nose and throat.
Resistance to tonsillitis increases with age. If tonsillitis is contracted and a bacterium is diagnosed as the causative agent, antibiotics may be prescribed. Other treatments include bed rest, plenty of fluids, and aspirin to reduce fever and pain. It should be noted tonsillitis does not cause frequent colds or sore throats, as popularly believed. Neither is it true tonsillectomies are a common procedure, especially since the discovery that tonsils enlarge and then shrink as part of their natural process. Only with extreme cases when severe and frequent attacks interfere with school or work performance, hearing, and/or breathing, are the tonsils removed. Tonsillectomy is a relatively simple surgery.
Causes
Viral infections (account for most cases)
Bacterial infection, especially Streptococcus;
Staphylococcus is also common
Signs & Symptoms
| Sore throat | Rash |
| Red tonsils | Headache |
| Swollen tonsils | Difficulty swallowing |
| White spots on the tonsils | Vomiting |
| Inflammation of the tonsils | Cough |
| Tenderness of the neck glands | Stomach pain |
| Swollen neck glands | Ear pain |
| Fever | Edema |
| Febrile convulsions | Hyperemia |
| Chills | Symptoms similar to influenza |
Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function: Immune System Support
---------------------------------
General Supplements
---------------------------------
| Adult | Child/Adolescent | |
| EPO | 1 - 3 g | 1 - 2 g |
| Iron | 10 - 20 mg | 5 - 10 mg |
| Selenium | 100 - 300 mcg | 50 - 100 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 2,000 - 6,000 mg | 1,000 - 3,000 mg |
| Vitamin E | 400 - 600 IU | 200 - 400 IU |
Note: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
Homeopathic Remedy
1. Baryta iodata - 15C
2. Silicea tinct. - 30C
3. Aconitum Napellus tinct. - 30C
4. Apis Mellifica - 30C
Advanced, by symptom:
1. Burning pain shooting into the head - Belladonna tinct..
2. Stabbing pain in throat - Hepar sulphuris calcareum
3. Halitosis - Mercurius Vivus
Treatment Schedule
Doses cited are to be administered on a 3X daily schedule, unless otherwise indicated. Dose usually continued for 2 weeks. Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose. Solid preps are usually 3 pellets per dose. Children use 1/2 dose.
Legend
X = 1 to 10 dilution - weak (triturition)
C = 1 to 100 dilution - weak (potency)
M = 1 to 1 million dilution (very strong)
X or C underlined means it is most useful potency
Asterisk (*) = Primary remedy. Means most necessary remedy. There may be more than one remedy - if so, use all of them.
References
Boericke, D.E., 1988. Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Coulter, C.R., 1986. Portraits of Homeopathic Medicines.
Kent, J.T., 1989. Repertory of the Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Koehler, G., 1989. Handbook of Homeopathy.
Shingale, J.N., 1992. Bedside Prescriber.
Smith, Trevor, 1989. Homeopathic Medicine.
Ullman, Dana, 1991. The One Minute (or so) Healer.
Tissue Salts
| Calc. Phos. | chronic enlargement, painful; |
| Calc. Sulf. | ulcerating with yellow discharge; |
| Ferr. Phos. | early stage, vomiting; |
| Kali Mur. | second phase, white or grey spots on tonsils; |
| Nat. Mur. | drowsiness, tonsils covered by frothy mucus, flowing saliva, feeling of obstruction in throat; |
| Nat. Phos. | acidosis, creamy yellow mucus on tonsils; |
Herbal Approaches
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Herbs
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Garlic
Lobelia
Sage
Slippery elm bark
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
References:
Hoffmann, D: The New Holistic Herbal. Element, 1983. Third edition 1990.
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
| Clary Sage Essence, | Cypress Essence, |
| Lavender Essence, | Myrrh Essence, |
| Pepper Essence, | Rose Essence, |
| Sandalwood Essence, | Tea Tree Essence. |
Related Health Conditions
| Cough | Edema |
| Fever | Headache |
| Infection | Inflammation |
| Pain | Sore throat |
| Vomiting |
References
Anderson, R. The Effects of Increasing Weekly Doses of Ascorbate on Cellular and Immune Function in Normal Volunteers. American Journal Of Clinical Nutrition, 33. 1980.
Bland, Jeffrey. Nutraerobics. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1983.
Bland, Jeffrey. Medical Applications of Clinical Nutrition. New Canaan, Conn.: Keats, 1983.
Conlon BJ: Improvements in health and behaviour following childhood tonsillectomy: a parental perspective at 1 year. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol, 1997 Aug 20, 41:2, 155-61.
Kirschmann, J.D. 1990. Nutrition Almanac: Nutrition Search. McGrew-Hill: New York.
Kuhn JJ et al., Quantitative bacteriology of tonsils removed from children with tonsillitis hypertrophy and recurrent tonsillitis with and without hypertrophy. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol, 104(8):646-52 1995 Aug.
Kunz, J.R.M. 1982. The American Medical Association Family Medical Guide. Random House Pub, New York. 832 pp.
Morgan N & Brookes GB: Central nervous system complications of acute tonsillitis. J Laryngol Otol, 1997 Mar, 111:3, 274-6.
Nockels, C.F. Protective Effectives of Supplemental Vitamin E Against Infection. Federation Proceedings, 38. 1979.
Onerci M et al., Trace elements in children with chronic and recurrent tonsillitis. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol, 1997 Jul 18, 41:1, 47-51.
Rajasuo A et al., Pericoronitis and tonsillitis: clinical and darkfield microscopy findings. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod, 81(5):526-32 1996 May.
Reddy, C.C. & E.J. Massaro. Biochemistry of Selenium - A Brief Overview. Fundamental Applied Toxicology, 3. 1983.
Robbins, S.L. & R.S. Cotran. 1979. Pathologic Basis of Disease. 2nd ed. Saunders Pub Co., Philadelphia. 1598 pp.
Scadding, G.: Immunology of The Tonsil: A Review. The Journal of The Royal Society of Medicine, February 1990;83:104-107.
Subak-Sharpe, G.J. 1984. The Physician's Manual For Patients. Times Books Pub, New York. 607 pp.
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