The tonsils
and adenoids are glands containing lymphatic tissue, located in the upper
throat. Both are part of the immune system; they protect the body, at the top
of the gastrointestinal tract, against infection. Each tonsil contains 200
million lymphocytes. We will here primarily deal with tonsillitis; treatment
for adenitis is essentially the same. Strep throat also has the same treatment.
Symptoms
Inflammation
and possible infection of the tonsils and adenoids. If streptococcal bacteria
have caused the infection. It is called strep
throat. There is a sore throat with fever, lack of appetite, chills,
headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, nasal obstruction and discharge. The
lymph glands may become swollen. Symptoms continue for 24-72 hours; then they
gradually subside over 7-10 days. The tonsils may look red and enlarged; and
pus may be observed.
Causes
When the body’s resistance is lowered, viruses or bacteria (usually
streptococcal) set to work. And a diet of processed and junk foods, that is high in carbohydrates and low in protein, can also bring on this condition.
If
streptococcal infection (strep throat) is not present, then the throat
condition is eliminated much quicker.
If not cared
for properly, strep throat can be potentially dangerous and can lead to
rheumatic fever or meningitis.
Food allergies weaken the body; usually cow’s
milk, chocolate, or too much white flour or sugar products. Cow’s milk and wheat are the two primary
allergens to beware of. Antibiotics weaken the body more.
The more
frequently this infection occurs, the more difficult it is to eliminate. The
tonsils become scarred from previous inflammations.
Quinsy is a peritonsillar abscess. It is an
infection of the tonsil, between the tonsil and the pharyngeal constrictor
muscle. The solution is not a tonsillectomy, but the care specified below.
Treatment and other ways to help get relief
I.Cold applications
to the throat may bring relief and shorten the high point of the infection.
This could be an ice collar or flannel wrung out of cold water and frequently
changed.
II.Hot saltwater gargles will help. To increase blood
circulation in the throat, do alternate hot and cold gargling.
III.Gargle with golden-seal tea, drinking it as you do this (1 cup 3-4 times a day).
IV.Colloidal silver
is an inexpensive and safe way to treat sore throats.
V.Place a heating compress
on the throat at other times. Prepare a strip of cotton sheet (dipped and wrung
out of cold water) in a strip of dry wool; and put this on the throat.
VI.Give a hot footbath, along with hot (5 minutes) and cold
(5 minutes) cloths to the throat (2-3 times daily). Finish with a cold mitten friction to the whole body. Then immediately put him into a warm
bed and let him rest.
VII.Drink plenty of liquids. Fresh juices are the best. Drink
fruit juice, green drink, and lots of water. Avoid sugary, processed and junk foods. A cleansing juice fast,
alternated with vegetable broths,
for 3 days is helpful. Lemon or lime juice in warm water with honey and ginger will help the cleansing
process. Peppermint tea will help settle the stomach.
VIII.Maintain a high intake of vitamin C. It powerfully fights the infection
and also produces interferon which does the same. Along with the light meals,
include vitamin A, selenium and zinc.
IX.Dissolve in the mouth a charcoal tablet several times a
day. It will both soothe the throat and combine with toxins, absorbing them.
X.Catnip tea enemas are good for fevers.
XI.Golden-seal, Echinacea and garlic act as antibiotics. Tea
tree oil helps heal the throat infection. Fenugreek and comfrey loosens the mucus and carries it out of the body.
XII.¼ tsp. of lobelia extract (swallowed every 2 hours) will
help alleviate fever, pain, and swelling.
XIII.Avoid people who smoke. Children whose
parents are smokers have very high rates of tonsils infection.
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