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April 1, 2024
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Tonsillitis: What Causes And How To Avoid Sore Throat

tonsillitis-the-cause-and-how-to-avoid-the-sore throat

Sore throat, hoarseness and a lot of difficulty swallowing. It is difficult to find someone who has not suffered at least once with tonsillitis, the inflammation of the lymph nodes deep in the throat.

The tonsils act as guardians of the body, filtering out unwanted microorganisms. They have the function of producing defense cells, but are also easy targets for attack by some viruses and bacteria. When this happens, the result is inflammation.

Although infections do not meet the schedule, tonsillitis is more common in winter. This is mainly due to temperature variations (not just cold).

Symptoms

In addition to throat discomfort, tonsillitis can also cause other symptoms such as fever, swollen neck glands, cough, loss of appetite and sometimes bad breath.

It is important to note the symptoms so as not to confuse them with those of other illnesses such as a cold.

Tonsillitis: bacteria or viruses?

To suggest the most appropriate treatment, the first step is to identify whether the origin of tonsillitis is viral or bacterial. As Edson Monteiro, specialist in otorhinolaryngology, explains, "In viral tonsillitis, common in children, the infection preferentially affects the oropharynx region (tonsils and pharynx) and should be treated with analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs."

But if there is a high fever and pus points in the throat, evidence points to a bacterial attack on the tonsils. In this case, the use of specific antibiotics (prescribed by the doctor) will be required. In the most severe conditions, bacterial infection can evolve and affect other organs of the body, such as the kidneys and heart.

Does gargling work?

Yes, is gargling still recommended by experts as an effective home remedy against the discomfort that tonsillitis causes in the throat? especially in the simplest cases caused by viruses.

So you can keep using that old combination, known to all grandparents: warm water, salt and lemon droplets? at least twice a day.

Is surgery necessary?

According to doctor Edson Monteiro, tonsil removal surgery is no longer as common as it used to be because there are now several effective treatments against ganglion infection.

But when inflammation in the throat is frequent or the size of the tonsils interferes with breathing causing sleep apnea, for example, tonsillectomy (a surgical procedure in which the tonsils are removed) may be indicated.

The surgery is performed by an otolaryngologist, anesthesia is local and takes less than an hour.

Recommendations

When the cause is discovered, the right treatment solves the problem within a few days. And if you plan to stay away from sore throats this winter, a few simple tips can help you avoid tonsillitis.

Avoid air-conditioned environments, which dry the mucous membranes and decrease the resistance of the tonsils;
Prefer to eat warm drinks, soups and soft foods as they are more tolerated during crises;
Take plenty of fluids to hydrate the mucous membranes.

In addition, healthy lifestyle habits (such as staying away from cigarettes and taking plenty of fluids) help boost the body's immunity and thus keep infections away from our body.