Introduction

Enlarged and infected tonsils are not just a pain in the throat but also make swallowing painful. This condition is medically termed as tonsillitis.

As per a study, the prevalence of tonsillitis was found to be 69% in the preteen age group (6–12 years),18% in adolescent groups (13–18 years), and 17% in younger children (4-5 years).1

Tonsils are lymphoid tissues at the back of your throat, one on each side. They play a defensive role in your body. These tiny glands are the first line of defense against bacteria and viruses that are breathed in or ingested.

Tonsillitis is an inflammatory condition where tonsils get enlarged due to infection. This can involve either one or both.

The good news is homeopathic medicines are effective in treating both acute tonsillitis and cases of recurrent tonsillitis. The primary aim of homeopathic medications is to boost your child’s immune system and prevent recurrent respiratory infections that lead to tonsillitis.

Role of homeopathy in the treatment of enlarged and infected tonsils

Each case of enlarged and infected tonsils in homeopathy starts with addressing the root cause and ultimately curing it without surgical intervention. Due to this approach, homeopathic medicine is the most effective treatment for enlarged and infected tonsils.

Initially, homeopathic medications are administered to treat the acute tonsillitis symptoms. In the later phase of the treatment, the medicine targets the chronic propensity for recurrent tonsillitis. Thus your immune system is strengthened by homeopathic remedies, making it quick to fight infection.

Top six homeopathic medicines for enlarged and infected tonsils

Homoeopathy has demonstrated remarkable effects in several mild to moderate tonsillitis cases, preventing surgery. Here are the top six homeopathic medicines that treat enlarged and infected tonsils effectively.

Belladonna (Bell.)

Common name: Deadly Nightshade

Belladonna is one of the best homeopathic remedies for acute tonsillitis with red, swollen, and painful tonsils. This is among the top homeopathic medicines for treating tonsillitis pain that worsens while swallowing liquids. Often the patient’s throat remains dry, with a constant inclination to swallow.

This remedy is indicated in cases where fever accompanies tonsillitis symptoms. It treats tonsillitis with constriction, tightening, and the sensation of a lump in the throat. This remedy works well on right-sided tonsillitis.

Belladonna soothes throat pain, lowers inflammation, and reduces swelling of tonsillitis. Other symptoms include spasms in the throat, a scraping sensation in the throat, and hypertrophy of mucus membranes.

Hepar sulphuris calcareum

Common name: Hahnemann’s calcium sulfide

Hepar sulphuris calcareum is recommended in mild to severe cases of enlarged tonsils. This homeopathic medicine treats infected tonsils and quinsy. Hepar sulph. has proved itself effective in treating infected tonsils with pus and yellow mucus discharge.

Hepar sulph. helps manage peritonsillar abscess (a condition where pus fills up behind the tonsils). It is suited to people with tonsilitis who feel a sensation of a plug or splinter in the throat while swallowing.

Tonsil infection with stitching pains radiating to the ear along with intense pain while talking or swallowing. There is a sensation as if a sharp piece of glass or wood is stuck in the throat.

Calcarea carbonica ostrearum (calc.)

Common name: Carbonate of lime

Calcarea carbonica ostrearum is one of the best homeopathic remedies to treat recurrent tonsillitis. This remedy is used as an intercurrent remedy after recovery from tonsillitis.

Calc. carb. constitution tends to catch a cold easily. It is a best-suited homeopathic remedy for throat and tonsil complaints triggered by the slightest exposure to cold. This medicine helps in building immunity and enables you to fight infections naturally. Calc. carb. is helpful in managing parotid fistula, swollen tonsils, hawking mucus, and difficulty in swallowing.

Psorinum (Psor.)

Common name: Scabies vesicle

Psorinum is one of the best homeopathic remedies that treat the tendency for recurrent infective tonsillitis. It is known to eradicate the tendency to quinsy. This medicine prevents pus formation in enlarged and infected tonsils.

The best part of this medicine is that it acts on your immune system and reduces your susceptibility to developing recurrent infections.

Psorinum has excellent results on swollen tonsils with pain while swallowing. There is thick mucus discharge from the throat. Another characteristic symptom of this remedy is foul-smelling salivation and cheesy mucus bits with a disgusting smell.

Mercurius solubilis (Merc.)

Common name: Quicksilver

Mercurius solubilis is used to treat tonsillitis pains extending to the ears. The pain is aggravated especially while swallowing. Stitching type of pain is characteristic of this remedy.

Merc. sol. is prescribed for putrid sore throat complaints with bluish-red swelling. There is a constant desire to swallow. Tonsillitis is often right-sided. Every change of weather triggers inflammation and ulcers over the tonsils. Merc. sol. is indicated in enlarged and infected tonsils, where the tonsils are dark red with ulcers or white spots on the tonsils. Excessive salivation is present along with the above symptoms.

Difficulty in swallowing worsens after pus formation. Other symptoms include soreness, raw, smarting, and burning in the throat, complete aphonia, and foul odor from the mouth.

Mercurius iodatus flavus (Merc-i-f.)

Common name: Proto-iodide of mercury

Mercurius iodatus flavus is used by homeopathic doctors for the treatment of right-sided tonsillitis. The prime action of this remedy is on the throat. This is the best remedy for lacunar tonsillitis, where the superficial part of the tonsil is involved.

This homeopathic medicine is indicated for enlarged and infected tonsils that begin on the right side. It heals ulcers on the posterior pharyngeal wall. Other symptoms include detachable patches formed over the fauces and pharyngeal wall, complaints of worsening at night, profuse mucus, and constant inclination to swallow.

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Causes of enlarged and infected tonsils

A bacterial and viral infection are the main cause of enlarged and infected tonsils. Streptococcus (strep) bacteria can cause strep throat, leading to tonsillitis. Other common infections include:

  • Adenoviruses
  • Enteroviruses
  • Herpes simplex virus
  • Epstein-Barr virus
  • Influenza virus
  • Parainfluenza viruses

Symptoms of enlarged and infected tonsils

Tonsillitis most commonly affects children of preschool ages to the mid-teenage. Some common symptoms of tonsillitis include:

  • Sore throat
  • Muffled voice
  • Difficulty in swallowing
  • Pain during swallowing
  • High-grade temperature above 100.4 °F
  • Enlarged lymph nodes
  • Red, swollen, and painful tonsils
  • Yellow or white patches on the tonsils
  • Bad and foul-smelling breath
  • Pain and stiffness in the neck
  • Headache

In young kids who cannot express symptoms, tonsillitis signs include:

  • Drooling saliva
  • Pain while swallowing
  • Refusing to eat
  • Behaving more fussy than usual

Treatment of enlarged and infected tonsils

Treatment for enlarged and infected tonsils is based on the type of infection. Although the signs and symptoms of bacterial and viral tonsillitis can be similar, they are treated differently.

Treatment for bacterial tonsillitis

Antibiotic medicines are used to treat bacterial tonsillitis. Even if you start feeling better after a few days, taking the entire course of antibiotics is essential. This is to prevent the infection from returning, worsening, or spreading to another part of your body.

Treatment for viral tonsillitis

Viral tonsillitis is self-limiting and medicines are prescribed for symptomatic relief. Your healthcare provider will advise the following in addition to medication:

  • Get lots of sleep
  • Stay hydrated
  • Chew on throat lozenges
  • Surgical removal of the tonsils – tonsillectomy

Diet and lifestyle modification for enlarged and infected tonsils

  • Maintain hygiene by frequently washing your hands, especially before you eat.
  • Avoiding sharing of utensils used to eat.
  • Maintain a safe distance from anyone who has tonsillitis.
  • If you have tonsillitis, stay home and prevent its spread to others.
  • Cover your nose when you sneeze or cough to prevent its spread.
  • Drink plenty of warm fluids.
  • Gargle with warm salt water.

Conclusion

Enlarged and infected tonsils are common. Tonsils are the first line of defense in your body. Removing them surgically can compromise your immune system.

A well-selected homeopathic medicine supports your immune mechanism and cures tonsillitis in a short duration.

References

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