Tonsillitis occurs when an infection inflames the tonsils. Tonsils are lymphatic tissue bundles that help the body fight infection. Most often tonsillitis is caused by a virus and happens as the tonsils filter out airborne diseases. It will often go away on its own.
How do I know if I have tonsillitis?
- Fever
- Bad breath
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Red, swollen tonsils
- Difficulty swallowing
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Raw, bleeding tonsils
How do I prevent tonsillitis?
- Avoid contact with other sick people
- Remember to wash your hands
- Don’t share toothbrushes or eating utensils
- Wash and disinfect surfaces and any toys
- Cover your mouth
- Carry hand sanitizer
- Don’t smoke
How can I treat tonsillitis?
- Get lots of rest and be sure you rest your voice.
- Make a mug of lemon water with honey and sugar. Honey is a natural antibiotic, lemon helps to clean out viruses and the heat feels nice against a sore throat.
- Eat easy to swallow meals such as soup, broth and popsicles.
- Gargle a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. This will help cleanse the tonsils and ease the pain.
- Keep the air moist with a humidifier.
