Along
What are tonsils?
Tonsils are lumps of tissue at the back of the throat. There are two of them, one on each side. Along with the adenoids, tonsils are part of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system clears away infection and keeps body fluids in balance. Tonsils and adenoids work by trapping the germs coming in through the mouth and nose.
What is tonsillitis?Tonsillitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the tonsils. Sometimes along with tonsillitis, the adenoids are also swollen.
What causes tonsillitis?The cause of tonsillitis is usually a viral infection. Bacterial infections such as strep throat can also cause tonsillitis.
Who is at risk for tonsillitis?Tonsillitis is most common in children over age two. Almost every child in the United States gets it at least once. Tonsillitis caused by bacteria is more common in kids ages 5-15. Tonsillitis caused by a virus is more common in younger children.
Adults can get tonsillitis, but it is not very common.
Is tonsillitis contagious?Although tonsillitis is not contagious, the viruses and bacteria that cause it are contagious. Frequent handwashing can help prevent spreading or catching the infections.
What are the symptoms of tonsillitis?The symptoms of tonsillitis include:
- A sore throat, which may be severe
- Red, swollen tonsils
- Trouble swallowing
- A white or yellow coating on the tonsils
- Swollen glands in the neck
- Fever
- Bad breath
You should call your health care provider if your child:
- Has a sore throat for more than two days
- Has trouble or pain when swallowing
- Feels very sick or very weak
You should get emergency care right away if your child:
- Has trouble breathing
- Starts drooling
- Has a lot of trouble swallowing
To diagnose tonsillitis, your child's health care provider will first ask you about your child's symptoms and medical history. The provider will look at your child's throat and neck, checking for things such as redness or white spots on the tonsils and swollen lymph nodes.
Your child will probably also have one or more tests to check for strep throat, since it can cause tonsillitis and it requires treatment. It could be a rapid strep test, a throat culture, or both. For both tests, the provider uses a cotton swab to collect a sample of fluids from your child's tonsils and the back of the throat. With the rapid strep test, testing is done in the office, and you get the results within minutes. The throat culture is done in a lab, and it usually takes a few days to get the results. The throat culture is a more reliable test. So sometimes if the rapid strep test is negative (meaning that it does not show any strep bacteria), the provider will also do a throat culture just to make sure that your child does not have strep.
What are the treatments for tonsillitis?Treatment for tonsillitis depends on the cause. If the cause is a virus, there is no medicine to treat it. If the cause is a bacterial infection, such as strep throat, your child will need to take antibiotics. It is important for your child to finish the antibiotics even if he or she feels better. If treatment stops too soon, some bacteria may survive and re-infect your child.
No matter what is causing the tonsillitis, there are some things you can do to help your child feel better. Make sure that your child:
- Gets a lot of rest
- Drinks plenty of fluids
- Tries eating soft foods if it hurts to swallow
- Tries eating warm liquids or cold foods like popsicles to soothe the throat
- Isn't around cigarette smoke or do anything else that could irritate the throat
- Sleeps in a room with a humidifier
- Gargles with saltwater
- Sucks on a lozenge (but do not give them to children under four; they can choke on them)
- Takes an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen. Children and teenagers should not take aspirin.
In some cases, your child may need a tonsillectomy.
What is a tonsillectomy and why might my child need one?A tonsillectomy is surgery to remove the tonsils. Your child might need it if he or she:
- Keeps getting tonsillitis
- Has bacterial tonsillitis that does not get better with antibiotics
- Has tonsils are too big, and are causing trouble breathing or swallowing
Your child usually gets the surgery and goes home later that day. Very young children and people who have complications may need to stay in the hospital overnight. It can take a week or two before your child completely recovers from the surgery.
Home Remedies for Along
Frankincense essential oil calms, fights fatigue, and increases circulation. Used with a carrier oil, it helps heal eczema, psoriasis and dandruff, all alongside that lovely scent.IvanTurgenev | July 15th, 2018
Olive Oil contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3 are prostaglandins which increase blood flow, reduce inflammation and the formation of blood clots. Three polyphenolic compounds in olive oil, oleuropein, tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol, along with mono-unsaturated fat, may be responsible for preventing LDL cholesterol from being oxidized and sticking to the inner walls of arteries. This is referred to as plaque, which restricts blood flow.
Mechanism - oleuropein, tyrosol, hydroxytyrosolSleslie | August 27th, 2020
Felter's Materia Medica on Along
A dried... / ...tance of mucilaginous character abstracted from several species of sea weeds (marine algae) growing along the coast of Asia. Most of it comes from Japan. Dose, 1 to 4 drachms. Common Name: Agar-agar. ... / ...crackers are prepared from it and may be procured in the general trade. Agar is also used as a culture medium in making labaratory cultures. 2
The rhizome and rootlets of Asarum canadense, Linné (Nat. Ord.... / ...tolochiaceae). A native perennial of the United States found in rich soils in woods, mountains, and along road sides. Dose, 5 to 30 grains. Common Names: Wild Ginger, Indian Ginger, Canada Snakeroot. ...2
The ripe fruit, dried, of Capsicum frutescens, Linné (Nat. Ord. Solanaceae). Tropical America; also cultivated in most tropical countries. Dose,... / ...ve or the degree of inflammation present. We have used it with great satisfaction for pain coursing along the spermatic cord in the lower quadrant of the abdomen. It must not, however, be allowed to c...2
The root and stem of Brunfelsia (Franciscea) uniflora, Pohl (Nat. Ord. Solanaceae). A tropical American shrub. Common Names: Manaca, Vegetable... / ...ciscea. Dose, 10 to 60 drops. Action and Therapy.Diuretic and probably alterative. It is employed along the Amazon for rheumatism and syphilis. It is capable of producing gastro-enteritis and death.... / ...to act somewhat like guaiac.2
The root of Hydrangea arborescens, Linné (Nat. Ord. Saxifragaceae). A handsome shrub along streams and in damp, rocky situations in the southern and... / The root of Hydrangea arborescens, Linné (Nat. Ord. Saxifragaceae). A handsome shrub along streams and in damp, rocky situations in the southern and middlewest states of this country. D... / ...Unquestionably hydrangea has a kindly action upon the mucosa of the urinary organs and it has alterative properties making it useful in strumous diseases.2
The leaves, tops, and seeds of Lobelia inflata, Linné (Nat. Ord. Lobeliaceae). Abundant in the United States. Dose, 1 to 60 grains. Common... / ...ation in the throat and fauces, accompanied by slight nausea and a feeling of warmth and distention along the esophageal tract and in the stomach. The sensation is not very unlike that produced by tob...2
The dry, ripe seeds of Strychnos Nux vomica, Linné (Nat. Ord.... / .... According to the U. S. P. it should contain at least 2.5 per cent of nux vomica alkaloids. India, along the Coromandel Coast, Ceylon, and other parts of the East Indies. Dose, 1/20 to 2 grains. Comm... / ...and the heart from cramp asphyxia. The body stiffens after death and this rigidity has been known to persist for months. The smallest doses 2
The... / ...tly dried root and fruit of Phytolacca americana, Linné (Nat. Ord. Phytolaccaceae). North America, along roadsides and fences, and in clearings and uncultivated fields; grows also in northern Africa,...2
The whole plant of... / ...go major, Linné (Nat. Ord. Plantaginaceae). A very common weed everywhere, especially in lawns and along roadsides, growing in rich soils. Common Names: Plantain, Rib Grass, Ribwort. Principal Consti... / ...Plantago is reputed useful in bed wetting in children, due to relaxation of the vesical sphincter, with copious discharge of pale urine.2
The bark and aments of Salix nigra, Linné (Nat. Ord. Salicaceae); United States, particularly along streams in New York and Pennsylvania. Common... / The bark and aments of Salix nigra, Linné (Nat. Ord. Salicaceae); United States, particularly along streams in New York and Pennsylvania. Common Names: Black Willow, Pussy Willow. Principal Cons... / ...strengthen the reproductive tract when pollutions are the result of sexual intemperance, libidinous thoughts by day, and lascivious dreams by night.2
The rhizome and roots of Sanguinaria canadensis, Linné (Nat. Ord.... / ...ered in autumn after the leaves and scape have died to the ground. Found in woods and clearings and along old fences in North America from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico and from the Atlantic to the wes... / ...in debilitated subjects. When due to vicarious menstruation, hemorrhage from the lungs is said to have been controlled by it. It may be used als2
The dried leaflets of (1) Cassia acutifolia, Delile, or of (2) Cassia angustifolia, Vahl (Nat. Ord. Leguminosae). (1) Eastern and central Africa;... / ... when used alone. While it influences the whole intestinal tract, exciting peristalsis as it passes along, the greater action is exerted upon the colon. This renders it a certain purgative, for by thi... / ...woman, and for children. It may be given in water, or the readyprepared lozenges may be used, the patient partaking also of plenty of water.2
The dried rhizome and roots of Spigelia marilandica, Linné (Nat. Ord. Loganiaceae). Southern United States; less plentiful in northern parts of... / ...guard against relapses of cardiac rheumatism. Cardiac neuralgia with palpitation and pain extending along the arm is also said to be relieved by it. For these purposes the fractional dose is to be pre...2
...with a sensation of in complete urethral evacuation-a sensation as if a drop of urine were rolling along in the canal; menstrual derangements, with long intermenstrual intervals and prolonged flow; s......e conditions being associated with depression of spirits and a sense of restlessness and irritation along the course of the urethra. It is especially useful in renal incontinence of old men with teasi......nse of incomplete urination with a feeling as if a drop of urine were constantly attempting to pass along the urethral canal. The indications for staphisagria, as concisely stated by us in the America...2
Veratrine, Veratria. A mixture of alkaloids obtained from the seeds of Schoenocaulon officinale, Asa Gray (Sabadilla officinarum, Brandt; Asagrea... / ...iac depression; pallor of face and great faintness; cold sweats; muscular twitching and aching pain along the spine; contracted abdomen and pupils; and occasionally extreme pruritus and tingling which...2
References
2) Felter, Harvey Wickes, 1922, The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Cincinnati, Ohio.