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. Tonsillitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the tonsils. Sometimes along with tonsillitis, the adenoids are also swollen.

Tonsils acts as filters trapping germs and also produce antibodies to fight infection. At times tonsils themselves get infected by bacteria or viruses condition known as tonsillitis. It recurs frequently especially in children above age 2 .

Symptoms of tonsillitis include

  • Severe throat pain

  • Red, swollen tonsils

  • Trouble swallowing

  • A white or yellow coating on the tonsils

  • Swollen glands in the neck

  • Fever

  • Bad breath

Adenoids

The adenoids are a mass of soft tissue behind the nasal cavity. Like lymph nodes, adenoids are part of the immune system and are made of the same type of tissue (lymphoid tissue). White blood cells circulate through the adenoids and other lymphoid tissue, reacting to foreign invaders in the body. Adenoids usually start to shrink after about age 5. By the teenage years, they are almost completely gone.

When adenoids are trying to fight the infection it becomes swollen and once the infection is gone they get back to normal. But sometimes they remain swollen even after the infection is gone. Enlarged adenoids can make it hard to breathe through the nose due to which child breathes through mouth.

Adenoiditis: Inflammation of the adenoids, often from infection. Bacteria or viruses may cause adenoiditis.

Enlarged adenoids may cause:

  • A dry mouth, which can also lead to bad breath

  • Cracked lips

  • A runny nose

  • Loud breathing

  • Snoring

  • Restless sleep

  • Sleep apnea, where you repeatedly stop breathing for a few seconds while sleeping

  • Ear infections

Various conventional treatments are available which suggests surgical removal of tonsils and adenoids. But they are only temporary and help in relieving symptoms for a short span of time. For such conditions homeopathy works wonderfully by not only treating the symptoms but also increasing the body s immune system to prevent further infections and complications.

As this condition mainly affects younger children hindering the normal growth and development, homeopathy gives remedies which help in normal metabolism and growth. It provides complete holistic well-being to the patient by boosting the immune system.