Swollen Tonsils Treatment

Tonsils are lymphoid organs situated on each side of the throat. They form an integral part of the immune system and are mainly involved in the production of antibodies. Swollen tonsils, also referred as tonsillitis, generally occur when harmful bacteria infect the throat. The bacterial infection causes enlargement of tonsils and it is accompanied by severe pain. However, a viral infection may also cause inflamed tonsils along with fever and aches. Difficulty in swallowing is the most common symptom of tonsillitis.

Prescription Treatment

Antibiotics: Generally, tonsils become swollen due to a bacterial infection. Antibiotics are often recommended to kill the bacteria, which helps to get rid of the inflammation. The most commonly prescribed antibiotic for inflamed tonsils is penicillin, that is quite effective to cure this condition.

Anti-inflammatory Medications: Medicines such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can also bring considerable relief from throat pain. These medicines are available over-the-counter and need to be taken as instructed by the doctor to reduce the inflammation.

Surgery: This form of treatment is used when the patient frequently suffers from inflammation of tonsils. A chronic infection that causes persistent tonsillitis is often treated with surgery. Surgical procedure involves removing the tonsils to prevent recurrent infection. This procedure, known as tonsillectomy, is safe and the best cure for chronic tonsillitis.

Home Remedies

Gargling: Gargling, too can help to destroy the bacteria responsible for causing inflammation of the tonsils. Take a glass of hot water and mix one pinch of salt and a teaspoon of lime juice into it. The solution thus prepared is very useful to relieve symptoms of this condition. Gargle with this solution, three times daily, to decrease the inflammation and the discomfort associated with it. Gargling with hot water that contains fenugreek seeds can also help to clear up the infection.

Ice: Drinking cold water that contains ice cubes, is also recommended for people with swollen tonsils. This is because, ice mixed with water plays a very important role to subside the pain. Intake of iced tea, can also assist to alleviate the discomfort.

Herbal Tea: Drinking herbal tea is another tonsillitis remedy that can also contribute to soothe the pain associated with tonsillitis. In fact, a cup of hot tea is capable enough to reduce the swelling and is regarded as an effective treatment for tonsillitis.

Ice Cream: This is a 'delicious' way that many prefer to treat swollen tonsils. Tonsillitis that hurts, responds quite well with a cup of ice cream. This low temperature of ice cream benefits to decrease the pain. It is the quickest way to ease the discomfort.

Herbs
Certain herbs can also provide fast relief from this condition. These herbs accelerate the healing process and are very useful to treat a variety of throat problems. Herbs that positively affect the lymph nodes are given below:

• Belladonna 30C
• Gelsemium 6C
• Salvia Offcinalis
• Echinacea

Eating solid foods can increase the discomfort caused by swollen tonsils. Instead, prefer to have foods that can be easily swallowed. Also, one needs to avoid unnecessary talk, as it can aggravate pain. In most cases, tonsillitis is not a serious health problem and often goes away within a week.