Tonsils are organs that filter germs from our body.

One of the organs that protects our body from germs that enter our throat or through breathing is the tonsils. Although this organ has the function of screening germs for us, that does not mean that this organ cannot get infected. And if an infection occurs, it may lead to a disease called tonsillitis. 

Causes of tonsillitis

As mentioned earlier, the tonsils are responsible for screening various germs in the throat, causing this organ to have to fight against various types of bacteria and viruses. Therefore, this organ is at risk of infection as well. In addition, the tonsils can also become infected from infection from others, such as being near a patient who has bacteria or viruses. Normally, infections come from many เว็บพนันออนไลน์ UFABET สมัครง่าย โปรโมชั่นมากมาย types of viruses. The bacteria that often causes this disease is called Group A Streptococcus. However, this disease is rarely found in adults and can be found more in young children because they are in the growth period where they have to face germs around them from their daily lives. 

Symptoms of tonsillitis

Symptoms of this disease can be clearly observed through abnormalities occurring in the throat, such as:

• Have had severe joint pain for a long time.

• Difficulty swallowing. If swallowing, there will be pain in the throat.

• Voice changes, such as hoarseness.

• Bad breath

• The tonsils are swollen and red, and there are spots or thin layers on the tonsils.

Other symptoms may also be observed, including:

• Fever, headache

• Earache, body aches and possibly red eyes

• Stuffy nose, but not much mucus and clear.

• In young children, abdominal pain may also occur.

Complications of tonsillitis

Since this organ is located in the neck area, it can cause many complications to the body, as follows:

• Respiratory conditions such as difficulty breathing or sleep apnea , etc.

• Complications in children, if not treated or cared for until completely cured, can cause diseases such as rheumatic fever or pyelonephritis. In this case, the disease in children is caused by Streptococcus bacteria .

Initial treatment of tonsillitis

If the inflammation is caused by a virus, it can be cured within 7-10 days. However, if the cause is bacterial, it will be treated with antibiotics or oral antipyretics. In addition, there is also treatment by injection in patients with severe symptoms or tonsil pus.

Tonsillectomy

As we know, tonsils are responsible for eliminating germs in the body. If tonsils become chronically inflamed and cannot produce immunity for the body as before, tonsils will become a source of germs. Therefore, surgery is another method used to completely cure tonsillitis. 

The doctor will consider surgery in the following cases:

• Patients have tonsillitis multiple times or chronic tonsillitis that affects daily life, such as snoring , sleep apnea, etc.

• Patients are at risk of having tonsil cancer or lymphoma.

• The patient had previously had a tonsil abscess.

Petchvej Hospital offers tonsil surgery that is less painful and has a faster recovery. After the surgery, patients can go home immediately without having to stay in the hospital.

Post-operative advice

• Sleep on your side or with your head elevated to prevent choking on blood, which can occur in the early stages of surgery.

• If there is bleeding from the mouth, you should immediately notify your doctor and suck on ice frequently to reduce swelling and pain in the surgical wound area.

• Never use any tools to scratch the wound. 

• You should not cough or cough up phlegm hard because it can easily cause bleeding.

• Patients may experience a sore throat and pain from the surgical wound for approximately 2 weeks.

• The sore in the throat may be white after surgery due to the body’s tissue repair.

Recommendations for patients returning home after surgery

• Get enough rest

• Take all medications as prescribed by your doctor.

• For the first 1-2 days, you should eat liquid foods such as cold milk, yogurt, and ice cream. After that, you can eat soft foods such as rice soup, congee, etc.

• Avoid eating hot, spicy and hard foods.

• Avoid loud noises, throat clearing, and yelling.

Ice cream and tonsillitis

Many people may believe that if they have a sore throat or a fever, they should drink warm water and avoid cold things because it will make them heal more slowly. However, this belief does not apply to tonsillitis. If we have an inflamed wound and pour hot things on it, it will cause it to become more inflamed. A good way to help relieve the pain from tonsillitis is to eat chocolate ice cream or dark chocolate ice cream because cocoa contains a substance called “flavonoids” which are substances that help reduce inflammation in the body.

Prevention of tonsillitis

This disease can occur at any age, but we should give more importance to young children who are more likely to be infected than adults by teaching them to practice good hygiene, such as:

• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after every activity.

• Do not share utensils with others, such as spoons, toothbrushes, and drinking glasses.

• If you have had tonsillitis, change your toothbrush immediately.