Tonsillitis is an infectious disease that affects the tonsils (amygdales).
The tonsils are lymphoglandular organs present in the nasopharynx. They have a shape vaguely reminiscent of an "almond" and carry out the role of immune defense for the respiratory tract.
Tonsillitis is a disease that can be triggered by bacteria, viruses or fungi. Sometimes it is a "local infection; in other cases it is the consequence of more serious systemic diseases.
It is frequently associated with pharyngitis, rhinitis, laryngitis and sinusitis, but can also occur on its own.
Tonsillitis generates a deep inflammation and triggers pain, burning, swelling, difficulty in swallowing, speaking and sometimes even ventilating.
It represents a widespread discomfort among the global population, but the severity and danger depend on various factors: age, integrity of the immune system, health care, etc.
In predisposed subjects it relapses several times a year.
- If the diagnosis is positive, read "Remedies for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease".
- Continue to play sports.
- Continue to work in risky situations (in cold rooms, collective catering kitchen, external interventions in the winter season, etc.).
Tolerability, relief and local benefit:
- Eat fresh food: the low temperature reduces pain (anesthetic function): popsicles, slushes and ice creams can provide relief (albeit temporary).
- Eating foods that hinder bacterial growth:
- The most suitable is lemon juice.
- Alcoholic beverages have the same function, but cannot be taken in the presence of drug therapy.
- Chilli also has a decent antibiotic function, but increases the burning and inflammation of the tonsils.
- NON pasteurized honey: it is an ancient natural remedy that plays a more than relevant antibiotic role. Unfortunately it is not easy to find.
- Drinking warm or warm milk with honey and a little brandy: provides relief to the mucous membranes of the inflamed tonsils.
Support of intestinal bacterial flora:
- Probiotic foods: enrich the intestinal bacterial flora and can improve intestinal health. Some are: yogurt, buttermilk, kefir, tofu, tempeh, miso, kombucha, sauerkraut, gherkins etc. It must be remembered that the acid barrier of the stomach eliminates most part of the microorganisms and for this purpose it may be useful to take supplements and drugs.
- Prebiotic foods: those containing soluble fiber and various carbohydrates (available or not available to humans) that nourish the physiological bacteria of the colon. They are found in: vegetables, fruits, cereals, legumes, potatoes.
Anti-inflammatory molecules:
- Omega 3: they are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic (DHA) and alpha linolenic (ALA). They have an anti-inflammatory role. The first two are biologically very active and are found mainly in: sardines, mackerel, bonito, sardinella, herring , alletterato, tuna belly, garfish, seaweed, krill etc. The third is less active but constitutes a precursor of EPA; it is mainly contained in the fat fraction of certain foods of vegetable origin or in the oils of: soy, linseed, seeds of kiwi, grape seeds etc.
- Antioxidants:
- Vitamins: the antioxidant vitamins are carotenoids (provitamin A), vitamin C and vitamin E. Carotenoids are contained in vegetables and red or orange fruits (apricots, peppers, melons, peaches, carrots, squash, tomatoes, etc.); they are also present in crustaceans and milk. Vitamin C is typical of sour fruit and some vegetables (lemons, oranges, mandarins, grapefruits, kiwis, peppers, parsley, chicory, lettuce, tomatoes, cabbage, etc.). Vitamin E can be found in the lipid portion of many seeds and related oils (wheat germ, corn germ, sesame, kiwi, grape seeds, etc.).
- Minerals: zinc and selenium. The first is mainly contained in: liver, meat, milk and derivatives, some bivalve molluscs (especially oysters). The second is mainly contained in: meat, fish products, egg yolk, milk and derivatives, enriched foods (potatoes, etc.).
- Polyphenols: simple phenols, flavonoids, tannins. They are very rich: vegetables (onion, garlic, citrus fruits, cherries, etc.), fruit and relative seeds (pomegranate, grapes, berries, etc.), wine, oil seeds, coffee, tea, cocoa, legumes and whole grains, etc.
- Nutrients that support the immune system:
- Vitamin C or ascorbic acid: it is mainly contained in sour fruit and raw vegetables. In particular: peppers, lemon, orange, grapefruit, tangerine, parsley, kiwi, lettuce, apple, chicory, cabbage, broccoli etc.
- Vitamin D or calciferol: it is mainly contained in: fish, fish oil and egg yolk.
- Magnesium: it is mainly contained in: oil seeds, cocoa, bran, vegetables and fruits.
- Iron: it is mainly contained in: meat, fish products and egg yolk.
- Lysine and glycine amino acids: they are mainly contained in: meat, fish products, cheeses and legumes (especially soy).
In case of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, follow the appropriate diet.
, avoid:
- Beverages containing dehydrating molecules: especially the caffeine in coffee and the ethyl alcohol in alcoholic beverages. Furthermore, alcohol negatively interacts with the metabolism of drugs, altering their action.
- Spicy foods: they are irritating to the mucous membranes (pepper, chilli, curry, etc.) and tend to worsen the burning symptom.
- Milk and dairy products in the presence of antibiotic therapy; they can inactivate the drug.
- Herbal teas based on:
- Chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.): gives relief to the mucous membranes of the tonsils thanks to its anti-inflammatory, sedative, bactericidal and antifungal properties.
- Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia): it has antiviral, immunostimulating, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties. It can be taken in the form of syrup or tablets).
- Propolis: antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral activity (also in the form of tablets to suck).
- Spirea (Spirea meadowsweet): shows anti-inflammatory and calming effects (the extract contains antipyretic and analgesic salicylates).
- Mint (Mentha piperita): has balsamic, decongestant and anti-catarrhal properties.
- Bitter orange (Citrus aurantium L. var. amara): it has disinfectant, anti-inflammatory and decongestant characteristics.
- Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus): boasts the presence of anti-inflammatory, expectorant and balsamic molecules.
In case of gastroesophageal reflux disease, follow the phytotherapeutic advice in the dedicated article.
, in the form of spray and candy:- Flurbiprofen (e.g. Borocillin, Benactiv Gola, Tantum Verde Gola etc.).
- Fusafungina (e.g. Locabiotal).
- Rinses with hydrogen peroxide, diluted or pure.
- Application of iodine tincture.
- Clarithromycin (eg Biaxin, Macladin).
- Amoxicillin (for example Augmentin).
- Telithromycin (for example Ketek).
- Paracetamol (for example Tachipirina and Efferalgan).
- Ibuprofen (for example Brufen and Moment).
- Cortisone (for example Cortone acetate).
- Prednisone (e.g. Deltacortene and Lodotra).
In case of gastroesophageal reflux disease, take specific medications.
, crockery and cutlery between healthy and sick people with tonsillitis.
