As the seasons change and cold weather approaches, the bronchi often become inflamed due to temperature fluctuations, fine dust, and cold air. Diseases related to the tonsils, often mistaken for a common sore throat, are challenging to detect early on. If left untreated, symptoms can worsen, and recurrence is common, making management and prevention crucial. It is a severe disease that can cause significant discomfort once contracted, so paying attention to your throat and taking care of it in advance to prevent problems is advisable.
Recurrent Tonsillitis
Preventing recurrent tonsillitis is of utmost importance. The best way to prevent tonsillitis is to avoid overwork, stress, and anything that can lower your immunity. Once tonsillitis occurs, systemic symptoms such as malaise, joint pain, and muscle pain appear and tend to improve after 4 to 6 days. Occasionally, you may feel small bumps and pain under your jaw or on your neck.
What is Tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis refers to acute inflammation in the tonsils, lymphatic tissues around the throat, and the palatine tonsils on either side of the uvula. In addition, there are the lingual tonsils, irregularly shaped at the back of the tongue, the pharyngeal tonsils, also known as adenoids, at the back of the uvula and uvula, and the tubal tonsils around the opening of the mouth.
Causes of Frequent Tonsillitis
The causative bacteria of tonsillitis include staphylococcus, pneumococcus, and anaerobic bacteria. Viruses are also common pathogens of acute tonsillitis, including influenza and simple herpes. If acute tonsillitis recurs 3-4 times a year or more or appears 3 times or more each year for the last 2 years, it is diagnosed as recurrent tonsillitis. It recurs when the immune system is weakened and becomes susceptible to infection.
Treatment for Tonsillitis
Common treatments include getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, consuming soft foods, and taking pain relievers to alleviate discomfort in the throat. Depending on the degree of inflammation, antibiotics may be necessary. Regular, balanced meals, moderate exercise, and rest can also help. If inflammation keeps recurring, tonsillectomy may be recommended.
Recurrence is Possible Even After Complete Removal
There are occasional cases of recurrence even after a complete tonsillectomy. The tonsils can extend further down than visible to the naked eye, and tonsil tissue located lower than the tongue can remain after surgery, causing tonsillitis and tonsil stones to recur. However, in such cases, it can also disappear on its own, so it is recommended to maintain good oral hygiene while observing.
Habits for Throat Health
It’s beneficial to develop a habit of drinking water frequently. This helps keep the tonsil mucosa moist and prevents harmful bacteria from adhering. Eating pears, which are high in moisture, can also help if drinking a lot of water is challenging. Pears help provide hydration and fatigue recovery, and their rich organic acids, vitamins, and amino acids benefit both children and adults. Korean red ginseng, which contains saponin, is excellent for calming and reducing inflammation, and it stimulates the secretion of mucus in the tonsil mucosa, preventing bacteria from sticking to the throat.
Does Fine Dust Affect It?
Fine dust does not directly cause mucous membrane inflammation, but it can stimulate the pharyngeal, laryngeal, and tonsil mucosa, making them susceptible to inflammation. Even if you’re outside for a short time on a day with a lot of fine dust, you may feel a scratchy sensation in your throat, so it’s advisable to wear a mask to protect your respiratory system.
Is It Contagious?
Tonsillitis is not typically contagious to others. However, depending on the virus type, some may be contagious, and others may not. If a virus causes the infection, it can be transmitted through the respiratory system like a common cold, so it’s imperative to maintain good hygiene at all times.
Is Ice Cream Good for Tonsils?
Some people eat ice cream, thinking it can cool the throat and help with tonsillitis. However, food that is too cold or too hot and stimulating is not good for tonsillitis. Water is the best food when your throat hurts, and it’s most important to replenish moisture in a dry throat continuously. Foods good for tonsillitis include red ginseng, radish, and plums, which can be brewed or boiled to drink.
What If You Have Tonsil Stones?
Tonsil stones can form in severe cases of tonsillitis, and if they do, they can be removed with a suction device. First, check the lumps coming out of your mouth through a self-diagnosis of tonsil stones. If they smell and are moderately hard, if small yellow grains like rice grains come out of your throat, or if your throat hurts and feels foreign, it’s likely tonsil stones. They can pop out when you cough or sneeze, and you can also use a suction device to remove them, but it’s safer to visit an otolaryngologist for laser surgery or tonsil stone surgery to block the tonsil stone hole.
By. Sin Young Jeon
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