The tonsils are actually lymph nodes and are found at the back of the throat. Their function is to prevent pathogens from infecting the body. But, occasionally, the pathogens are too strong for these organs and they themselves can be infected with viral or bacterial microorganisms. Inflammation and infection along with flu-like symptoms is the consequence. This condition is known as tonsillitis, which especially affects children more than any other age group.
Symptoms and Signs
-Occasional white discharge on the tonsils
-Tenderness and/or soreness in the glands of the throat and jaw
-Chills and fevers
-Swallowing accompanied with pain
-Headaches
-Sore throat
Western Modes of Treatment
To diagnose tonsillitis, the doctor will conduct throat culture test to distinguish it from a strep throat or a flu infection. A course of oral antibiotics and/or over-the-counter painkillers such as acetaminophen and aspirin are the conventional modalities used to treat tonsillitis. It is important to note that though you may begin to feel better few days after taking on antibiotics, you need to keeps on taking the medication until all the meds are taken to prevent the recurrence of infection.
When gland infection occurs three or more times each year, or if you have a particularly severe infection, your doctor may recommend a tonsillectomy, which is the removal of the tonsils. These days, tonsillectomy is only recommended when the need for it is absolute. This is because of the findings that prove that the tonsils served vital part in the body’s prevention of infections. Besides, the extraction of these glands does not ensure a lifetime free from sore throats. Though it is proven that people who’ve had their tonsils surgically removed experience fewer throat infections, the same bacteria that infect the tonsils can likewise infect the throat.
Traditional Chinese Medicine in Edina
To help relieve the sore throat and swelling related to tonsillitis, acupuncture is a wonderful treatment that needs to be considered. The acupoints that treated with needles include the Large Intestine points 4 and 11, Lung 1 and points Bladder 10 and 12 The practitioner typically focuses on Lung 1, Bladder 10 and 12, and Large Intestine 4 and 11, along with ear points related to the pharynx and tonsils.
Acupuncture may also be used in lieu of anesthesia for surgeries such as tonsillectomy surgery. Most of the time the acupuncturist targets the triple warmer meridians, as well as, acupoints associated with the pericardium, and the large intestine.