Pharyngitis & Tonsillitis
Infection leading to inflammation of the pharynx is referred to pharyngitis. Since the tonsils are in close proximity with the pharynx they too are often involved in the infection leading to tonsillitis. Together it is referred as pharyngotonsillitis or simply as sore throat. Sore throat is a very common condition, especially in children. Most sore throat's result from viral infections and resolve spontaneously within 5-7 days. However, 20% of sore throats result from streptococcal (bacterial) infections, which require longer treatment. The common symptoms of sore throat are pain in throat especially while swallowing, fever, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting and sometimes pain in the stomach as well. One should seek medical help if he/she experiences more than 5 episodes of sore throat in a year.
Recurrent sore throat
When a person experiences 6 or more episodes of sore throat in a year, each requiring medical assistance, it can be termed as recurrent sore throat. These episodes occur in patients whose body immunity lowers, making the patient more susceptible to bacterial infections in the throat. It is important to treat this condition otherwise it can lead to the following 3 complications:-
- Chronic tonsillitis (Commonly called 'Tonsils')
This is seen most commonly in children. Recurrent tonsillar infections are often accompanied by ear infections and even though they are not dangerous, they can lead to considerable loss of school days and in severe cases even obstruction to swallowing of food. In cases of chronic tonsillitis, the tonsils themselves begin to harbor the infection, which temporarily resolves with immediate treatment, only to recur subsequently, when the child's immunity is lowered for any reason like physical exertion or studying for exams. This is why it is important to treat chronic tonsillitis with prolonged medication to remove the chronic infection in its entirety.
- Chronic adenoid infection and adenoid enlargement
Just as tonsillar enlargement occurs due to recurrent infection, adenoid enlargement occurs in response to recurrent infections of the adenoids. Adenoid enlargement is more dangerous than tonsillar enlargement especially if uncontrolled. This is because anatomically the adenoids are so located that their enlargement can actually interfere with proper growth in case of children.
- Peritonsillar abscess (quinsy)
Also known as quinsy, this is the collection of pus between the infected tonsils and the walls of the upper pharynx. Formation of the abscess leads to increasing pain, fever and difficulty in swallowing. If untreated this abscess tends to spread to the surrounding tissues. Peritonsillar abscess is observed more in young adults than in children.
Treatment of the diseases at COSMIC
Recurrent sore throat, chronic tonsillitis/adenoiditis with enlargement and peritonsillar abscess: all these conditions are very effectively dealt with at COSMIC The aim of our treatment is to improve and reset the body immunity, so that it can successfully deal with the infections in the throat on its own. The treatment needs to be continued regularly until the frequency of sore throat episodes.