Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils. This is the fleshy cluster of tissue situated on both sides of the back of the throat that fight off germs that enter the body through the mouth. The tonsils become enlarged and red, and can be coated with a yellow, grey, or white substance. An affected child typically has a sore throat, fever, swollen glands in the neck. The patient will feel trouble in swallowing. Enlargement of the tonsils accompanied by repeated attacks of infection are known as chronic tonsillitis. Normally, the tonsils are about the size of a lima bean but they can become very much larger if severely infected. They are valuable organs of selective elimination and perform a two-fold function. Firstly, they protect the throat against disease germs. Secondly, they serve as barometers for indicating infection elsewhere in the body, when they become sore and swollen.

There are three main types of tonsillitis and these can be mentioned as acute, sub acute and chronic.

Acute tonsillitis is caused by cold and flu and especially by the bacteria called streptococcus. This disease lasts for a few days and can be cured by simple medicine. Acute tonsillitis can also be as a result of the Epstein-Barr virus. Sub acute tonsillitis which can last between 3 weeks and 3 months is caused by the bacterium Actinomyces. Chronic tonsillitis can last for long periods if not treated. This is almost bacterial.

Causes of Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is generally caused by bacteria and viruses. Tonsillitis may also be at times be caused by infection of spirochaeta and treponema, in this case called Vincent`s angina or Plaut-Vincent angina.

Symptoms of Tonsillitis
The onset of tonsillitis is manifested by a pain in swallowing, a sensation of chill, and fever. On visual examination, the tonsils are found to be enlarged, engorged, and covered with a varying amount of whitish or grey material i.e. the purulent discharge. These symptoms, particularly in children and adolescents up to the age of eighteen years, might be the precursor of rheumatic fever, a serious condition.

Since it is usually associated with attacks of cough and cold, Ayurvedists call the disease Tundikeri or Galayu. Constipation and other disorders of the digestive system are liable to precipitate the attack.

In case of tonsillitis, the throat usually hurts and it is hard to eat or drink or even swallow. Someone can also have a fever.

Prevention and Treatment of Tonsillitis
In case of children to prevent tonsillitis one should avoid letting the child near anyone who already has tonsillitis or a sore throat. Sometimes it is infectious. One must make sure to practice good hand-washing habits, and teach the child to do the same. The treatment of tonsillitis must start with hot fomentation of the front of the neck and steps should be taken to keep the region warm. Local application of the CCM should be done after the application of south-pole oil. The duration of application in case of an acute attack should be 15 minutes twice on daily basis.

The patient should fast for three to five days by which time serious symptoms would subside. Nothing but water and orange juice should be taken during this time.

Finally it can be concluded saying that Tonsillitis can be successfully treated by the natural methods. Surgery for the removal of the tonsils is necessary only in very rare cases, when tonsils are seriously diseased, rugged and contain hopelessly incurable pus pockets.