All about Throats and Tonsils

Throats and tonsils are very vulnerable to infection. The throat is the passage through which we take in air - either directly or through the nose. The air that we breathe contains many pollutants (e.g. cigarette smoke or environmental pollution) as well as viruses and bacteria that may infect us with the flu and other illnesses. Throats may become swollen, red and painful when viruses like the common cold or flu attack throat tissue. A bacterial condition commonly called 'strep throat' (caused by streptococcus bacteria) can also result in extremely sore throat and infected throat tissue.

The throat also contains our tonsils, which are two sacs of lymphatic tissue situated at the back of the throat. Tonsils are extremely important in protecting the body against infection and help to guard against inhaled or ingested organisms. They also produce antibodies which help to fight against nose and throat infections. They may easily become infected, especially in childhood.

Symptoms of tonsillitis include swollen tonsils, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, bad smelling breath, fever, listlessness, flushed cheeks and a glassy eyed look.  Unfortunately recurring tonsillitis often leads to a tonsillectomy (surgical removal of the tonsils). Although doctors these days are more aware of the important role of the tonsils in immune functioning and children's tonsils are not whipped out quite as readily as they once were, this is still fairly standard practice for children who suffer from recurring bouts of tonsillitis and is one of the most common surgical procedures performed on children. Once the tonsils have been removed, children lose a very important line of defense against infection and may be more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections, as well as allergies. It is therefore important to be sure that there are no other options before agreeing to a tonsillectomy.

How are throat infections and tonsillitis usually treated?

For sore throat caused by viral infection like colds or flu, treatment usually involves OTC (over the counter) medicines like pain killers and lozenges to suck until the infection clears. Strep throat and tonsillitis are usually treated by antibiotics. While antibiotics can quickly clear the infection within a couple of days, regular use can weaken the immune system and result in recurring infections.

It is important that strep throat and tonsillitis are treated as they can lead to further infections elsewhere in the body. However, it is also important to know that antibiotics and OTC remedies are not the only options for treating these conditions. There are many effective natural alternatives to OTC medicines and antibiotics routinely prescribed for strep throat and tonsillitis. Natural herbal and homeopathic remedies can help to safely reduce the symptoms of these conditions, clear the infection, cut recovery time and also strengthen the immune system to prevent recurring infection.

What is Throat and Tonsil Dr?

Throat and Tonsil Dr is our unique 100% blend of herbal and homeopathic ingredients, especially chosen for their ability to treat all the major symptoms of throat infections, including strep throat and tonsillitis. This remedy may be used at the very first signs of infection to prevent throat and tonsil infections as well as to treat a full blown infection. Throat and Tonsil Dr. tablets may also be combined with Sniffly Sprinkles for throat and tonsil conditions associated with colds and flu.

Remember that Natural Kids also has OralFlu Protect - an oral homeopathic flu vaccine to help prevent recurring flu infections and protect against flu for the entire season. This is always recommended at the start of the flu season as well as when there is an acute bout of flu. (See our special offers below)