Tonsillitis

 Written by: Muhammad Nasir Serat

Tonsils are two pads of tissue on each side of the throat. The main function of tonsils is to trap bacteria and viruses which we might breathe in. Proteins called antibodies produced by the immune cells in the tonsils help to kill germs and help to prevent throat and lung infections. Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils that might cause some health problems to the children.

AEPO’s writer/producer has talked about this disease to some people.

Storai, a resident of Kabul city says, “I am suffering from throat sore and I feel that there is a lump in my throat and I could not eat food easily. I suffer from exhaustion, hard breathing, sweating, legs pain and I have lost my appetite too.”

Nadira, a resident of Bagrami district, Kabul province says, “I am suffering from tonsillitis. I always feel exhausted and have a fever; I also suffer from nausea and I could not eat or even drink.”

Doctor Abdul Qahar Firotan, throat, ear and nose specialist at Maiwand Hospital, Kabul city says, “Tonsillitis has different kinds of signs and symptoms. Throat and earache; hard to swallow food; redness of tonsils; fever; headache; nausea, fatigue, and insomnia; asthma and coughing are the symptoms of tonsillitis and if not treated on time, it might cause rheumatism, blood infection and failure of kidneys.”

What do people think about the causes of tonsillitis?

Hajat Noor, a resident of Logar province says, “I don’t know anything about the causes of this disease. When I went to the hospital, the doctor told me that I have the problem of tonsillitis.”

Shaista, a resident of Bagrami district says, “I don’t know about the causes of tonsillitis but when I eat pickle and sweets, I suffer more from pain.”

Doctor Firotan says, “Influenza, common cold and viruses cause tonsillitis. The virus could transfer through coughing and it also has a genetic link too. Contaminated foods and contaminated water, fried and greasy foods, and carbonated drinks could also be the causes of tonsillitis.”

How do people cure tonsillitis?

Anahita says, “I prevent spicy, fried and greasy food and I always use salt mixed water for mouth wash and now I feel better.”

Sabrina, a resident of Kabul city says, “I was suffering from throat ache. When the doctor visited me, he diagnosed it tonsillitis and he advised me some medicines and told me that I would have a surgical operation after a week.”

Doctor Firotan says, “We have two types of treatment. The patients could prepare a solution of salt and water and gargle it at home. The patients should eat soft foods and prevent spicy, greasy and fried foods and they should also avoid eating foods on roadsides. In the second type of treatment, we prescribe medicines and if the medicines do not effect, we operate the tonsils and the patients would be healthy again.”