Tonsil infections, also known as tonsillitis, can be uncomfortable and sometimes alarming. Recognizing the symptoms early on is crucial for prompt intervention and effective treatment. In this guide, we will delve into the common tonsil infection symptoms, empowering you to identify and address these symptoms in a timely manner.

  1. Sore Throat: One of the earliest and most prevalent symptoms of tonsil infection is a persistent sore throat. If you find yourself experiencing discomfort or pain while swallowing, it’s essential to pay attention to this key indicator. Tonsils play a vital role in our immune system, and when they become infected, they can swell and cause irritation, resulting in a sore throat.
  2. Swollen Tonsils: Keep an eye out for visible signs of swelling in the tonsils. Inflammation is a typical response to infection, and in the case of tonsillitis, it often leads to enlarged tonsils. Use a flashlight and a mirror to check the back of your throat. If you notice an increase in size or redness in your tonsils, it could be a clear indication of an ongoing infection.
  3. Persistent Bad Breath: Bad breath that doesn’t improve with oral hygiene may be linked to tonsil infections. The accumulation of bacteria and debris in the affected tonsils can produce foul-smelling compounds, leading to chronic bad breath. If you’ve noticed a lingering unpleasant odor, especially coupled with other symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
  4. Difficulty Swallowing: Tonsil infections can make swallowing painful and difficult. If you find yourself experiencing discomfort or a sensation of something stuck in your throat while eating or drinking, it’s essential to consider the possibility of a tonsil infection. Difficulty swallowing may also contribute to a decreased appetite, potentially leading to dehydration and fatigue.
  5. Fever and Fatigue: Systemic symptoms such as fever and fatigue often accompany tonsil infections. The body’s immune response to the infection can manifest as an elevated temperature. Additionally, the energy required to combat the infection may leave you feeling fatigued and lethargic. If you’re experiencing these symptoms in conjunction with others, seeking medical attention is advisable.

Now you may have thought that in order to treat these symptoms you would need to pay a visit to your GP to get a prescription. Well I’m going to tell you that that is simply not true, you can easily treat them at home with a few simple remedies.

There are many to choose from but to save you the time and effort, I’ve outlined some of the most effective ones here in this post. They may not cure your infection but they’ll certainly make it a whole lot easier to deal with when you have it.

#1 Chamomile Tea

Given its availability, chamomile tea is probably easiest remedy to take advantage of in this list. You can get it in almost any supermarket and it doesn’t take any effort to get ready.

Because of the teas anti-inflammatory properties, it will help you reduce the swelling around your throat and tonsils. Which should also make things like eating and drinking easier. It could even sooth any ear pain you’ve experiencing too.

For full effect I would drink it 3-4 times per day.

#2 Turmeric

Turmeric is a fantastic remedy for treating tonsil infections. Thanks to its antifungal properties it will help your immune system fight against fungus that roams around your mouth and tries to cause problems. It’s this fungus that is often the cause of your infection in the first place.

Not only will it help with this but it’ll also help reduce any swelling you have been experiencing as well, just like the chamomile.

For the best results I would add some powdered turmeric to a glass of warm water and gargle it at 15 second intervals. I would do this several times per day and make sure to tilt your head back, to make it reaches your tonsils.

#3 Apple Cider Vinegar

Similarly to the turmeric, apple cider vinegar is doubly effective when treating a tonsil infection – it’ll not only fight off the infection but it’ll also help aid the symptoms that come along with it. ACV has antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties which allow it to do this.

The easiest way to take ACV, in my opinion, is to take it just as you would turmeric – as a water solution. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of ACV and add it to a glass of warm water, then take small sips and begin gargling at 15 second intervals.

Make sure to keep your head back and clean your mouth out afterwards with some clean water.

If you struggle with a gag reflex and are suffering from tonsil stones then it can be very difficult to treat your infection. Reaching all the way to the back of your throat really isn’t an option so you’ll need to do something else.

This is where I think ACV can be most helpful and effective. Taking it the way I explained is how to remove tonsil stones without gagging.

#4 Myrrh

This one may be a little tougher to get your hands on.

Found in Myrrh is a volatile oil called Commiphora molmol which has been shown to promote antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is for this reason why Myrrh has been used for many years to treat infections like gingivitis, mouth ulcers and tonsil infections.

So if you could get yourself some of this then it could really help reduce the severity of your infection. It’s recommended to take Myrrh as a solution with water just like the remedies above.

#5 Garlic

Allicin, a compound found within garlic, has been shown to have antibacterial, antifungal (I’d imagine you’re starting to see a pattern here), antiviral and antioxidant properties. This means that the herb will be very effective at fighting off infection and the symptoms that come with it.

Unlike the rest of the remedies in this list, garlic is actually best consumed raw and chewed. Allicin is released from the herb much easier whenever it’s chopped, minced or pureed so it’s much more effective to consume it this way.

Alternatively, you could chop some up and add it to a glass of warm water so you can gargle it. This will still work it just won’t be as effective as chewing on the garlic raw.

Final Words

Hopefully one of the remedies in this article will put an end to your suffering. I know how difficult a tonsil infection can be so I hope you experience at least some relief from all your pain.