Tonsillitis

YUK! It's that time of year when just about everyone knows someone who's been ill for weeks on end. If'you're one of those people who has been poorly then you have my every sympathy. For me it lasted about 3 weeks, that horrid sensation that a sore throat was looming, though it never seemed to arrive.

So, why is it that these bugs are able to attack our bodies and make us feel so grim?

Tonsillitis is a painful condition in which the tonsils become inflamed. It is a common condition which affects mainly children and adolescents. The usual cause of tonsillitis is a virus, the most common of which is the rhinovirus which is also responsible for causing the common cold. The symptoms of this condition include a sore throat, high temperature and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. In some cases there may also be a headache or an earache. Tonsillitis is not contagious, however the virus that causes it is. It is spread by coughing or sneezing, the mechanisms of which spread the virus on to surrounding surfaces in the tiny droplets of saliva which are ejected from the mouth and nose. When ingested the virus is able to penetrate the cells of the tonsils and replicate rapidly in the near perfect breeding conditions that the cells of the throat provide. Initially the virus goes undetected, however detection occurs when antigens are detected in the cell membrane which stimulate an immune response. This immune response sees an inflammatory reaction effected by the nervous and endocrine systems which causes redness, swelling, pain and heat in the throat. A lymphatic phlegm is also stimulated which is designed to trap and expel the virus.

This immune response sees the synthesis of proteins called interferons, these signal to nearby cells to heighten their defences, and the stimulate of lymphocytes (B cells) which form a key part of the immune system.

These B cells are able to target and kill infected cells and in most cases this reaction is powerful enough to prevent a systemic infection. Once infected cells have been eradicated the inflammatory response subsides.

As always - The information provided here should not be viewed as an alternative to seeking professional medical advice.

Andrea Cooper CRM5 MAR PRM of Orchard Reflexology holds the prestigious Level 5 Centralia Reflexology Mastership. The Level 5 qualification is the highest available currently in the UK.

Andrea seeks to deliver excellence through Reflexology, maintaining full memberships with the Association of Reflexolgists and Professional Reflexology. Andrea completes regular research and CPD to further her knowledge, and also runs her own case studies to develop new techniques and treatment protocols.

In addition to her busy Reflexology clinic Andrea is undertaking a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Teaching (DET) which in the future will allow her to share her passion for this wonderful therapy with student Reflexologists.

For further information please visit the website, www.orchard-reflexology.co.uk

Alternatively contact Andrea directly on 07478745695