LoginAdult tonsillitis: Linda finds out it’s not just for kids
Adult tonsillitis: Linda finds out it’s not just for kids
When we hear the words ‘chickenpox‘, ‘asthma‘ and ‘tonsillitis‘, we often think of small children. Unfortunately, for many adults, growing up doesn’t necessarily mean growing out of annoying illnesses. So Linda decided to shake off the funny jabs from her friends about being a baby and deal with her bouts of tonsillitis … like a grown up.
Golf balls belong on the green
Besides finding out that adults can get just as sick from tonsillitis as little kids, Linda also found out what swallowing two golf balls feels like.
“I never really suffered from tonsillitis as a child, which is why I never had to get them removed,” Linda says.
“Now, I have chosen not to get them removed because I don’t want surgery, but I’m also getting better at taking care of myself.
“The first couple of times I remember having tonsillitis as an adult were probably the worst because I was completely unprepared. By the time I realised what was happening, I already felt like I had two golf balls in my throat, wrapped in barbed wire.
“Now, as soon as I feel throaty or if my glands feel swollen, I know exactly what to do. The first thing is to start resting immediately, because I always get it severely if I’m too rundown.”
Superwomen and Batmen beware
Linda says that for men and women who are on the run, juggling work and kids, social lives and family, stress can cause the body to take a holiday.
“Tonsillitis is an infection, but I always seem to be more susceptible to it when I haven’t been taking care of my body or if I haven’t been getting enough sleep.
“So as I get older – and, may I say, much more responsible – I don’t allow anything to stress me out more than it needs to. And I don’t party then work, either, otherwise it will just get worse by making me sick.
“They always say prevention is better than cure, so I use tonsillitis as a way of reminding myself when my body needs to rest.”
But Linda also says that sometimes life just catches up with you, so when it does, be prepared.
Anyone for soup?
One good thing about experiencing recurring illnesses is that you can learn its nasty tricks and prepare yourself better against it next time. As Linda shows, tonsillitis is like a bad dinner party guest that just needs a little help to get out the door.
“If I know the bout of tonsillitis won’t be too severe, I just go to the chemist and stock up on throat lozenges, throat numbing meds, headache tablets and hydrating salts,” she says.
“This way I won’t suffer through the excruciating pain of an unbearable sore throat and I can also sleep. This is important because you need your strength to fight it off.
“I also stick to eating soup and cold water. It’s amazing how many delicious soups I can now whip up because of it!
“Another tip I feel works now is laying in a dark, cool, calm environment. I listen to very soothing music and stay as relaxed as possible. There’s no point in going out and not giving your body a chance to heal. Otherwise you’ll never get rid of it.”
Linda’s tips are invaluable; however, she says that when she gets a particularly bad bout, it’s time to bring out the big guns.
“There’s no point fighting something you can’t win, so if it’s severe and you need to get back to work, just pop into the GP for some antibiotics.
“If your tonsillitis keeps getting worse and more frequent, you can also talk to your doctor about having them removed or reasons why you are so rundown.”
Managerial position open
Linda has come to the point where, if she suffers a bout, she can get rid of her tonsillitis in a matter of days and it’s no longer a burden on her work or life. She says the trick is to “take control” and approach it like you’re the boss.
“Managing tonsillitis becomes second nature,” she says.
“Also, when I have a family, I’ll know exactly what to do.
“Just listen to your body and if it gets worse, see you doctor because you’re in charge, not your tonsils!”
More information
 | For more information on tonsillitis,including risk factors, statistics, progression, diagnosis and treatment, see Tonsillitis. |
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