If tonsillitis is kicking your butt, this one is for you.
Hey, it's Laura! Today, we're diving into a topic that's a bit of a sore spot for me—literally... soreness in my throat! Yep, I'm talking about tonsillitis. Ugh! If you've ever had it, you know it's the worst. But don't worry, I've got some hacks that I swear by, and they might just work for you too!
I've been getting tonsils for as long as I can remember and was even given a disciplinary at work and almost fired because of it. Unfair or what?
"Laura, how are you sick again? And right after the weekend. You've been partying haven't you?" - My manager when I worked in hospitality
Turns out working the shifts I was working and all the late nights running around was not good for me and my immune system...
If you don't know what tonsillitis is, lucky you, it's an inflammation or infection of the tonsils, those two oval-shaped pads of tissue at the back of your throat. It can be caused by either viral or bacterial infections and comes with a not-so-fun package of symptoms like a sore throat, swollen tonsils, the dreaded white spots at the back of your throat, and sometimes even a fever. Not lush, right? Now the tonsillitis I'm going to be talking about is the recurring one that happens as soon as you're run down. The kind that you don't catch (like a virus) and you don't pass on.
I chatted to the Daily Mail about my experience of going back and forth to the GP, I've taken so many antibiotics that I'm surprised I don't rattle. In their article they are talking about surgery but I have a couple of other ways to keep Tonsillitis at bay. Keep reading for the good stuff.
(Screen grab of the article)
The Warning Signs ⚠️
First things first, let's talk about those pesky warning signs. For me, it's usually a scratchy throat or just feeling a bit 'off.' The moment I sense something's up, I go into full-on defense mode. No, freaking way am I letting this take me down!
Blueberries to the Rescue 🍇 The minute I feel that scratch, I start munching on blueberries like a kid in a sweet shop. Why? They're packed with antioxidants and can give your immune system that extra oomph. Plus, they're lush, so it's a win-win! Sometimes if I catch it just right this is enough to keep tonsillitis at bay.
Ginger Shots: The Spicier, the Better 🔥 Alongside my blueberry binge, I down ginger shots like s student during freshers week! Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and can help soothe that sore throat. Just a heads up, these can be spicy and tingly, but in a good way.
Get my Ginger Shot Recipe here.
The TCP Lifesaver 🌱 Now, here's the game-changer: TCP. It's an antiseptic liquid that you can gargle, and let me tell you, this stuff works wonders. It might taste a bit like you're gargling a first-aid kit, but if it kicks tonsillitis to the curb, I'm all in. It was on one of my many trips to the GP that I was told about this little trick. I went to see the nurse (because all the doctors were busy), she diagnosed my tonsillitis and got the doc to sign off on my antibiotic. While I was in the room with her she said "Have you ever tried gargling TCP when your tonsils are like this?"
At this point I was willing to try anything no matter how disgusting it sounded! Now I swear by the stuff and my tonsils never get to the full-blown infection stage. That nurse has no idea that she's actually changed my life!
A Quick Note 📝 While these hacks work for me, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis. I'm just sharing what helps me in the hopes that it might help you too!
So, there you have it! My go-to remedies for beating tonsillitis before it takes hold. Have you tried any of these, or do you have your own hacks? Let me know, and until next time, stay happy and healthy! 🌱✨