The tonsils are small glands which are found at the back of the throat behind the tongue, and the infection of these glands is known as tonsillitis. Frequent recurring infections of the tonsils may result in an operation to remove them known as a tonsillectomy.  The infection is usually caused by bacteria or a viral infection and usually affects children from 5-15 years.  Tonsillitis can be passed from person to person through hand contact, airborne droplets or saliva.

The more common symptoms of tonsillitis include pain when swallowing, fever, coughing, tiredness, pain in the ear or neck, swollen tonsils, or swollen glands in the neck (lymph nodes).  Other less common symptoms of tonsillitis are constipation, bad breath, difficulty opening the mouth, vomiting or a ‘furry tongue’.  It can also cause abdominal pain in young children due to swollen lymph glands in the stomach.

Tonsillitis can be treated at home by getting plenty of rest and making sure to eat and drink plenty of fluids.  Painkillers and antibiotics can help to clear up the infection but it will clear up on its own over a few days.  There are also lozenges or sprays which can help to relieve pain in the throat.

The most effective way to avoid tonsillitis is to keep away from people who have the infection.  Do not use the same cups or cutlery etc as someone who has the infection and maintain good hygiene by washing hands frequently.

Tonsillitis

People who have been diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder have constant thoughts, obsessions or compulsions that they cannot stop thinking about.  These obsessions or compulsions can cause great stress or anxiety and the symptoms of OCD can contrast between relatively mild to extremely severe.  Obsessive thoughts can cause tension and stress to the sufferer and they make act out certain compulsions in order to stop these traumatic thoughts or obsessions.

There are many forms of obsessions such as feeling that items are dirty or tainted, fear of making mistakes, arranging items in a specific way, fear of touching people who may be ill, or fear of causing an accident through leaving appliances turned on etc.  Similarly there are many types of compulsions which can disrupt a person’s daily life such as, routines like washing hands, cleaning work surfaces, arranging items in cupboards etc.

Compulsions are usually directly linked to the type of obsession a person has.  Many people with obsessive compulsive disorder feel that bad things will happen if they don’t fulfill their compulsions and doing so usually makes the sufferer feel better for a short while before the obsession returns.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Copyright ADAM)

OCD can appear as a result of a major event in a person’s life and it has also been shown to run in families.  There are treatments for OCD such as medicines and psychological help.  Relaxation therapies have also been shown to help symptoms.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition that affects the nerves located in the brain and spinal cord, giving rise to issues with muscle control, balance and vision. It can also affect memory as well as associated mood swings and emotions.

MS sufferers can find that their symptoms are different from other sufferers, while also varying from day to day. Sufferers often find that the symptoms can get worse with exercise or heat. In general though, the most common symptoms of MS are problems with the eyes (blurring and double vision); muscle weakness or stiffness; fatigue; loss of coordination; bowel and bladder issues; tingling or numbness of the skin; general pain; anxiety and depression; difficulty swallowing and talking; and sexual problems. Although these may appear to be many symptoms, a sufferer is highly unlikely to develop all of them and certainly not at the same time.

There are four kinds of MS: benign MS, relapsing-remitting MS, secondary progressive MS and primary progressive MS. The exact reasons that an individual contracts the condition are not fully understood at this present moment in time, although several different factors are thought to be implicated. Although it is not a hereditary condition, having specific genes may make a person more susceptible to it. There could also be some environmental factors involved – bacteria or viruses may trigger the immune system to attack its own body. Also, the place of residence may be an issue. It is known, for example, that MS is more common in countries further from the equatorial regions.

Although there are treatments available for the symptoms of MS, there isn’t actually a cure at present.

Multiple Sclerosis