Tonsillitis | Lump in Throat | Strep Throat – Spiritual Meaning & Causes

This article explains the spiritual meaning of strep throat as well as the spiritual causes of tonsillitis:

Tonsillitis

It is an inflammation of the tonsils that is caused by a viral or bacterial infection.

Tonsils are lumps of tissue at the back of the throat which help the immune system protect the human body from infections.

Tonsillitis is a common condition in toddlers, teenagers, and young adults.

Symptoms

There are a few types of tonsillitis, and there are many possible symptoms which include:

• a stiff neck;
• a very sore throat;
• tonsils that have yellow or white spots;
• painful swallowing;
• tonsils which appear swollen and red;
• difficulty swallowing;
• neck and jaw tenderness due to swollen lymph nodes;
• a scratchy-sounding voice;
• headaches;
• bad breath;
• stomachaches;
• fever;
• earaches;
• chills.

Note – the symptoms will typically go away after 3 to 4 days.

Causes

The cause of the condition is usually a viral infection. Common viruses that cause tonsillitis include:

• herpes simplex virus;
• adenoviruses (medium-sized, nonenveloped viruses);
• enteroviruses;
• influenza virus;
• parainfluenza viruses;
• Epstein-Barr virus.

Additionally, bacterial infections like strep throat can also cause tonsillitis.

Complications

Possible complications of tonsillitis are:

• a deep infection in the surrounding areas of the throat;
• an abscess that develops between a tonsil and the side of the throat;
• middle ear infection;
• breathing difficulties when sleeping.

Risk Factors

The people most prone to the condition are:

• individuals frequently exposed to crowded places;
• seniors;
• overworked people;
• children.

Diagnosis

To diagnose the condition, a healthcare provider will be looking for a swollen tonsil region, usually with white spots.

Treatment

You may be able to reduce the symptoms by:

• getting plenty of rest;
• taking ibuprofen or paracetamol;
• drinking plenty of fluids;
• sipping warm fluids like herbal teas;
• using a cool-mist humidifier;
• sucking on popsicles;
• placing a cool compress on your neck;
• gargling with a solution of 1/2 tsp of salt mixed with 8 ounces of warm water;
• using a throat spray containing benzocaine.

For tonsillitis which is caused by bacteria, antibiotics are prescribed.

Lump in Throat (Globus pharyngeus)

It is the sensation of a lump in the throat in the absence of any apparent physical obstruction in the throat, typically considered psychosomatic.

Globus pharyngeus is equally prevalent in women and men. According to statistics, about 46 out of 100 people have experienced a lump in the throat.

The sensation does not interfere with eating and drinking. Also, it can come and go.

Note – globus pharyngeus can also lead to anxiety as sufferers may worry they are about to choke or are choking.

Symptoms

Common symptoms may include:

• postnasal drip;
• heartburn-like symptoms;
• throat clearing.

Causes

Globus pharyngeus is commonly caused by inflammation of one or more parts of the throat, like – the hypopharynx or larynx, due to gastroesophageal reflux, cricopharyngeal spasm, esophageal versatility, or laryngopharyngeal reflux.

When To See A Doctor

You should see a doctor when the globus pharyngeus is accompanied by:

• swollen lymph nodes;
• pain in the neck or throat;
• symptoms that get progressively worse;
• unexplained weight loss;
• a mass which can be seen or felt in or around the throat or neck;
• sudden symptoms after the age of 50;
• muscle weakness in the throat;
• vomiting;
• choking when swallowing;
• pain during swallowing;
• difficulty swallowing.

Treatment

Treatment includes:

• voice therapy;
• if there is evidence of acid reflux, medication may be prescribed;
• vocal hygiene advice, like avoiding using a voice that is too loud;
• reassurance that there is no underlying disease.

Strep Throat

Strep throat, also called the streptococcal sore throat, is a bacterial infection that causes pain and inflammation in the throat.

Anybody can get it, however, most cases are in school-age kids.

Symptoms

Symptoms of strep throat can include:

• body aches;
• throat pain which typically comes on quickly;
• nausea or vomiting;
• painful swallowing;
• rash;
• red and swollen tonsils;
• headache;
• fever;
• tender lymph nodes in the neck;
• tiny red spots on the area at the back of the roof of the mouth.

Complications

Potential complications of an untreated strep throat infection may include:

• rheumatic fever;
• kidney disease;
• meningitis;
• pneumonia;
• sinus infection;
• middle ear infection.

When To See A Doctor

You should see a doctor if:

• urine becomes cola-colored;
• symptoms are still there after 14 days;
• you received radiotherapy, chemotherapy (most often used to treat cancer), steroids, or immunosuppressant drugs;
• you have diabetes, cancer, or HIV/AIDS;
• drooling becomes common;
• swallowing saliva is difficult;
• you experience breathing difficulties;
• you have a persistent fever.

Spiritual Meaning of Tonsillitis

When your tonsils are inflamed, you have difficulty swallowing.

There is something you no longer accept to swallow. You repress your feelings despite having them, perhaps out of fear of something.

As with all inflammatory processes, tonsils are an indication of an acute conflict that has been suppressed. The advice is to retreat and leave things on their way for a while. Accept your feelings and anger.

With time, these feelings will cease to scare you, and you will become open and free.

Spiritual Meaning of Lump in Throat

If you have difficulties swallowing or a lump in the throat, you should ask yourself what is it you can not or do not want to swallow. Accept your limits.

When something overwhelms you, do not force yourself to do things the way others would like you to. Remember the peace and the strength that you have within you. Be your own true self.

READ MORE: Tendinitis – Spiritual Meaning 

Spiritual Meaning of Strep Throat

Strep throat indicates that you do not want or are not able to swallow something.

It can also draw your attention to the fact that you have exaggerated your anger, the experiences that have hurt you, and the feelings you do not want to express. For this reason, strep throat is linked with fear to some extent.

Images credit – Shutterstock

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References

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/06/180607135151.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763755/
https://www.cochrane.org/CD001802/ENT_surgical-removal-of-the-tonsils