Fact Check: Can honey cure tonsilitis in 4 hours?

Can honey cure tonsillitis in 4 hours?

Claim: An Article on Blogspot claims that tonsillitis can be cured in just 4 hours with the consumption of honey. The article also mentioned the use of black pepper turmeric, lemon, and ginger as solutions. The link to the article is here.

Medical Dialogues Fact Check

This claim is False 

What is Tonsilitis?

Tonsillitis, or inflammation of the tonsils, is a common disease and makes up approximately 1.3% of outpatient visits. It is predominantly the result of a viral or bacterial infection and, when uncomplicated, presents as a sore throat. Acute tonsillitis is a clinical diagnosis. (1)

Among the reported age groups, maximum tonsillitis cases were observed in the preteen age group (6-12 years) at 69% followed by teenage groups (13-18 years) at 18%, and children (4-5 years) at 17%. Table 2 shows the distribution of tonsillitis was higher in male patients (58%) compared to female patients (42%). (2) Symptoms of acute tonsillitis include fever, tonsillar exudates, sore throat, and tender anterior cervical chain lymphadenopathy. Patients may also note odynophagia and dysphagia secondary to tonsillar swelling.

What causes tonsilitis?

Speaking to Medical Dialogues team,  Dr Chirajit Dutta, consultant, Department of ENT, CMRI elaborated, "Tonsillitis can be caused by various factors, primarily infections. The main causes of tonsillitis are primarily viral, followed by bacterial. Other causes to consider include tobacco use. If something mimics tonsillitis and one side of the tonsil is swollen, it could indicate a growth or cancer. This should be promptly evaluated by an expert. Less common causes include small stones in the tonsillar crypts or gaps. These are usually harmless and not considered a form of tonsillitis but cause mild discomfort.”

Benefits of honey for tonsillitis and sore throat

Honey can be used for a variety of otolaryngology conditions. Scientific meta-analyses support oral honey for the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis in cancer patients, cough associated with upper respiratory infection in children, and pain control after tonsillectomy.(3)

Can honey cure tonsilitis?

No-Honey cannot cure Tonsilitis although it may have a number of benefits in the disease. A study by Biswal et al. (2003), demonstrated the efficacy of honey in reducing the severity and duration of mucositis, a condition that can result from radiotherapy and can affect the throat and tonsils among other areas of the mouth (4). Another study by Ozlugedik et al. (2006), found honey effective in expediting healing and reducing pain in tonsillectomy patients, suggesting its potential benefits in managing tonsil-related issues. (5)

On speaking to Medical Dialogues team By Dr. Sheetal Radia, Consultant Otorhinolaryngology  Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road clarified, "Honey has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various ailments, including tonsillitis. Its antimicrobial properties can help fight off the bacteria that cause tonsillitis and soothe the inflammation in the throat. However, while honey can provide relief from symptoms like sore throat and cough associated with tonsillitis, it is not a cure for the condition itself. When using honey for tonsillitis, it is essential to ensure that you are not allergic to bee products. Some people may experience allergic reactions such as itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing when consuming honey. Excessive consumption of honey can lead to an increase in blood sugar levels and contribute to weight gain. It is always recommended to consult with an expert before using honey or any home remedy for treating tonsillitis to avoid any potential side effects or complications.

Dr Chirajit Dutta added that “tonsillitis encompasses prevention, support, symptomatic relief, and addressing underlying causes. Prevention involves wearing masks and avoiding sick individuals. Support includes warm fluids like honey tea, pain relief, and soothing foods. Addressing causes may entail antibiotics and managing suspicious lesions, particularly in smokers.”

Medical Dialogues Final Take:

No, Honey does not cure tonsilitis.  It may have some anti-inflammatory properties, but the claim that it cures tonsilitis in 4 hours is false

REFERENCES:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544342/

2. https://mdpub.net/fulltext/172-1546544777.pdf

3. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0003489418815188

4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12673463/

5.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16914210/