Fact Check: Can pressing the tonsils with fingers cure tonsils?

A viral Instagram reel claims that pressing the tonsils with fingers can cure tonsils. This claim by the user is False.

Claim

In a viral Instagram reel, it is claimed that pressing the tonsils with fingers can cure tonsils. The video captioned as "अगर कोई भी टॉन्सिल या काकड़ा से परेशान है तो वीडियो को उनके साथ शेयर करो ताकि उनका भी फायदा हो सके" is posted by santosh_sharma_vlogs. In the video, the user says that in English, it's called "tonsils," and in Gujarati, it's referred to as "kakda." He further claims that Narendra Bhai treats "kakda." According to the user, if a doctor has recommended surgery, tonsils or kakda can be treated for free here in this manner. He states, "Let me show you; if your doctor has suggested surgery, it will save your money and get the job done. Narendra is here. Here, we treated kakda tonsils without any charges. If you wish, you can come here."

The viral reel, which has garnered 115,000 views, 25,121 likes, and 42,100 shares, is accessible here.

Fact Check

The claim by the user that pressing the tonsils with fingers can cure tonsils is False.

What are Tonsils?

As per NIH, "The tonsils are part of the body’s immune system. Because of their location at the throat and palate, they can stop germs from entering the body through the mouth or the nose. The tonsils also contain a lot of white blood cells, which are responsible for killing germs."

The human body has several types of tonsils: palatine tonsils, adenoids (pharyngeal tonsils), and lingual tonsils. The palatine tonsils are located on either side of the back of the throat and are the only ones visible without specialized equipment. The adenoids are situated high in the throat behind the nose and can only be observed through rhinoscopy, a nasal examination. The lingual tonsil is found at the base of the tongue on its back surface. Collectively, these tonsillar structures form what is known as Waldeyer's ring, encircling the throat's entrance from the mouth and nose. This strategic positioning helps to block germs, such as bacteria and viruses, from entering the body. Additionally, immune cells located behind waldeyer's ring can compensate for the function of removed adenoids, providing continued protection against infections

What is Tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is a common condition characterized by inflammation of the tonsils, accounting for about 1.3% of outpatient visits. It is primarily caused by viral or bacterial infections and often presents with symptoms such as a sore throat in uncomplicated cases. 

Tonsillitis typically results from an infection, most commonly viral in origin. Viruses associated with the common cold, such as rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, and coronavirus, are frequent causes, generally exhibiting low virulence and rarely leading to complications. Other viral pathogens like Epstein-Barr virus (mononucleosis), cytomegalovirus, hepatitis A, rubella, and HIV can also cause tonsillitis. Bacterial tonsillitis is often due to group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus (GABHS), though other bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae have been identified. Both aerobic and anaerobic pathogens can contribute, and in unvaccinated individuals, Corynebacterium diphtheriae (causing diphtheria) should be considered. Additionally, sexually active individuals may present with tonsillitis caused by HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia. Tuberculosis has also been implicated in recurrent cases, warranting a thorough risk assessment by clinicians.

Dr Girish Anand,  Consultant ENT, Head & Neck, Skull Base and Cochlear Implant Surgeon, Aster Hospital explained, "Tonsillitis refers to the inflammatory reaction that occurs to the two oval-shaped lymphoid structures situated at the back of the mouth. It is primarily due to a virus or a bacterium causing certain signs, for example, a painful throat, trouble in eating, high temperature, and lymphatic glands looking bigger. It can be recurrent and hence is subjected to assessment, further, there are therapeutic measures especially antibiotics in case of microbes or extreme conditions that may lead to tonsillectomy. Most children exhibit this condition with the exception of many age groups that this can be observed."

What is the treatment strategy for Tonsillitis?

The treatment of acute tonsillitis is typically managed on an outpatient basis, focusing on supportive care such as pain relief and maintaining oral hydration, with hospital admission rarely required. Symptomatic relief can be achieved using medications like steroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). For bacterial tonsillitis, most commonly caused by *Streptococcus pyogenes* (GABHS), penicillins are the preferred antibiotics, administered either as a 10-day oral regimen or a single intramuscular injection of benzathine penicillin G. For patients allergic to penicillin, alternative options include a 5-day course of azithromycin or a 10-day regimen of cephalosporin or clindamycin. Chronic or severe cases might also require tonsillectomy which is surgical removal.

Dr Manjunath Mk, Sr Consultant - ENT Surgeon, Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Kengeri, Bengaluru said, "Tonsillitis treatment depends on the cause (viral or bacterial) and the severity of symptoms.

Mild Cases

1. Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated

2. ⁠Pain Relief: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or Paracetamol

3. ⁠Saltwater gargling

If symptoms persist or worsen or if associated with fever visit ENT. It is usually treated with

1. Antibiotics. It’s important to complete the entire course of antibiotics.

2. ⁠pain medication, salt water gargling for symptomatic relief.

3. ⁠if there is a white patch or a pus points over the tonsils, this indicates a bad infection and sometimes associated with severe pain and swallowing and persistent fever for more than 48 hours. These cases are sometimes treated with injectable antibiotics. Some also require a swab to be taken.

Chronic or Recurrent Tonsillitis:

Tonsillectomy: For individuals with chronic tonsillitis or recurrent infections (usually defined as 7 episodes in 1 year, 5 per year for 2 years, or 3 per year for 3 years), a tonsillectomy (surgical removal of the tonsils) may be recommended.

If only one tonsil is enlarged and associated with severe pain and fever it may be due to pus accumulation and is known as Peritonsillar abscess and may require drainage of pus."

Can pressing the tonsils with fingers cure tonsils?

Tonsils are lymphatic tissues in the throat that play a role in the immune system. They can become inflamed due to infections (tonsillitis), which are usually caused by viruses or bacteria. In ancient times, applying targeted pressure or manipulating the tonsils was thought to facilitate their treatment and removal, forming the basis for modern techniques in managing tonsillitis and improving patient care. However, in modern science and medicine, there is no medical consensus or scientific evidence to support the claim that pressing the tonsils with fingers can cure tonsils. In fact, as pointed out by doctors certain major side effects are documented with this technique

A historical study by Celsus, a Roman aristocrat, outlines a detailed method for complete tonsil removal (tonsillectomy), differentiating it from partial excision. The findings describe that the tonsils should first be carefully loosened from all sides using the finger for removal. If this method proves ineffective, the tonsils should be grasped with a blunt hook and separated using a scalpel. Post-procedure care involves washing the area with vinegar and applying a styptic to promote healing.

A study conducted in 1861 by Borelli revisited the ancient technique of tonsil enucleation using the finger. The findings highlighted Borelli's awareness of the persistent attachment of the lower portion of the tonsil. He observed that a small fragment often remains at the inferior part, where it is challenging to grasp with the finger for removal. However, he noted that this remnant can be effectively managed by using forceps to grasp it and applying a gentle twisting motion to detach it.

In ancient medicine, some scientific evidence suggests that tonsils could be removed using fingers; however, as modern science developed, these techniques were found ineffective in the treatment of the disease and in fact were shown to have major side effects 

In response to the claim Dr Manjunath Mk, Sr Consultant - ENT Surgeon, Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Kengeri, Bengaluru explained, "Pressing the tonsils as a cure is not advisable as it can cause more harm than benefit. In the acute stage, the pain becomes unbearable and in chronic cases, it can sometimes lead to severe bleeding and infection."

Adding to the claim response, Dr Girish Anand, Consultant ENT, Head & Neck, Skull Base and Cochlear Implant Surgeon, Aster Hospital, said, "There are important questions and considerations involved in the approach of applying pressure to the tonsils with one's fingers being a potential remedy for tonsillitis: some people might believe that manual manipulation could provide relief or healing, but it has to be remembered that the tonsils are somewhat fragile structures that can easily become irritated or injured. In fact, medical professionals usually prescribe some more traditional treatments for tonsillitis, which include rest, hydration, and sometimes antibiotics instead of simply relying on physical pressure on the tonsils. So, consulting a doctor would be a better option in order to get proper diagnosis and treatment instead of self-medication by applying finger pressure on the tonsils."

Medical Dialogues Final Take

Tonsillitis, or inflammation of the tonsils, is caused by viral or bacterial infections and cannot be treated by physical manipulation of the tonsils. Pressing the tonsils with fingers can cure tonsils is not backed by any scientific evidence or medical consensus in modern medicine. Doctors have warned against the side effects of such techniques, pointing that they should not be applied. 

Hence, the claim by the user is False.