Several doctors report that neglecting personal hygiene, poor nutrition, and an irregular lifestyle are key factors causing women in Afghanistan to develop tonsillitis (or enlarged tonsils), with the most common symptom being sore throat.
Ahmad Shah Mirzaie, a specialist in ear, nose, and throat diseases, said: “The factors that cause tonsil inflammation are mostly viral or bacterial infections resulting from colds and flu, or some cases of bacterial tonsillitis, which occur when a person does not pay attention to personal and environmental hygiene.”
Dr. Mirzaie also emphasized that women suffering from a sore throat should focus on personal and environmental hygiene and take preventive measures to avoid tonsillitis.
“Those who frequently suffer from sore throats should avoid fatty, spicy, or sweet foods. They should also maintain proper hygiene and take care of their personal and environmental health to prevent tonsillitis,” he suggested.
On the other hand, Mursal al-Haq, another ear, nose, and throat specialist, explained that tonsillitis has negative consequences for patients, affecting their daily lives. Symptoms such as sore throat, fever, and headaches indicate that women may have contracted this disease.
“Since patients experience various types of pain, it negatively affects their daily lives. The living conditions in Afghanistan are not ideal; healthy food is not available, and of the patients who visit, 70% are suffering from tonsillitis,” she told Salam Watandar.
Rayhana, a woman diagnosed with tonsillitis, shared that she is improving after following her doctor’s advice. “I have been suffering from symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, weakness, and sore throat. It’s been a while since I started treatment. I visited the doctor, who advised me not to consume spicy and sour foods. I have been following this advice for a year and have seen positive results. I am feeling better because I strictly follow the treatment and haven’t needed surgery.”
Sohaila Hashemi, another patient receiving treatment for tonsillitis, said, “I only realized three months ago that I had tonsillitis. My symptoms included frequent colds, restlessness at night, and joint pain. Doctors told me that I needed to start treatment as soon as possible.”
Tonsillitis is a widespread global disease caused by neglecting hygiene and poor nutrition, but its prevalence is higher in third-world countries like Afghanistan, due to air pollution and health challenges.
