Hostname: page-component-7c8c6479df-27gpq Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-03-28T15:17:32.541Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Complications of the ‘Treatment’ of Tonsillar infection by traditional healers in Nigeria

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

A. Olu Ibekwe
Affiliation:
Enugu, Nigeria

Abstract

Traditional healers in Nigeria attempt to treat tonsillar infections either by performing unulectomy with a sickle knife or by digital rupture of the tonsil. These procedures result in various complications, including haemorrhage, septicaemia, cellulitis of the neck, peritonsillar and parapharyngeal abscess, upper airway obstruction, and pharyngo-larygocele with pneumothorax. These complications are illustrated with case reports. The danger of encouraging traditional healers to practise unsupervised and unscientific medicine is stressed.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1983

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

Ijaduola, G. T. A. (1981) The Journal of Laryngology and Otology, 95: 11271133.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Martinson, F. D. (1980) Personal Communication.Google Scholar
Paparella, M. M., and Shumrick, D. A. (1973) Otolaryngology Vol. 3. Head and Neck, W. B. Saunders, Chapter 21, p. 296.Google Scholar
Ribeiro, A. L. (1953) East African Medical Journal, 30: 393.Google Scholar