Tonsillitis

What is Tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils, the two oval-shaped pads of tissue at the back of the throat.

Key Function: Tonsils are the immune system's "first line of defense" against germs entering the mouth. Because they trap germs, they can easily get infected themselves.

Symptoms

It most commonly affects children from preschool to mid-teens.

What You See

• Red, swollen tonsils.
• White or yellow coating/patches on the tonsils.
• Swollen glands (lymph nodes) on the sides of the neck.

What You Feel

• Severe Sore Throat.
• Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia).
• Fever and Chills.
• Bad Breath.
• Stomachache (common in younger children).

⚠️ WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
Seek immediate care if your child has:

• Difficulty breathing.
• Extreme difficulty swallowing (refusing to eat/drink).
• Drooling: This is a sign they cannot swallow their own saliva and may have an abscess or blocked airway.
• Sore throat lasting longer than 24-48 hours.

Causes: Viral vs. Bacterial

Knowing the cause determines the treatment.

• Viral (Most Common): Caused by cold viruses, flu, or Epstein-Barr (Mono). Antibiotics will not help.
• Bacterial (Strep Throat): Caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. Requires antibiotics to prevent complications like Rheumatic Fever.

Diagnosis

Doctors use a throat swab to test for bacteria.

• Rapid Strep Test: Results in minutes.
• Throat Culture: Results in 24-48 hours (more accurate).

Treatment

1. Home Care (For Viral & Bacterial)

Focus on comfort and hydration.

🧂 SALT WATER GARGLE RECIPE
(For children old enough to gargle, usually 8+)

Mix 1 teaspoon of salt into 8 oz of warm water. Gargle and spit. Repeat every few hours to soothe pain and reduce swelling.

2. Medications

• Pain Relievers: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil). Never give Aspirin to children due to Reye's Syndrome risk.
• Antibiotics: Only prescribed for bacterial infections. You must finish the full course even if the child feels better.

3. Surgery (Tonsillectomy)

Removing tonsils is less common today than in the past. It is usually recommended only if:

• Frequent Infections: More than 7 in one year, or 5 per year for two years.
• Sleep Apnea: Swollen tonsils block breathing at night.
• Tonsillar Abscess: A collection of pus that doesn't respond to meds.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.