Tonsillitis in Kids

Tonsillitis refers to an often painful inflammation of the tonsils, which are tissues found at the back of the throat on either side. Though their function is to prevent infections, tonsils can become infected themselves, by either a virus or bacteria, which leads to inflammation. Tonsillitis is most common in preschool to teenage children.

Symptoms

• When infected, tonsils will generally appear red and swollen when looked at with a flashlight. They also might exhibit a white or yellowish coating. Common symptoms of tonsillitis include sore throat, fever and difficulty swallowing and speaking. The lymph nodes on the neck also might be enlarged. In some cases, tonsillitis is accompanied by a headache and a stiff neck.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosing tonsillitis generally involves a physical examination, in which the doctor looks into the child's throat with a light instrument and palpates the child's neck to determine if the lymph nodes are swollen. A throat swab is necessary to find out if the infection is bacterial or viral in nature. The result of the lab test dictates the course of treatment.

Treatment

• If your doctor determines that a bacterial infection is to blame, she will prescribe and antibiotic, typically a 10-day course of oral penicillin. If a virus is causing tonsillitis, however, there is little that can be done to cure the infection. In this case, the child can be made more comfortable by administering painkillers and fever reducers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Rest is encouraged. Salt water gargles and and lozenges also might provide some relief. The infection will usually take a week to 10 days to clear up on its own.

  Frequent episodes of tonsillitis --- more than six in a year, for example --- might require removal of the tonsils. This procedure, known as a tonsillectomy, is performed under general anesthesia and takes 20 to 30 minutes.

Complications

• It is crucial that a child suffering from tonsillitis caused by a streptococcal bacterial infection receive antibiotics and complete the entire course. Failing to do so can result in the infection spreading to other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, where it can lead to inadequate removal of waste and excess fluids from the body, a condition known as post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. Enlarged tonsils also might partially block the child's airways and cause sleep apnea, a condition in which the individual stops breathing for a few seconds at a time while asleep. If this is the case, a tonsillectomy is usually necessary.

Prevention

• The best way to prevent tonsillitis in kids is to inculcate good hygiene habits, such as frequent hand washing. Children should also abstain from sharing food, drinking vessels and eating utensils. Enlist the help of your doctor when determining when it is prudent for a child who has contracted tonsillitis to return to school.