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Signs & Symptoms of Tonsillitis in Toddlers

Tonsillitis occurs when bacteria or a virus infects your toddler’s tonsils, the fleshy lymph nodes located along the sides of the back of your child’s throat. Usually developing as a result of a viral infection, tonsillitis in toddlers typically requires relief methods such as drinking warm liquids and taking over-the-counter pain medication while the infection runs its course. Your toddler’s doctor usually diagnoses tonsillitis based on your child’s symptoms and a physical exam, as well as a throat culture or other testing if he suspects a bacterial infection.

  1. Tonsil Changes

    • Significant changes in the appearance of your toddler’s tonsils often indicate tonsillitis. If you suspect that your little one might have tonsillitis, encourage him to open his mouth so you can look at his tonsils. According to the Mayo Clinic, infected tonsils are typically red and swollen and they may even exhibit white patches, as well. You may also notice that the tonsils are coated in a yellow, gray or white substance and, depending upon the severity of your toddler’s infection, there may even be blisters or ulcers on the surrounding areas of the throat.

    Throat Problems

    • If your toddler indicates that she has a sore throat or demonstrates difficulty swallowing, then she could be experiencing tonsillitis. When your little one’s immune system fights off a bacterial or viral infection, his tonsils filter the germs that enter the nose and throat, which causes mild swelling; when tonsillitis develops, this swelling increases drastically, often causing a sore throat and problems swallowing. According to MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, the sore throat that accompanies tonsillitis typically lasts longer than 48 hours. You may also notice swollen lymph nodes on your toddler’s jaws and neck; tender to the touch, these enlarged lymph nodes indicate that your little one is fighting an infection in that area of his body.

    Eating Problems

    • Eating problems often accompany tonsillitis in toddlers. In fact, this symptom could be one of the first warning signs you notice, especially if your toddler hasn’t learned to communicate orally. Often, your little one will simply push food away; in other instances, your toddler may actually try to eat or drink but will start to fuss or cry as soon as the food or drink enters her mouth or during swallowing. This symptom arises as a result of the throat pain that accompanies tonsillitis, according to DrGreene.com. If you do notice that your little one is unusually reluctant to eat or fusses excessively at mealtime, check the condition of his tonsils, since tonsillitis could easily be the cause of your toddler’s mealtime difficulties.

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