Tonsillitis in Children: Signs, Causes, and Treatment

Tonsillitis is a common issue that affects children. The symptoms are very similar to a common cold, thus making it difficult to identify until the symptoms are severe or the child is in a lot of discomfort. Is tonsillitis very different from a regular sore throat? What are the signs, causes and treatment for this condition? Read on to know all about it.

What is Tonsillitis?

Tonsils are the two tissue masses at the back of your throat. These tissue masses are the filters that trap germs and protect your airways from infection. An infection of these tonsils is known as tonsillitis. It causes the tonsils to swell in size and become red and sore. Tonsillitis is common among children aged 5 to 15. As the tonsils reduce in size after puberty, tonsillitis in adults is quite rare. 

Types of Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis can be classified into three types – 

1. Acute Tonsillitis – It is the most common type of tonsillitis to affect children. The symptoms occur suddenly and can persist for a few days. Often caused by viral or bacterial infection, this type of tonsillitis can last anywhere between 3-4 days or even up to 2 weeks. It causes inflammation of the tonsils, making it difficult to swallow. 
2. Recurrent Tonsillitis – When acute tonsillitis recurs multiple times within a short period, it is known as recurrent tonsillitis. Suppose a child has 7 or more episodes of acute tonsillitis within a span of one year or 5 or more episodes per year for 2 consecutive years, or 3 or more episodes per year for 3 years in a row. In that case, it is diagnosed as a recurrent tonsillitis. 
3. Chronic Tonsillitis – When the inflammation of the tonsils lasts for months, it is known as chronic tonsillitis. The symptoms are milder compared to acute tonsillitis, but they are more persistent. The sore throat, swollen tonsils, pain while swallowing, and even bad breath can last for months. When tonsillitis is not treated properly, it can become chronic. 

What Causes Tonsillitis?

As mentioned earlier, tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils. Inflammation in the body happens when that body part is attacked, and it starts fighting the infection to protect itself. Tonsillitis in children can be caused by bacterial or viral infection. 

Bacterial Tonsillitis

Bacterial tonsillitis is mostly caused by the Group A Streptococcus bacteria, which also causes strep throat. It is very contagious and can be transferred easily through close contact or through respiratory droplets that are released when coughing or sneezing. In rare cases, bacterial tonsillitis can lead to quinsy – a complication where an abscess forms near the tonsil, thus pushing it to the centre of the throat, making it very painful and difficult to breathe freely.

Viral Tonsillitis

Viral tonsillitis is caused by various viruses and is less severe than bacterial tonsillitis. Viruses such as adenoviruses, influenza viruses, Epstein-Barr virus, Parainfluenza viruses, Enteroviruses, Herpes simplex virus, and HIV can cause inflammation of the tonsils, leading to tonsillitis. 

Also read: Pneumonia in Children: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Signs and Symptoms of Tonsillitis in Children

Tonsillitis symptoms are very similar to those of a cold and can be missed easily. Here are some symptoms to monitor if you suspect tonsillitis.

• Throat feels sore or scratchy
• Unable to swallow like usual
• Tonsils at the back of the throat are red and swollen
• Tonsils are swollen and swollen
• Appearance of white spots on the tonsils
• Tonsils have a white, yellow or grey coating
• The glands to the side of the neck – lymph nodes swell up
• Vomiting and stomachache in young children

Tonsillitis Risk Factors

The risk of tonsillitis is higher for – 

• Children between the ages of 5 and 15.
• Children in close quarters with other children or adults who may have tonsillitis. School is one such area where the infection can spread easily.

Book an online appointment with Dr. Yatish Singh for Paediatrician related issues.

Treating Tonsillitis in Children

So, how do you treat your child’s tonsillitis? Can you prevent it from recurring?

• Home Remedies - Viral tonsillitis does not require any antibiotics. It can be treated with simple home remedies like hydration, plenty of rest, and drinking warm liquids to soothe the throat. Gargling with salt water is a very common home remedy for both tonsillitis and sore throat, as the salt can help fight the germs causing the inflammation. 
• Humidifier - In case the atmosphere around you is too dry and is irritating the child’s throat, you can try using a humidifier in the room. The humidifier can help add moisture to the room atmosphere and, in turn, help with the sore throat.
• Pain Killers - If your child’s discomfort or pain is too severe, the doctor might prescribe some child-safe over-the-counter pain relief medications. Never give your child such medications unless prescribed by a qualified doctor. 
• Others - While throat lozenges are readily available for throat irritation, they are not safe for young children. Never give them to your child unless the doctor prescribes them. 
• Antibiotics - Bacterial tonsillitis requires antibiotics like penicillin or amoxicillin. If your doctor prescribes these medications, ensure your child completes the prescribed course; it may lead to complications or recurrent infections. 
• Tonsillectomy - If the infection is severe or recurrent in nature, the doctor might recommend removing the tonsils. 

Conclusion

Tonsillitis is quite common among children of school-going age. The proximity to other infected children and the weak immune systems increase the risk for children between 5 and 15 years of age. If symptoms persist, it is always advisable to get checked rather than ignore them as just a sore throat. 

Want to consult the best gynecologists in India? Please find the links below.‍‍‍

1. ‍Best Gynecologists in Hyderabad‍
2. ‍Top Gynecologists in Chennai‍
3. Best Gynecologists in Bangalore‍‍‍‍
4. Top Obstetricians & Gynecologists in Mumbai‍
5. ‍Top Gynecologists near me in Pune‍
6. Best Obstetricians & Gynecologists in Chandigarh‍
7. Top Obstetricians & Gynecologists near me in Gurgaon‍
8. Best Gynecologists near me in Noida‍
9. Top Gynecologist near me in Panchkula‍
10. Best Gynecologist in Ludhiana‍
11. Top Gynecologist In Delhi‍
12. Top Gynecologists in Faridabad
13. Top Gynecologists in Lucknow
14. Top Gynecologists in Ghaziabad

Want to consult the best Maternity Packages in India? Please find the links below.

1. Best Maternity Packages in Bengaluru
2. Best Maternity Packages in Chandigarh
3. Best Maternity Packages in Chennai
4. Best Maternity Packages in Faridabad
5. Best Maternity Packages in Gurugram
6. Best Maternity Packages in Hyderabad
7. Best Maternity Packages in Ludhiana
8. Best Maternity Packages in Mumbai
9. Best Maternity Packages in New Delhi
10. Best Maternity Packages in Noida
11. Best Maternity Packages in Panchkula
12. Best Maternity Packages in Pune

‍

‍