Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is an infection or inflammation of the tonsils. The tonsils are areas of lymph tissue on both sides of the throat, above and behind the tongue. They are part of the immune system, which helps the body fight infection. Tonsillitis often goes away on its own after 4 to 10 days.

The main symptoms of tonsillitis are a sore throat and swollen tonsils. The throat and tonsils usually look red and swollen. The tonsils may have spots on them or pus that covers them completely or in patches. Other symptoms include:

• A fever.
• Bad breath.
• A congested or runny nose.
• Swollen lymph nodes.
• Trouble swallowing.
• A headache.
• Belly pain.

If you feel like you have a cold with symptoms such as runny and stuffy nose, sneezing, and coughing, a virus is most likely the cause of your tonsillitis.

If you have a sore throat plus a sudden fever and swollen lymph nodes, but you don't have symptoms of a cold, the infection is more likely caused by bacteria.

Your doctor will look at your throat to see if you have red and swollen tonsils with spots or sores. These signs can mean that you have tonsillitis. Your doctor may do a rapid strep test along with a throat culture. These will show if the tonsillitis is caused by streptococcus bacteria.

If your tonsillitis is caused by strep bacteria, you may need treatment with antibiotics. Antibiotics can help prevent rare but serious problems caused by strep. They can also control the spread of infection. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, take them as directed. Don't stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.

Tonsillitis caused by a virus will usually go away on its own. Treatment includes self-care at home, such as over-the-counter pain medicine. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.

Surgery to remove your tonsils (tonsillectomy) may be recommended if you've had repeated infections. Other reasons include serious problems such as a peritonsillar abscess or obstructive sleep apnea.

• If the doctor prescribed antibiotics for your child, give them as directed. Do not stop using them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Ask your doctor if your child can take over-the-counter pain medicines, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Do not use ibuprofen if your child is less than 6 months old unless the doctor gave you instructions to use it. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a serious illness.
• Do not give your child two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
• Have your child gargle with warm salt water several times a day to help reduce swelling and relieve pain. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water. Most children can gargle when they are 6 years old.
• Have your child drink plenty of fluids. Fluids may help soothe the throat. Your child can drink warm or cold liquids (whichever feels better). These include tea, soup, ice, and flavored ice pops (such as Popsicles).
• Help your child get plenty of rest.
• Place a cool-mist humidifier by your child's bed or close to your child. Follow the directions for cleaning the machine.