If your child has a sudden sore throat, it’s entirely possible that it’s just a sore throat, maybe from talking excessively or singing along with their favorite musical. In some cases, however, it could be a sign of a tonsil infection called tonsillitis.
What Causes Tonsillitis?
There are two types of tonsillitis: bacterial and viral. A cold or the flu is the most common cause of viral tonsillitis. A bacterium called Group A Streptococcus is the most common cause of bacterial tonsillitis, also called strep throat.
Identifying Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis symptoms often include the following:
- Sore throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- White spots on the tonsils
- White or yellow coating on the tonsils
- Redness and inflammation in the tonsils and throat
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Nausea or vomiting
The symptoms will come on suddenly, with a sore throat often the first to appear. Your child’s symptoms will likely be more severe with bacterial than with viral tonsillitis.
Managing Tonsilitis
Tonsillitis is highly contagious, so we recommend that you keep your child home from school until the infection has run its course. If the infection is bacterial, they’ll require a full course of antibiotics, usually for about 10 days. Beyond antibiotics, your child’s ENT specialist may recommend pain-relieving medications to manage symptoms for viral or bacterial infections.
If your child has recurring tonsillitis, they may require a tonsillectomy to remove their tonsils.
In addition to medical care, you can help your child feel more comfortable with the following home remedies:
- Offer plenty of warm liquids like tea, heated juice or even cocoa from Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate
- Give them lollipops or cough drops if they’re old enough
- Have a fun ice-cream-for-dinner night to cheer them up and cool their throat
- Run a humidifier in their bedroom
- Have them gargle saltwater if they’re old enough to do so without swallowing the mixture
- Ensure they’re getting enough rest
If your child develops a severe sore throat accompanied by white spots or redness, it’s best to seek out ENT care as soon as possible. We’ll confirm their diagnosis of tonsillitis and get them started on the right treatment path. Contact us at Midwest ENT Centre today to schedule an appointment.