If you have children, they have a chance of contracting tonsillitis at least once during childhood or adolescence. You can also have tonsillitis as an adult. It’s a highly contagious infection, and it can be either viral or bacterial.
Board-certified otolaryngologist Nilesh Patel, MD, specializes in ear, nose, and throat disorders. You don’t want your loved one to suffer needlessly. Dr. Patel keeps slots open for emergency appointments, and a child with a severe sore throat is certainly an example of one.
Your child can develop tonsillitis symptoms suddenly. Your little one might say their throat really hurts. When that’s the case, ask your child to open their mouth very wide so you can have a peek inside with your flashlight. Here are common symptoms to look for inside the mouth:
Feel your child’s forehead and take their temperature. Also feel the sides of the neck to see if there is swelling. These are additional symptoms associated with tonsillitis:
Tonsillitis can be viral or bacterial. More than two-thirds of tonsillitis cases are the viral type. It’s a milder form of the bacterial infection. Viral tonsillitis is still painful.
Bacterial tonsillitis, or strep throat, as it’s more commonly called, requires antibiotics. If you’ve had your tonsils taken out, you can still get the infection in your throat.
Treat viral tonsillitis with pain relievers and home remedies. One of the most effective remedies is gargling with warm salt water, which helps clear out mucus and germs. Have your loved one drink a warm, not hot, liquid like tea with honey. Soothing throat lozenges help ease pain.
Keep your child at home so they don’t infect others. Your child’s body needs rest in order to heal.
If your child has recurring tonsillitis, Dr. Patel may recommend and perform a tonsillectomy to remove the tonsils.
You may have had a grandparent who had a disease you no longer hear about, such as scarlet fever or rheumatic fever. Both of those conditions can result from untreated bacterial tonsillitis.
We now have antibiotics to treat tonsillitis, so those childhood diseases have almost been eradicated. Untreated bacterial tonsillitis can also result in kidney damage, cellulitis, and other adverse health consequences. Any time you or your child has a severe sore throat, call our office for an appointment.
If you have tonsillitis, once you’re over it, replace your electric toothbrush head or buy another toothbrush. Wash towels and linens.
Teach your child to use good hygiene: wash hands frequently and always before eating. Cover the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing.
Call the office of Nilesh Patel, MD or request an appointment online if you or your loved one has a sore throat. We offer prompt testing and treatment to help you feel better.
