My Child Has Tonsillitis, What Should I Do?

Tonsils are soft tissues found on both sides of the throat. It helps fight infection and is part of our immune system.

When it is infected, it becomes swollen or inflamed and is called tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is commonly caused by viruses, although it may also be caused by bacteria. This condition is common among children because they are the ones who usually put a lot of things on their mouth.

One sign of tonsillitis is the swelling of the tonsils. When you check your child’s throat with a flashlight, you will see the enlarged red tonsils that are sometimes covered with white or yellow coating. Other signs and symptoms of tonsillitis are sore throats, fever, cough, headache, difficulty of swallowing and swollen lymph nodes on the neck. Also, there may be white spots or pus on the tonsils.  

Is it infectious?

Yes. Like other infections such as cough and colds, tonsillitis can also be passed to others in close contact.

What should I do when my child has tonsillitis?

• Encourage increased oral fluid intake

Your child may have a difficulty of swallowing because of pain. He may refuse to eat or drink anything that could lead to dehydration. Dehydration may cause fever and headache adding to his discomfort. To avoid this, encourage your child to take fluids every now and then.

• Gargle with saltwater

If your child can gargle, a saltwater gargle can help ease his discomfort. 
To make salt water gargle: 
Add a teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of warm water. Have your child gargle and spit out the solution about 3 times a day.

• Encourage to rest

Encourage your child to have plenty of rest. Rest his voice as well.

• Try lozenges

Lozenges can relieve a sore throat. Make sure your child knows how to suck on lozenges.

• Treat pain and fever

Consult your doctor about using pain relievers such as Ibuprofen and Paracetamol. Your doctor will give you the right dosage applicable to your child.

• Antibiotics

Usually, Tonsillitis is caused by a virus and goes away on its own which does not require an antibiotic. Your doctor will advise you if your child needs to take an antibiotic or not.

If your child has tonsillitis, it is always better to call your doctor to prevent secondary infections and complications. 


How can tonsillitis be prevented?

Try to keep kids away from anyone who already has tonsillitis or a sore throat, and make sure to teach your child good hand-washing.