Tonsillitis in Children: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Options

Read this comprehensive guide on tonsillitis in children, from its symptoms to treatment options.

What is Tonsillitis in Children?

Tonsillitis in children means the tonsils (which are the small lumps of tissue at the back of the throat) get red, swollen, and painful. This can happen due to infection, usually from viruses or bacteria. 

Tonsils support the immune system to help fight germs, but when they get infected, kids may have a sore throat, fever, trouble swallowing, or bad breath. It’s common in school-age children and usually not serious. With proper rest, fluids, and sometimes medicines, most kids recover well from tonsillitis.

Is Tonsillitis in Children a Serious Issue?

Tonsillitis in children is usually not a serious health condition. Viral infections get better on their own with rest and care. But if bacteria like Streptococcus are the reason behind the infection, it can sometimes lead to complications, such as pus around the tonsils, rheumatic fever, or kidney issues. 

The repeated attack of tonsillitis can also affect a child’s daily life, causing missed school and disturbed sleep. Hence, proper check-ups and treatment become necessary whenever tonsillitis keeps coming back.

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Causes of Tonsillitis in Children

There are mainly 2 main causes of tonsillitis in children.

1. Viruses (Accounts for Most Cases, Approximately 70%–95%)

• Rhinovirus
• Respiratory syncytial virus
• Adenovirus, coronavirus
• Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)
• Cytomegalovirus
• Human immunodeficiency virus

These viruses often cause a simple cold or sore throat; however, some, like EBV, can induce severe or last longer illnesses.

2. Bacteria (Accounts for Less Common Cases)

Tonsillitis due to bacteria (Streptococcus) is known as strep throat.

• Group A Streptococcus 
• Mycoplasma pneumoniae
• Chlamydophila pneumoniae
• Neisseria gonorrhoeae

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Why Children Are More Susceptible to Tonsillitis

The chances of kids having tonsillitis are more common when compared to adults, because of the following reasons:

• They're more in contact with germs at day care or school. 
• They are not good at handwashing and sneezing or coughing etiquette. 
• They easily catch a cold, leading to a runny nose and tonsillitis. 
• Their throats are smaller, and many have big tonsils, which may lead to breathing problems and sleep apnea (a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts).

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What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Tonsillitis?

The signs and symptoms of viral tonsillitis are milder than those of bacterial tonsillitis.

1. Signs & Symptoms of Viral Tonsillitis

• tonsils to become red, swollen, and painful
• difficult to swallow
• common cold or flu, due to viral are milder than bacterial

2. Signs & Symptoms of Bacterial Tonsillitis

• tonsils to become severely red, swollen, and painful
• difficult to swallow
• common cold or flu, due to bacterial are severe than bacterial
• bad breath

Diagnosis of Tonsillitis

The doctor will examine your child's throat, ears and nose for redness and swelling and other symptoms.

It’s difficult to differentiate between bacterial and viral tonsillitis, which is why testing becomes necessary.

Tests for Tonsillitis

• Throat swab: After confirming tonsillitis with proper diagnosis, your doctor will order a bacterial culture test. They will check for Group A Streptococcus bacteria by taking saliva witha  sterile swab over the back of your child's throat. If the results are positive, then it's strep throat. If your results are negative, then it's a viral tonsillitis.
• Complete blood cell count (CBC): It measures the types of cells in the blood, such as red cells and white cells. Helping to identify whether an infection is due to bacteria or viruses.

What are Tonsillitis Treatment for Children

The treatments depend on what is causing the infection: a virus or bacteria. Yes, the symptoms may be similar, but the course of treatment differs.

Here are some possible treatments for tonsillitis in children.

1. Home Remedy

This includes:

• Proper rest
• Plenty of fluid intake to stay hydrated, soothing warm or cold drinks
• Saltwater gargles, using a humidifier for moist air 

2. Pain-Relieving Medications/OTC

Pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen are given over the counter to help with your sore throat.

3. Antibiotics for Bacterial Tonsillitis

• The doctor will prescribe antibiotics to kill bacteria causing the infection for almost 10 days.
• It helps shorten the illness, prevent complications, and stop the spread of the infection. 
• It’s crucial to finish the entire course even if the child feels better to prevent future bacterial resistance.

4. Tonsillectomy (Surgery)

Tonsillectomy for Tonsillitis in Children is generally recommended:

• If tonsillitis occurs frequently.
• If it doesn’t respond to antibiotics.
• If it causes breathing/swallowing problems. 

Surgery removes the tonsils to prevent future infections or complications.

Conclusion

Tonsillitis in children is generally not serious if the doctor’s advice is followed correctly. Teach children the benefits of good hygiene habits like regular handwashing and covering their mouth while coughing or sneezing to avoid infections. 

If tonsillitis affects your kids, get a proper diagnosis so treatment can be tailored according to the cause: viral or bacterial. Following the right treatment helps children recover quickly and avoid complications, ensuring they stay healthy and comfortable.