WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Tonsillitis (TON-sill-EYE-tis) is an infection of the
tonsils--lumps of tissue at the back of the throat that fight
nose and throat infections and keep them from spreading to the
neck, lungs, and bloodstream. Tonsillitis is a common problem
in young children.
Causes
The infection can be caused by a
variety of viruses and bacteria. It is spread from person to
person by coughing, sneezing, and touching.
Signs/Symptoms
There may be fever, sore throat,
painful swallowing, headache, and sore muscles. The youngster
may vomit, have a stomach ache, or be sleepy. The tonsils may
look red and swollen and feel tender.
Care
The first step is a throat
culture. If the culture is positive for strep germs, the doctor
will prescribe the child an antibiotic.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
Have the child rest as much as possible and get
plenty of sleep.
-
Children older than 8 years may suck on hard candy or
frozen juice bars or gargle with a warm or cold liquid to
help soothe the throat. For gargling, use 1 teaspoon salt
mixed in 8 ounces of water or strong tea. A younger child
can be given a teaspoon of corn syrup or honey several
times a day (do not give honey to children younger than 1
year of age).
-
Use a cool-mist humidifier to help decrease throat
irritation and cough.
-
You may give over-the-counter medicines such as
acetaminophen to relieve the pain.
-
Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids. While
the throat is very sore, feed the child soft or liquid
foods such as milk, milkshakes, ice cream, soups, or
instant-breakfast milk drinks.
-
If the child has swollen, tender lumps in the neck,
you may apply a moist, warm towel or wash cloth several
times a day for 30 to 60 minutes. Keep the compresses warm,
but be careful not to burn the child.
-
Family members who develop a sore throat or fever
should have a medical exam or throat
culture.
-
If the child is on antibiotics, wait 24 hours before
returning him or her to school or
daycare.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
The child has a high temperature or a fever that
lasts more than 48 hours.
-
The child has large, tender lumps in the
neck.
-
A rash develops.
-
The child coughs up green, yellow-brown, or bloody
sputum.
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
The child develops new symptoms such as vomiting,
earache, severe headache, stiff neck, chest pain, or
trouble breathing or swallowing.
-
The child develops more severe throat pain along with
drooling or voice changes.
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