Tonsillitis Treatment

Tonsillitis Treatment

Tonsillitis an infection of the tonsils, which can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Most children recover with rest at home, pain relief and plenty of fluids. Many children do not require treatment with antibiotics. Antibiotics don't treat viruses.

It is common for tonsils to get infected by viruses or bacteria (bacterial tonsillitis is sometimes called strep throat). Tonsillitis is common in children of all ages and often occurs when children have a cold, with a runny nose and a cough. In teenagers, glandular fever can cause severe tonsillitis.

Signs and symptoms of tonsillitis

If your child has tonsillitis, they may have some of the following symptoms:

  • A sore throat
  • difficulty swallowing
  • tender lymph nodes (glands under the jaw)
  • pain in their ears (usually referred pain, but the ears should be checked by your GP as there may also be a middle ear infection)
  • a fever
  • bad breath
  • loss of appetite
  • lethargy and generally being unwell.

Older children may also complain of headache or abdominal pain

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