![\"\"](\"https:\/\/entlv.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Ped-Tonsil-Infection-768x512.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tonsil infections are a common childhood malady, bringing\npain and discomfort to many children between the ages of five and 15. The\nresult of inflamed tonsils, the condition \u2013 known as tonsillitis \u2013 is most\noften caused by a viral or bacterial infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The tonsils are a pair of oval-shaped tissues in the back of\nthe throat. They protect the body from infection by trapping bacteria and\ngerms, preventing them from entering the airways. In addition, they produce\nantibodies to fight infection. As the immune system\u2019s first line of defense,\nthe tonsils come into frequent contact with germs, making them prone to\ninfection themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Viruses and bacteria, especially the Streptococcus bacterium\n(responsible for strep throat), are the most common causes of tonsillitis.\nOther causes include adenoviruses, influenza, Epstein-Barr virus,\nenteroviruses, and herpes simplex virus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Are the Symptoms of Tonsil Infections?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sore throat and swollen, inflamed tonsils that may appear\nred with a white or yellow coating are the most recognizable symptoms of tonsil\ninfection. Other signs include blisters on the throat, swollen glands in the\nneck or jaw, difficulty swallowing, fever, headache, chills, fatigue, ear pain,\nand bad breath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Diagnosing a tonsil infection requires a physical\nexamination and an in-depth exam of the throat and ears with an otoscope. Your\nchild is likely to be given a throat swab to test for the presence of strep, as\nwell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your child is experiencing recurrent or persistent\nepisodes of tonsillitis, surgery may be needed to remove the tonsils. This\nprocedure is called a tonsillectomy. This outpatient produce may use lasers,\nradio waves, ultrasonic energy or a traditional scalpel to remove the tonsils.\nA tonsillectomy takes only 30 to 45 minutes to complete. Throat, ear, jaw and\nneck pain are all common side effects of the surgery. Pain medication may be\nprescribed to treat these ailments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For those not experiencing chronic episodes on tonsillitis\nthat do not respond to other forms of medical treatment, home remedies are\nrecommended. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your child should get plenty of rest and stay hydrated with\nfluids. Warm broth or tea, and cold Popsicles, are particularly effective at\nsoothing pain and discomfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pain and fever can be controlled with over-the-counter\nmedications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen (but avoid aspirin, which can be\nharmful in children). Throat lozenges or cough drops can be given to children\nover the age of four.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When a tonsil infection is the result of strep throat or\nanother bacterial infection, your child\u2019s doctor will prescribe antibiotics. Be\nsure to take the full course of treatment to prevent symptoms from recurring.<\/p>\n\n\n