Tonsillitis is when the tonsils become infected and swollen. The tonsils, those fleshy lumps at the back of the throat on each side of your mouth, help babies build up immunity to germs, however after the child's first year of life they become unnecessary.
If you think your child has tonsillitis here are the things you should do:
If you think your child has tonsillitis here are the things you should do:
- Bring your child to the doctor. Although most cases of tonsillitis are caused by a virus and cannot be treated with antibiotics, it is important that the child with a sore throat visit the doctor. Why? To make sure that if the tonsillitis is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus, he gets treated properly. Untreated tonsillitis caused by this germ can lead to serious complications such as rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart disease or inflammation of the kidneys.
- Rest. Both children and adults with tonsillitis need rest to recover.
- Relieve pain and fever. Tonsillitis is one of the infections that cause intense pain and very high fever. Giving over the counter painkillers or anti fever medications, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, can help make your child comfortable.
- Fluid up. A child with tonsillitis needs to drink lots of fluids, even if drinking hurts. Do not worry if your child has not eaten much a few days, as long as he is drinking. Offer cold drinks or ice cubes to suck on. Jelly and ice cream may be given, contrary to popular belief too avoid sweet treats. Children should be brought to the doctor if they have not managed to drink anything for about 15 hours.
- Gargle. A gargle every few hours with warm salt water (one level tablespoon salt to one cup water) can relieve sore throat, remove secretions and promote healing.
- Consider surgery. Some people who have frequent bouts of tonsillitis will require an operation to remove the tonsils. Ask your doctor if he thinks that a tonsillectomy is in order.
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