In shortMost tonsillitis is viral and settles with rest and fluids. A doctor must check the throat to see if antibiotics are needed, and surgery is only for selected children.
Your child comes home from school with a scratchy voice, refuses dinner and says, "It hurts when I swallow." A look at the throat shows two big, red tonsils. As an ENT specialist in HSR Layout, I see tonsillitis every week. Most cases settle on their own, but some need treatment, and a few need a longer-term plan. Let me explain the difference.
What are tonsils?
Tonsils are two small glands at the back of the throat, one on each side. They are part of the immune system and help catch germs that enter through the mouth. Sometimes the tonsils themselves get infected and swollen. That is tonsillitis.
Viral or bacterial?
Most sore throats and tonsillitis in children are caused by viruses and get better with rest and fluids. A smaller number are caused by bacteria, such as streptococcus ("strep"), and need antibiotics. You cannot tell by looking, so a doctor's examination matters. This is important because untreated strep throat can occasionally lead to complications such as rheumatic fever, which is still a concern in India.
What helps at home
- Plenty of fluids, including warm soups and water
- Soft, cool or lukewarm foods that are easy to swallow, and ice cream is allowed!
- Rest, and staying at home until the fever is gone
- Pain or fever relief as advised by your doctor
- Warm salt-water gargles for older children who can spit it out
If antibiotics are prescribed, finish the whole course, even if your child feels better after two days. Stopping early is how infections come back.
When should tonsils be removed?
Surgery to remove the tonsils, called tonsillectomy, is not needed for every child with tonsillitis. We consider it when infections are very frequent despite proper treatment, when large tonsils cause breathing trouble or loud snoring during sleep, or after complications such as a peritonsillar abscess. It is a decision made together with the family.
See a doctor urgently if
At home is fine
- Sore throat with a mild fever
- Child still drinking and playing
- Improving after 2 or 3 days
Come and see us
- Sore throat for more than 3 days
- White patches on the tonsils
- Repeated episodes through the year
- Snoring or pauses in breathing at night
Go to emergency
- Difficulty breathing or drooling
- Cannot open the mouth or swallow saliva
- Severe one-sided throat pain
- Stiff neck
See a doctor in HSR Layout, Bangalore
CARE Speciality Clinic offers ENT specialist in HSR Layout, Bengaluru with Dr. Rekha AR, open Monday to Saturday. Patients come from Agara, Koramangala, BTM Layout, Sarjapur Road, Bellandur and Haralur. Book online or call 96320 71178.
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Consultant ENT Specialist, MBBS, DLO. Sees patients Mon–Sat at CARE Speciality Clinic, HSR Layout.
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This article is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation.