What are the Best Treatments for Tonsillitis in Children?

The best treatments for tonsillitis in children depend on its cause. Typically, antibiotics are the best treatments when the infection is bacterial. Viral infections of the tonsils will not respond to these drugs, and therefore antibiotics should be avoided in these cases. Typically, tonsillitis, or swollen tonsils, causes sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and sometimes excessive drooling. Typically, tonsillitis in children will cause fever, general malaise, and occasionally, earache.

Although antibiotics will quickly alleviate symptoms in the bacterial infection, treatment for viral tonsillitis may be more challenging. Viral tonsillitis in children will not respond to antibiotic therapy, so treatments such as increasing fluid intake, using a humidifier, and taking pain relievers are generally offered. Pain-relieving medication will help relieve sore throat pain, and help to reduce fever.

Generally, tonsillitis in children is common, and not a serious condition. If, however, the child experiences persistent fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, dehydration can rapidly occur. Administration of fluids is extremely important in children who have fevers because dehydration in the very young can be a medical emergency. Symptoms of dehydration include decreased urinary output, dry and sticky oral mucus membranes, and sunken eyes. If confusion or lethargy occur, immediate medical treatment is required.

When tonsillitis in children is recurrent, the pediatrician might recommend a tonsillectomy, or removal of the tonsils. Because chronically inflamed tonsils can trap, and be a breeding ground for bacteria, their removal often alleviates the cycle. Removal of the tonsils is typically a routine procedure that is performed in an outpatient clinical setting. Recovery is generally rapid, and the risks are minimal.

Frequently, chronic tonsillitis in children is a condition that most will outgrow, and is seen more frequently in those who have allergies. One of the typical telltale symptoms of tonsillitis in children is white spots or pus pockets that are often seen on the tonsils. This occurs because when the tonsils trap bacteria, purulent matter, such as pus, surfaces and cause the deposits.

When liquid antibiotics are administered, children will sometimes vomit them up. When this occurs, recovery is delayed and the pediatrician needs to be notified so that he can suggest an alternative method. Occasionally, if the child cannot tolerate his medication, the doctor will suggest an intramuscular antibiotic. Although the child may experience some discomfort and local irritation, the antibiotic will work rapidly and will be retained in the system to alleviate the infection and symptoms.