Tonsillitis in children – How to treat that inconvenient lump
The tonsils are two balls of tissue positioned at the posterior end of the pharynx. They play a critical and significant role in the human body by fighting disease and infection-causing germs. The tonsils protest against germs even before they reach the mouth, sinuses, or throat. When these infection fighters are infected by bacteria or viruses, the condition is called tonsillitis.
The symptoms of tonsillitis are: with the passage of time, swallowing things, drinking and eating will become difficult. Fever, headache, and ear pain may occur along with the pain. The tonsils can be seen with the naked eye. When you open your mouth, there are two balls of tissue that can be seen on either side of your throat, called tonsils. They are usually a dark pink in color, but when infected they turn red. Sometimes a yellow or white coating can form on the tonsils. There is a visible change in sound as it gets lower. The infected child may also acquire bad breath. The affected child may also suffer from abdominal pain and may vomit everything they eat. Generally, tonsillitis is induced by both a viral infection and a bacterial infection. Bacteria called streptococci induce infections that require special handling.
While the child is contracting tonsillitis, his father must make him drink plenty of fluids. Liquid foods should be taken to relieve pain caused by eating rough, hard, and crunchy foods. Foods similar to soups, applesauce, ice cream, and jellies are an effective choice. Hot and spicy foods should be avoided. A cool mist vaporizer can be installed in the children’s room, as it can facilitate the breathing process. It is recommended that the child rest completely for a minimum of two days. Viruses and bacteria affect the spread of tonsillitis by touching, sneezing, or coughing. The child suffering from infection should cover his mouth when sneezing and coughing. Use a tissue instead of a handkerchief or towel. Things like clothes, utensils, towel, etc. from the infected child should be kept separate so that other family members are not affected.
The doctor checks the tonsils using a wooden stick called a tongue depressor, which lowers the tongue, allowing the doctor to get a clear view of the tonsils. Next, the doctor examines the nose and ears. Your heartbeat will also be checked. And in case the doctor suspects strep, he will take a saliva sample from the back of the throat with the help of a long cotton swab, which can choke the child a bit. After one or two days the results are obtained. Some doctors carry a test called a rapid strep test, which can get results in a couple of minutes. If the results are positive, antibiotics are administered. If the course is strictly followed by taking the correct dosage, the bacteria die.
If the infection is caused by a virus, then there is no specific treatment and, alternatively, the system is capable of opposing the virus itself. While the tonsil infection becomes severe and the child faces difficulty in breathing, it is suggested that the tonsils be removed. It is the last option that is chosen when other medical treatments do not help, since the tonsils play a fundamental role in the body’s immune system.
When the tonsils are removed by operation, it is called a tonsillectomy. After the operation, the child will no longer have shortness of breath or a sore throat. The operation will not even leave any kind of scars. One day before the surgery, the child cannot drink or eat, to prevent the child from vomiting while the operation is taking place. The surgical operation is really short and ends in twenty minutes. Due to the anesthesia, the child will not experience any pain during the surgery. The tonsils are removed using an electric cautery, which is a cutting or burning tool. After the operation, the child is given plenty of fluids and later soft foods can also be given. It usually takes about 2 weeks for a full recovery, and then the child can return to normal activities.