TONSILLITIS TREATMENT

Pediatric tonsil infections, or tonsillitis, can be developed by anyone. However, it is especially common in children ages 5 – 15. Tonsillitis occurs when the two lymph nodes at the back of the throat become inflamed from bacterial or viral infection. Symptoms can be painful and uncomfortable, but there are treatments for pediatric tonsil infections. At NJ ENT, our team of experienced Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists are committed to providing informative and personalized care for children dealing with tonsillitis.

Tonsillitis Causes

As we already mentioned, pediatric tonsil infections are caused by bacterial or viral infections. Children are more prone to these infections due to their age, because their immune system is not yet fully developed. Children are also susceptible to tonsillitis because of their environments. Illnesses often travel fast during school, especially with younger children, so it is no surprise that bacterial and viral infections are more common for that age group. The close exposure to so many people will encourage the spread of illness. Ensuring your child knows and practices good hygiene can help prevent bacterial, viral, and tonsil infections.

It’s important to know the signs of tonsillitis so that you can support your child in the best way possible. It can help diagnose and treat your child appropriately. Here are the main symptoms of tonsillitis:

• Sore throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Red and swollen tonsils
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Bad breath
• Fever
• Abdominal pain

Tonsillitis Treatments

There are multiple treatment options depending on the intensity of the infection and what would work best for the child. Here are the main treatment plans:

• Antibiotics: usually penicillin or amoxicillin
• Steroid Medication: used especially with severe swelling of the tonsils
• Tonsil Surgery: also called a tonsillectomy, if the child experiences frequent or severe tonsillitis, they may suggest surgically removing the tonsils

These next options are to be used in conjunction with what your child’s doctor suggests. However, they will help your child manage the pain of tonsillitis. Over-the-counter pain relief medications, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can help you child manage sore throats and abdominal pain. It can also help reduce fevers. Gargling warm salt water will also help soothe a sore throat and will help reduce inflammation of the tonsils. Finally, plenty of fluids and rest are great ways to make sure your child feels better as quickly as possible.

How We Can Help

The NJ ENT team has performed thousands of procedures and has the experience to provide you with exceptional care. We use the latest technology and techniques to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome. Our doctors are experts in their field specializing in ear, nose and throat disorders and the related procedures and surgeries.

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