Paediatric Tonsillitis

What is tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is a common condition in children and younger adults. Tonsils are the first line of immune defence in the head & neck. They contain lymphatic tissue which intercepts inhaled pathogens. Tonsils become inflamed and painful when fighting infections. Tonsils can become prone to recurrent infection resulting in frequent episodes of tonsillitis. This may be of great distress to the patient and cause interference with school attendance.  Both viruses and bacteria can cause tonsillitis.

What are the symptoms of tonsillitis?

Sore throat, painful swallowing, voice change and fever. Occasionally infection in the tonsil can spread into the neck tissue (peritonsillar abscess/quinsy) causing ear pain, locked jaw and drooling.

How do you treat tonsillitis?

Supportive measures are often the first line of treatment for tonsillitis. If the cause of the tonsillitis is bacterial, then there is a role for antibiotics. If patients develop recurrent tonsillitis (multiple episodes of tonsillitis per year or in consecutive years) then removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) is an option.