Tonsillitis

How Is Tonsillitis Treated?

Rest and good fluid intake are the best treatment. If bacteria are the cause, the health care provider will prescribe antibiotics. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used for pain and fever. Gargling with a saltwater solution or other soothing liquid may help pain and irritation. A cool mist vaporizer may also help the cough and irritation.

For some children, the health care provider may suggest removing the tonsils (tonsillectomy). This surgery is usually done for frequent or long-lasting tonsillitis that causes breathing problems.

DOs and DON’Ts in Managing Tonsillitis:

• DO make sure that your child drinks plenty of fluids, especially warm liquids.
• DO have your child gargle with warm saltwater.
• DO give your child over-the-counter pills or liquids, such as acetaminophen, for pain and fever.
• DO make sure that your child takes all the antibiotics.
• DO practice good hygiene to avoid spreading the infection to other family members. Don’t let your child eat or drink from the same utensils as other family members.
• DO let your child increase activity slowly after fever has been gone for 2 to 3 days.
• DO call your health care provider if your child has severe swelling of the tonsils and has trouble breathing.
• DO call your health care provider if your child’s fever is gone for a few days and suddenly returns.
• DO call your health care provider if your child gets new symptoms, such as a rash, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, shortness of breath, or cough with thick or discolored sputum.

• DON’T give aspirin to children younger than 16. They can get a serious illness called Reye’s syndrome.
• DON’T smoke or let people smoke around your child. Smoking can worsen the infection and delay recovery.
• DON’T let your child stop taking antibiotics until they’re all gone.