Introduction to tonsillitis:

If you look into your child’s throat, you might see what look like small, dimpled, pink golf balls on either side of the throat. These are the tonsils.

The tonsils are the visible part of the immune system’s ring of protection that surrounds the back of the throat. This immune tissue stands guard to protect your child’s lungs and intestines from foreign invaders. The adenoids, the other famous part of this ring, are hidden out of site above.

Tonsils are normally large during childhood, but they can cause trouble when they become infected or grow too large.

What is tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is the name given to swollen, red, and tender tonsils. This is usually caused by an infection of the tonsils. The most common causes of tonsillitis are viral infections. Many of the viruses are the same as those that cause the common cold.

Coxsackievirus can cause painful tonsillitis with a high fever and decreased appetite, sometimes with a rash as well. Mononucleosis can also cause severe tonsillitis.

Bacterial infections are important causes of tonsillitis, even though they are less common. Streptococcus is the most common type of bacteria involved.

Tonsillitis overlaps with strep throat and other sore throats. When a child has a sore throat, either the tonsils may be red and swollen, or other parts of the throat may be red and swollen – or both.

Who gets tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is not common before the first birthday. It tends to peak in the years surrounding kindergarten, but can occur throughout childhood and even in adult life.

What are the symptoms of tonsillitis?

Generally, children with tonsillitis have a sore throat and pain with swallowing. Babies and toddlers may simply refuse to eat or drink because of the throat pain. There may also be some difficulty with swallowing or breathing. You might notice snoring or mouth breathing, accompanied by a dry mouth and mouth odor. Sleep disturbances sometimes result in bed-wetting (enuresis). Decreased appetite, fatigue, and swollen glands in the neck are also common.

The specific symptoms of tonsillitis will depend largely on the underlying cause. Tonsillitis caused by an upper respiratory virus, for instance, may start gradually and be accompanied by nasal congestion. On the other hand, tonsillitis caused by strep might start suddenly with a high fever.

Is tonsillitis contagious?

Most forms of tonsillitis are contagious and are spread by droplet transmission.

How long does tonsillitis last?

The length of tonsillitis depends largely on the underlying cause.