Tonsillitis in Children: Symptoms, Signs, and Forms of the Disease

Just yesterday the child was running around the apartment, and in the morning he refuses breakfast and says his throat hurts. A familiar picture for many parents. Tonsillitis, or acute tonsillitis, is inflammation of the palatine tonsils, and it is a common childhood disease, although adolescents and adults also get it.

What tonsillitis is and why children get it

The tonsils are clusters of tissue deep in the throat, one on each side. They trap microbes that enter through the mouth and nose. When this defense becomes inflamed, tonsillitis develops. The cause is more often a virus, for example with a cold or flu, less often a bacterium, including streptococcus. Tonsillitis is most common in children over two years of age, and the bacterial form is more often found at the age of 5–15 years. The viral form is more often found in younger children. Tonsillitis itself is not contagious, but the viruses and bacteria that cause it are contagious.

Main symptoms of tonsillitis in a child

The illness may feel like a severe cold. The tonsils become red and swollen. Parents notice in the child a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, high temperature, cough, headache, nausea and vomiting, ear pain, fatigue. Sometimes painful enlarged glands appear on the neck, purulent spots or white coatings on the tonsils, and bad breath. Symptoms usually resolve after 3–4 days, but may last longer.

Purulent tonsillitis in children: how it differs

In a more severe course, purulent spots or white patches are visible on the tonsils, and enlarged and painful lymph nodes are palpable on the neck. Doctors distinguish catarrhal, lacunar, follicular, and membranous forms of tonsillitis. The catarrhal form begins acutely: first burning, dryness, and scratchiness in the throat appear, then mild pain when swallowing, and the temperature is usually subfebrile. This picture requires a doctor's examination: he will assess the throat and, if necessary, take a throat swab to understand whether a bacterium is responsible. The test helps distinguish a viral cause from a bacterial one.

Tonsillitis with cough and vomiting: what it means

Cough, nausea, and vomiting are among the possible symptoms of tonsillitis. But the same signs also occur in other conditions, so the doctor evaluates them by examining the throat and taking a history.

When to see a doctor

You should see a doctor if the child's sore throat lasts more than two days, swallowing is painful or difficult, the child looks very ill or very weak, and the symptoms do not go away within a week or throat infections recur. The doctor will examine the throat and neck and, if necessary, prescribe a swab or blood test.

• sore throat for more than two days
• pain or difficulty swallowing
• marked weakness and poor general condition
• symptoms do not go away within a week
• frequent recurrent throat infections

Tonsillitis itself is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103 or 112 — if the child has difficulty breathing, the child begins to drool profusely, swallowing becomes very difficult, swelling appears inside the mouth and throat, it is difficult to speak or open the mouth, and severe sore throat rapidly worsens.

This material is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation: if in doubt, it is better to show the child to a specialist.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer