Inflammation Of The Tonsils In Children

Inflammation of the tonsils in children

Inflammation of the tonsils (tonsils) in childhood are very often accompanying symptoms of infections of the upper respiratory tract or other infectious diseases such as scarlet fever. But they can also occur as a localized disease. When one speaks of tonsillitis, the acute form is usually meant. The tonsils (tonsils), two small bumps at the transition from the mouth to the throat, which are part of the body's immune system, are inflamed…

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It is transmitted through droplet infection (sneezing, coughing, speaking). In most cases, the pathogen is viruses, less often bacteria (especially group A streptococci). Fungi are also possible pathogens. How long tonsillitis remains infectious depends primarily on the pathogen and the treatment.

Acute inflammation

Acute tonsillitis primarily affects school-age children, and less often toddlers and adults. The most common way of transmission of this disease is droplet infection. In the winter months and spring it occurs more often than in the other seasons.

• Catarrhal angina (tonsillitis catarrhalis): It is associated with reddening and swelling of the tonsils and is usually combined with an inflammation of the throat. Viruses are the most common pathogen. The younger the child is, the less often they complain of a sore throat and difficulty swallowing. A patchy, intense reddening of the soft palate indicates a streptococcal angina.
• Purulent angina: It usually begins with a preliminary catarrhal stage, but it can be very brief. The reddened and swollen tonsils are covered with purulent streaks or plugs or larger coatings at the height of the disease. At the same time, the angular lymph nodes of the jaw swell with a high fever. Vomiting and abdominal pain and a clearly impaired general condition are not uncommon. A typical symptom is bad breath. Sometimes the way of speaking sounds slurred.

diagnosis

First, the doctor takes a close look at the almonds, the appearance of the almonds and the color and size of the topping. These provide clues as to what type of angina it is and what treatment is indicated. This also depends on the causative agent, which can be identified using laboratory diagnostic methods.

In the case of purulent angina, the more common Pfeiffer glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis) should always be considered. Throat diphtheria, on the other hand, is very rare today. There are also a number of other, mainly infectious diseases with forms of angina.

therapy

In spite of the pain in swallowing, care should be taken to ensure sufficient fluid intake. Bed rest, analgesic and antibacterial lozenges and mouthwashes are recommended. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs (juice, tablets or suppositories) are also used.

Any purulent angina should be treated with antibiotics (penicillin or cephalosporin). With this therapy, it usually heals in a few days without complications. Neck wraps or mouthwashes for older children can also be helpful. Possible sequelae of untreated tonsillitis are kidney inflammation, rheumatic fever, blood poisoning and a peritonsillar abscess. This manifests itself as severe swallowing difficulties, jaw clamps, salivation and bulging of the soft palate.

Recurrent inflammation

Recurrent tonsillitis usually lead to an enlargement of the tonsils. This enlargement indicates that you are constantly dealing with pathogens and can be important for defense against infection. The decision to have the tonsils removed by surgery (tonsillectomy) must therefore be made with the greatest of caution, not least because up to three weeks - in extreme cases dangerous - secondary bleeding can occur.

Whom can I ask?

In the event of inflammation of the tonsils, a doctor specializing in general medicine, a doctor specializing in paediatrics and adolescent medicine or an ENT doctor should be consulted.