Kenwood Office 8250 Kenwood Crossing Way Cincinnati, OH 45236 (513) 948-8444 |
West Chester Office 7777 University Drive, Suite D West Chester, OH 45069 (513) 948-8444 |
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The tonsils are lymph nodes located at the back of the throat which help prevent infection in the body. However, the tonsils can become infected, causing a condition known as tonsillitis. This uncomfortable illness can cause a variety of symptoms and cause your child to feel poorly. Luckily, your doctor can help your child overcome tonsillitis and spot its symptoms early to get them back on their feet as soon as possible. Find out more about tonsillitis and it’s symptoms with Dr. Camille Graham at Mid-City Pediatrics with locations in Cincinnati and West Chester, OH.
What causes tonsillitis?
Inflammation of the tonsils, which are oval-shaped areas of tissue located at the back of the throat, results in tonsillitis. This condition causes throat pain, swollen tonsils and/or lymph nodes, and difficulty swallowing. Tonsillitis can be bacterial or viral, but tends to lean toward viral in nature.
Does my child have tonsillitis?
Some common signs and symptoms of tonsillitis in children include:
When should my child see their doctor for tonsillitis?
Since tonsillitis could be viral or bacterial, it is important to see a doctor if you suspect that your child may suffer from this condition. If your child has difficulty breathing, extreme drooling, or serious difficulty swallowing, you should take them to the emergency room for immediate care. However, if your child has a sore throat that does not go away after a day or so, unusual weakness or fatigue, and painful swallowing, you should schedule them an appointment with your child's doctor.
Tonsillitis Treatments in Cincinnati and West Chester, OH
Treating tonsillitis depends on what caused it. At-home treatments like rest, fluids, humidified air, over-the-counter medication, and comfort foods can do wonders to help a sick child. However, your pediatrician will prescribe antibiotics for a bacterial case of tonsillitis. If tonsillitis becomes a recurring problem, your child’s doctor may suggest surgery to remove the tonsils altogether.
For more information on tonsillitis or its treatments, please contact Dr. Graham at Mid-City Pediatrics with locations in Cincinnati and West Chester, OH. Call (513) 948-8444 to schedule your child’s appointment at either Ohio location today!
Tonsils are flaps of tissue in the back of the throat on either side of the airway. Their purpose is to aid the immune system and protect the body from infections that could enter through the mouth. But sometimes these tissues become infected, a condition known as tonsillitis. With tonsillitis, the tonsils become swollen, red, and develop a whitish coating.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If your child develops tonsillitis, your child's pediatrician will start by determining whether the infection was caused the group A streptococcus bacteria or by a virus. If it's a bacterial infection, the pediatrician may prescribe antibiotics to clear it. If the infection is viral, the body will clear the infection on its own in time. Your doctor will perform a strep test in order to help determine the cause and the proper course of treatment.
Home Care
Regardless of the cause of the infection, your child will need compassionate care during this time. Tonsillitis can be very painful, so they may have difficulty swallowing and chewing. You should serve soft, smooth foods such as ice cream, soups, and smoothies. Your child should get plenty of rest and stay hydrated to aid the body's immune system response.
Be sure to check your child's temperature often as tonsillitis is usually accompanied by a fever. A worsening fever could mean you need to return to your child's doctor. To comfort the child, use an over-the-counter pain reliever designed for children such as Children's Motrin or Children's Tylenol. Use as directed by your doctor.
Prevention
Whether from a bacterial infection or a virus, tonsillitis is highly contagious. It can spread easily through sharing a drinking glass or utensils. Remember to always wash your hands after contact with the infected child.
Some children are more prone to tonsillitis and may develop several infections per year. If this is the case, your child's pediatrician may recommend a tonsillectomy, which is a surgery to remove the tonsils.
If you suspect that your child may have tonsillitis, contact your doctor immediately. Mid-City Pediatrics, with offices in Cincinnati and West Chester, OH offer full service, patient-centered care to children suffering a variety of childhood illnesses. The earlier you can see your child's doctor, the sooner your child can be on the road to a full recovery.
Kenwood Office
(513) 948-8444
West Chester Office
(513) 948-8444
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1-855-938-0563
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