Symptoms

  • Swollen tonsils
  • Persistent sore throat
  • Difficult or painful swallowing
  • Tender lymph nodes
  • Bad breath

Quick Fact 

Your tonsils are your body’s first line of defense against bacteria and viruses that enter through the mouth. This is why they are susceptible to inflammation.

Doctor checking on a patient

How is Tonsillitis Diagnosed?

Tonsillitis can be diagnosed during a routine examination with your child’s ear, nose and throat doctor. During that appointment, the physician will:

  • Feel the neck to look for swollen glands
  • View the throat, ears and nose with a lighted instrument
  • Listen to your child’s breathing with a stethoscope
  • Perform a throat swab to check for streptococcal bacteria

Fighting Tonsillitis with Antibiotics

Many cases of tonsillitis don’t require antibiotics because they are caused by a virus. However, if your child’s tonsillitis is the result of a bacterial infection, antibiotics, such as penicillin, may be prescribed.

Background media

Tonsillitis FAQs

How is Tonsillitis Treated?

If your child is diagnosed with tonsillitis, your doctor will recommend at-home care. While the infection runs its course, your child should:

  • Gargle often with warm salt water
  • Hydrate with fluids, such as tea, soup and juice
  • Get plenty of rest
  • Use throat lozenges
  • Use a humidifier in the bedroom

If your child is in pain or running a fever, you may administer over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

Should Your Child Have Their Tonsils Removed?

Your SFENTA™ doctor may recommend a tonsillectomy if your child suffers from recurring and frequent tonsillitis episodes, or if the condition is associated with serious complications, such as breathing challenges, swallowing difficulties and sleep apnea.

With 37 convenient locations across the South Florida area, we’re never far away.

Find your ENT Request Appointment
Contact us media
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (305) 558-3724.