Is your child suffering from tonsillitis? Dr. Sherahsan Niazi and Dr. Mark Brinkman at Joliet Pediatrics in Joliet, IL, are dedicated to ensuring a proper diagnosis and the best treatment options for their relief.

Guide To Tonsillitis

The tonsils are located on each side of the back of your throat. These lumps of tissue are a part of your immune system, as their purpose is to catch germs trying to enter your body. This is a vital job for something so small and so often overlooked.

Unfortunately, the tonsils can become infected and swollen, making it painful to swallow. At this point, they are difficult to overlook. In addition to difficulty swallowing, you’ll also notice symptoms in your child such as:

• Visibly swollen or red tonsils
• White spots on the tonsils
• A fever, usually rising above 100.4 degrees F
• Complaints of a scratchy or sore throat
• Headache
• Stiffness in the neck
• Chills
• Lack of appetite
• Swollen glands on the side of the neck—these are the lymph nodes

Younger children also often vomit or complain of a stomachache or earache.

What Causes Infections In the Tonsils?

Any type of illness or bacteria can infect the tonsils as they try to protect your body. Some of the most common include the common cold and strep throat.

Children tend to develop tonsil infections more than adults, typically because they are exposed to more germs in school and daycare. They usually pick up viruses and bacteria that impact the tonsils by playing with other children who are sick, playing with toys a sick child touches and then touching their noses or mouths, sharing drinks, and breathing in when a sick child coughs or sneezes.

Diagnosing Tonsillitis

Tonsil infections can normally be diagnosed through a simple exam and bacteria culture test. Dr. Niazi and Dr. Brinkman at Joliet Pediatrics in Joliet, IL, will look at your child’s throat for signs of swelling and redness, check the lymph nodes on the sides of the neck for swelling, and check the nose and ears. They’ll also ask about the symptoms you’re child is experiencing. If a tonsil infection seems likely, they’ll use a cotton swab to test for and examine the infection.

After a diagnosis is confirmed, medication such as antibiotics can be prescribed, and comfort measures can be recommended. If your child suffers from chronic tonsil infections, surgery to remove the tonsils might be discussed.

Let Dr. Niazi and Dr. Brinkman at Joliet Pediatrics in Joliet, IL, help you provide your child with relief from tonsillitis by calling (815) 741-8888 to schedule an appointment today.