What Should I Do If My Child Has Tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is a common condition in children, often occurring alongside colds and upper respiratory infections. While most cases are mild and resolve on their own, repeated or severe infections can impact a child’s health, school attendance, and overall well-being. Understanding how to manage tonsillitis at home and when to seek medical help can ensure your child gets the right care.

Recognising tonsillitis in children

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils, which are part of the body’s immune system. It is usually caused by viral or bacterial infections. Common symptoms of tonsillitis include:

  • Sore throat and difficulty swallowing
  • Swollen, red tonsils (sometimes with white patches)
  • Fever and chills
  • Bad breath
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
  • Fatigue and irritability

Most cases are viral, meaning they clear up on their own, but bacterial tonsillitis (such as strep throat) may require antibiotics.

How to manage tonsillitis at home

If your child has mild to moderate tonsillitis, there are several ways to help ease discomfort and support their recovery:

Encourage rest and hydration

  • Ensure your child gets plenty of rest to help their body fight the infection.
  • Keep them well-hydrated with water, warm teas, and broths to soothe their throat.

Offer soft and soothing foods

  • Avoid hard, spicy, or acidic foods that may irritate the throat.
  • Serve soft foods like soup, yoghurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies.

Use pain relief and fever control

  • Paracetamol or ibuprofen REGULARLY can help reduce pain and fever (always follow dosage instructions for children).
  • Lozenges or throat sprays suitable for children may also provide relief.

Gargling with warm salt water (for older children)

  • A saltwater gargle can help soothe a sore throat and reduce inflammation.
  • This is only recommended for older children who can gargle without swallowing the water.

Keep the air moist

  • Using a humidifier can prevent the throat from becoming too dry, easing discomfort.
  • If you don’t have a humidifier, sitting in a steamy bathroom can also help.

When should you seek medical attention?

While most cases of tonsillitis improve within a week, you should consult a doctor if your child experiences:

  • Severe pain or difficulty swallowing
  • Persistent high fever
  • Difficulty breathing due to swollen tonsils
  • Frequent episodes of tonsillitis (several times a year)
  • White or pus-filled spots on the tonsils that do not improve

If your child is frequently unwell with tonsillitis, missing school regularly, or requiring hospital visits, an ENT specialist may recommend a tonsillectomy—a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils. This decision is made carefully, weighing the benefits and potential risks of surgery.

Tonsillitis is common in children, and in most cases, it can be managed at home with rest, fluids, and pain relief. However, if your child experiences frequent or severe infections, it’s important to consult a specialist to explore long-term solutions. Mr Wale Olarinde, an expert ENT specialist, can assess your child’s condition and provide guidance on whether a tonsillectomy is necessary for improved health and well-being.