Question
What is pediatric tonsillitis?
Answer
Tonsillitis typically refers to the inflammation of the palatine tonsils, which is one of the common respiratory tract infections in children. The palatine tonsils are located on either side at the back of the mouth and are part of the throat, serving as a frontline of the immune system. When children are infected with viruses or bacteria, their palatine tonsils may become inflamed, leading to symptoms such as swelling, pain, and fever. The treatment for tonsillitis usually involves using antibiotics to eliminate bacterial infections and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to alleviate pain and reduce fever. In some cases, cough suppressants, throat lozenges, or intravenous fluid replacement may be needed to help relieve symptoms. For viral tonsillitis, treatment is primarily symptomatic to relieve discomfort. Moreover, some children may suffer from recurrent episodes of tonsillitis, which can affect their quality of life and learning abilities. In such cases, doctors may recommend tonsillectomy to remove the source of infection. However, this surgery is typically a last resort and is considered only when other treatment methods fail or the condition is severe.