Question
A 13-year-old boy, in elementary school, initially complained of pain when swallowing water. He also had a slight cough and seemed to have a low-grade fever that never went away. How should a child with tonsillitis and red, swollen tonsils be treated for optimal effectiveness?
Answer
Antibiotic medications are commonly used for treating tonsillitis and can be chosen appropriately. In addition to systemic medication, regional treatment can also be considered, such as tonsil crypt irrigation or intratonsillar drug injection. If the throat pain is severe, some painkillers can be administered. For those with a low-grade fever, physical cooling (temperature reduction) can be applied. If the body temperature exceeds 38.5°, medical attention should be sought promptly. If the child frequently experiences this condition, surgical treatment can be considered after the disease is controlled to prevent recurrence. During the treatment period, it is important to ensure the child gets adequate nutrition, with a diet mainly consisting of light and easy-to-digest foods. Additionally, rest should be prioritized to avoid fatigue.