Tonsillitis

The tonsils are two masses of lymphoid tissue located in the back of the throat. They collect bacteria and viruses that cause upper respiratory tract infections and help produce proteins that help the body fight infections. Although the tonsils have a role in helping treat infection, they can also become part of the infection. When this happens, it is known as tonsillitis. When a child has reoccurring tonsillitis, removing the tonsils can improve a child’s health. Removing the tonsils does not increase infections or a loss of immune function since there are hundreds of other lymph nodes in the head and neck that perform the same function.

Signs and Symptoms

• A sore and inflamed throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Earache
• Enlarged and tender glands in the neck
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headache
• Poor weight gain
• Refusing to eat

When to See a Specialist

A pediatric ear, nose and throat specialist will help to determine whether a surgical procedure may be helpful for your child. You should see a specialist about tonsillitis if:

• Your child has chronic tonsillitis or frequent infections
• An abscess or collection of pus develops around the tonsils and needs to be drained
• If enlargement of only one tonsil occurs (this may be suggestive of a malignancy and needs to be removed for biopsy)

Meet Our Pediatric Tonsillitis Specialists