Tonsils are two balls of tissues placed at the hind end of the pharynx. They play a critical and significant part in the human body by fighting against infection causing diseases and germs. Tonsils protest against the germs even before they reach the mouth, sinuses, or throat. When these infection combatants are infected by bacteria or viruses, the state is called tonsillitis.
The symptoms for tonsillitis are: with passage of time, swallowing things, drinking and eating will become difficult. Fever, headache and earache may occur along with the pain. The tonsils may be viewed by the naked eye. When you open the mouth, there are two tissue balls that can be seen on either side of the throat, called tonsils. They're generally a dark pink color, but on infection they become red. Sometimes, a yellow or white coating may form on the tonsils. A visible change in sound occurs as it becomes more severe. The infected kid may also acquire bad breath. The afflicted child may also suffer from abdominal pain and may vomit whatever he eats. Generally, Tonsillitis is induced by both viral infection and bacterial infection. Bacteria called streptococci induce infections which calls for special handling.
While the kid gets tonsillitis, its parent must make him drink plenty of fluids. Liquid food must be eaten to relieve the pain caused during consumption of rough, hard, and crunchy food. Food similar to soups, applesauce, ice creams and gelatin are an effective option. Hot and spicy food must be avoided. A chill mist vaporizer could be set up in the kids' room as it may make the breathing process easier. It is recommended that the kid takes absolute rest for a minimum of two days. The viruses and bacteria effect the spread of tonsillitis by touching, sneezing or coughing. The kid suffering from infection should cover his mouth when sneezing and coughing. Use a throwaway tissue paper in the place of a handkerchief or towel. Things such as clothing, utensils, towel etc. of the infected child must be kept apart so that the other family members do not get affected.
The physician checks the tonsils by making use of a wooden stick called tongue depressor, which lowers the tongue, enabling the physician to obtain a clear view of the tonsils. Next, the doctor tests the nose and ears. Heartbeat will also be checked. And in case the doctor suspects strep, he will acquire a sample of spit from the back of the throat with the help of a long swab of cotton, which may choke the kid a little. After one or two days the results are obtained. A few doctors carry a test called rapid streptococcal test, with which one can obtain results in a couple of minutes. If the results are positive, antibiotics are given. If the course is followed strictly by taking the right dosage, the bacteria are killed.
If the infection is caused by virus, then there is no specific treatment for it and alternatively the system is capable of opposing the virus by itself. While the infection of the tonsils gets severe and the kid faces breathing difficulty, it is suggested to have the tonsils removed. It is the final option which is chosen when other medical treatments do not help, because tonsils play a key role in the body's immune system.
When tonsils are removed by operation, it is called tonsillectomy. After the operation, the kid will not suffer from breathing difficulty and sore throat any longer. The operation will not even leave any kind of scars. A day prior to the surgery, the kid is not allowed to drink or eat, to keep the kid from vomiting while the operation is going on. The surgical operation is really short and finishes in twenty minutes. Due to the anesthesia, the kid will not experience any pain during the surgery. The tonsils are taken away using an electrical cauterant, which is a cutting or a burning tool. After the operation, the kid is given plenty of liquids and later on soft foods may also given. Generally it takes approximately 2 weeks for complete recovery and the child can then get back to his normal activities.
The symptoms for tonsillitis are: with passage of time, swallowing things, drinking and eating will become difficult. Fever, headache and earache may occur along with the pain. The tonsils may be viewed by the naked eye. When you open the mouth, there are two tissue balls that can be seen on either side of the throat, called tonsils. They're generally a dark pink color, but on infection they become red. Sometimes, a yellow or white coating may form on the tonsils. A visible change in sound occurs as it becomes more severe. The infected kid may also acquire bad breath. The afflicted child may also suffer from abdominal pain and may vomit whatever he eats. Generally, Tonsillitis is induced by both viral infection and bacterial infection. Bacteria called streptococci induce infections which calls for special handling.
While the kid gets tonsillitis, its parent must make him drink plenty of fluids. Liquid food must be eaten to relieve the pain caused during consumption of rough, hard, and crunchy food. Food similar to soups, applesauce, ice creams and gelatin are an effective option. Hot and spicy food must be avoided. A chill mist vaporizer could be set up in the kids' room as it may make the breathing process easier. It is recommended that the kid takes absolute rest for a minimum of two days. The viruses and bacteria effect the spread of tonsillitis by touching, sneezing or coughing. The kid suffering from infection should cover his mouth when sneezing and coughing. Use a throwaway tissue paper in the place of a handkerchief or towel. Things such as clothing, utensils, towel etc. of the infected child must be kept apart so that the other family members do not get affected.
The physician checks the tonsils by making use of a wooden stick called tongue depressor, which lowers the tongue, enabling the physician to obtain a clear view of the tonsils. Next, the doctor tests the nose and ears. Heartbeat will also be checked. And in case the doctor suspects strep, he will acquire a sample of spit from the back of the throat with the help of a long swab of cotton, which may choke the kid a little. After one or two days the results are obtained. A few doctors carry a test called rapid streptococcal test, with which one can obtain results in a couple of minutes. If the results are positive, antibiotics are given. If the course is followed strictly by taking the right dosage, the bacteria are killed.
If the infection is caused by virus, then there is no specific treatment for it and alternatively the system is capable of opposing the virus by itself. While the infection of the tonsils gets severe and the kid faces breathing difficulty, it is suggested to have the tonsils removed. It is the final option which is chosen when other medical treatments do not help, because tonsils play a key role in the body's immune system.
When tonsils are removed by operation, it is called tonsillectomy. After the operation, the kid will not suffer from breathing difficulty and sore throat any longer. The operation will not even leave any kind of scars. A day prior to the surgery, the kid is not allowed to drink or eat, to keep the kid from vomiting while the operation is going on. The surgical operation is really short and finishes in twenty minutes. Due to the anesthesia, the kid will not experience any pain during the surgery. The tonsils are taken away using an electrical cauterant, which is a cutting or a burning tool. After the operation, the kid is given plenty of liquids and later on soft foods may also given. Generally it takes approximately 2 weeks for complete recovery and the child can then get back to his normal activities.
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