What should I do if my baby has tonsillitis? What are the symptoms?

Babies can easily get tonsillitis due to a cold. The most obvious symptom is pain when swallowing and not wanting to eat. Usually, antibiotics can cure it. With more rest and drinking more water, the child will recover quickly. So what should I do if my baby has tonsillitis? What are the symptoms?

Causes of Tonsillitis in Babies

Group A Streptococcus: Group A Streptococcus is a very common bacteria that infects 1 in 5 people's throats. It can be spread even when the person has no symptoms. Streptococcus can cause strep throat and serious illness.

Respiratory viruses: Most cases of tonsillitis in young children are caused by colds and flu. Sometimes viral infections are milder than bacterial infections, but they can still affect a child's tonsils.

Infectious mononucleosis: Infectious mononucleosis, a childhood illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, can also cause inflammation of the tonsils in young children.

Tonsillitis symptoms in babies

Symptoms of inflammation: When a child's tonsils are inflamed, they usually have sore throat, pain when swallowing, headache, fever, vomiting, refusal to eat, ear pain, and feeling sick.

Treatment with medication: If the tonsils are infected by bacteria, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics. These antibiotics can reduce the fever and pain caused by tonsillitis in your baby.

Offer soft foods: Offer your child some soft foods, such as pudding, bananas, ice cream, because they help soothe the baby's throat. Avoid rough, hard foods. Encourage fluid intake, which can prevent dehydration in young children.

Let your baby rest more: When your baby has a fever due to tonsillitis, getting enough rest can help him recover quickly. Rest can also reduce body temperature and fatigue.

Use surgical treatment: If your child often has tonsillitis, such as 5 to 7 times a year, the doctor may recommend surgery to remove the baby's tonsils to avoid frequent inflammation.

How to prevent tonsillitis in babies

Wash your hands frequently when your baby has tonsillitis. Our hands are easily contaminated with bacteria and viruses, and the viruses are ingested when eating. Therefore, let your baby wash his hands frequently and use hand sanitizer.

Stay away from sick people. Baby's tonsils are inflamed. If there are people with colds or flu around you, keep your baby away from them as much as possible. If you have contact with them, have your baby wear a mask and wash hands immediately after contact.

Everyone should wash their hands. When a baby has tonsillitis, it is not only necessary to wash the child's hands, but also the hands of other family members. Sometimes the germs brought home by adults from outside are the culprit for infecting the baby.