Collaborative Post¦ Tonsillitis is an extremely common infection that affects the tonsils, which are two lymph nodes located at each side at the back of the mouth, just above the throat. While it is more prevalent in children, tonsillitis can occur at any age. According to Anderson and Paterek (2023), tonsillitis accounts for as much as 1.3 percent of outpatient visits.
Bacteria make up a large portion of the remaining cases, with a 2006 study published in the Singapore Medical Journal pointing to Staphylococcus aureus as the most common cause of the condition in patients of all ages, and Streptococcus pyogenes specifically being the most common in children. Allergies and respiratory tract infections also come up as less-common, but still prevalent causes of tonsil inflammation.
Owing to the prevalence of tonsillitis-causing germs and irritants in the environment, most people will have at least one bout of tonsillitis in their lives that they know of. The condition can escape unnoticed and resolve itself before the patient knows what’s happened. While most cases are harmless, chronic tonsillitis can lead to multiple complications, such as difficulty swallowing or even abscess formations that lead to dangerous infections.
School-age children are particularly susceptible to tonsillitis because of their constant exposure to large groups of other children. If your child gets tonsillitis, it isn’t an immediate cause for concern. However, if the illness lasts longer than two weeks, happens several times a year, or is accompanied by a high fever and discomfort, it may be time to consult an ear, nose, and throat or ENT specialist Singapore childcare experts recommend.
Visit an ENT if any of the following apply:
1) Frequent Episodes of Tonsillitis
If your child has had multiple bouts of tonsillitis in the past year or has had an incidence lasting over two weeks, it could be a sign of chronic or acute tonsillitis. Definitions are a bit loose when defining how frequent is “too frequent,” but more or less five episodes in a year can already be a cause for concern.
2) Difficulty Swallowing or Breathing
When their tonsils become swollen, it can be difficult or even painful for your child to swallow food, liquids, or saliva. In especially severe cases, the swelling may obstruct the airways, leading to difficulty breathing. In these cases, immediate medical intervention is required.
3) Persistent Sore Throat
A sore throat that doesn’t improve or keeps recurring could indicate chronic tonsillitis. You can confirm this by checking your child’s mouth for evidence of inflammation. Regardless of what you find, if your child consistently complains of a sore throat, it’s worth getting an ENT to evaluate the cause.
4) Swollen Neck Lymph Nodes
Visibly swollen lymph nodes in the neck commonly accompany bouts of tonsillitis. If this swelling persists or is painful to the touch, medical intervention may be required.
5) Persistent Bad Breath
Swollen tonsils can harbour more bacteria, including the ones responsible for halitosis (bad breath). If your child’s breath doesn’t improve with regular brushing and oral hygiene, it could be an indicator of a chronic infection. An ENT specialist can confirm the specific causes and recommend evidence-based treatments.
6) White Patches on the Tonsils
If you notice white or yellow patches on your child’s tonsils, it could be a sign of a bacterial infection like strep throat. Viral infections are the most common cause of tonsillitis, but bacterial cases are generally more serious and may require antibiotics. A visit to an ENT can help determine the ultimate cause of the patches and the right treatment for your child’s ailment.
7) Ear Pain
Because of shared nerve pathways, tonsillitis can sometimes cause referred pain to the ears, even if there’s no ear infection present. If your child complains of earaches alongside a sore throat or swollen tonsils, consult an ENT to rule out any underlying issues.
8) High Fever
A high fever (above 38°C) that persists for more than two days or recurs frequently alongside the other mentioned symptoms can signal a severe infection. If your child’s temperature does not respond to over-the-counter medications, it’s time to seek professional advice.
9) Changes in Voice
Swollen tonsils also constrict airflow through the mouth and throat, potentially changing your child’s voice. Even when the other symptoms are absent, a persistent change in your child’s voice warrants further evaluation by an ENT.
10) Extreme Fatigue or Lethargy
While tiredness is common during any illness, extreme fatigue that interferes with daily activities could indicate a more severe infection, even if the swelling seems comparatively mild. Consult an ENT specialist to explore further options if your child doesn’t improve with over-the-counter-medications or home remedies.
When to Seek Help
Thankfully, the majority of tonsillitis cases can be managed with home remedies and OTC medications. Regardless, the severe symptoms described above should be a cause for concern. An ENT specialist in Singapore can provide a thorough assessment that accounts for local conditions and recommend treatments ranging from antibiotics to surgery.
It’s also worth remembering that tonsillitis doesn’t always come with pain, and some children may be hesitant to complain about an illness. This underlines just how important it is to be mindful of the subtle signs that something may be wrong. Catching cases of tonsillitis and other infections early should help prevent complications and improve your child’s quality of life, so learn what you can—and act when you feel that you have to.
Cover photo by cottonbro studio