Acute Tonsillitis in Children
Acute tonsillitis in children is a fairly common disorder that results from the tonsils become swollen and inflamed as the immune system works to fight off an infection of the tonsils. If the tonsillitis occurs frequently (develops into chronic tonsillitis), a pediatrician may recommend that the tonsils be surgically removed to eliminate the possibility of this painful disease from recurring.
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Throat Symptoms
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Acute tonsillitis in children causes the tonsils to become red and swollen, with white patches on the tonsils. It will also cause the throat to become sore and make swallowing difficult.
Other Symptoms
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Acute tonsillitis can also cause a headache, fever and abdominal pain in children, as well as cause them to lose their voice.
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Causes
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Tonsillitis is caused by the common low grade infection that is present in tonsils (because they work to catch infectious material from progressing down the digestive tract) becoming more severe.
Infectious Agents
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Most cases of acute tonsillitis are caused by viruses, although some bacteria (including streptococcus, which causes strep throat) can also cause tonsillitis.
Treatment
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For viral tonsillitis, the only treatment is waiting and the use of topical analgesics. In children in which strep throat is suspected, antibiotics may be prescribed.
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