Tonsillitis: Parent/Carer discharge information

Introduction

Your child has tonsillitis. This leaflet will provide you with information to care for your child at home until they recover.

If you have any questions or if there is anything you do not understand about this leaflet, please contact:
Children’s Assessment Unit on 02476 865 631
George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust switchboard number: 02476 351 351

What is Tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils at the back of your throat. It is a common childhood illness, but teenagers and adults can get it too. The tonsils are areas of tissue, on both sides of the throat, at the back of the mouth. Tonsils help to build immunity and fight infection. In many children the tonsils can frequently become infected with bacteria and viruses. The tonsils then swell and become painful. Tonsillitis can last for up to 4 days. Tonsillitis is not contagious, but most of the infections that cause it are for example colds and flu.

What are the signs and symptoms?

• Sore throat – a white covering of spots may also be seen on the back of the throat.
• Pain Swallowing
• A high temperature of 38C or above and their neck may look a little swollen.
• Coughing
• Headache
• Nausea (feeling sick)
• Earache
• Lethargy (feeling tired)

How is Tonsillitis Treated?

Many children do not need antibiotics for tonsillitis as it is mostly caused by a virus. However, if a child has signs of a bacterial infection, then the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. It is important that you encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids.

Regular pain relief such as paracetamol (Calpol) and/or ibuprofen (Nurofen) can help reduce pain and help bring down the temperature.

When to seek further medical advice

Seek advice from your GP if:

• the symptoms do not go away within 4 days or following a course of antibiotics.
• Tonsillitis becomes recurrent.

Seek advice from 111 / Urgent care if:

• Your child’s sore throat is so painful it's difficult to eat or drink.
• Your child is lethargic / floppy.
• Your child’s temperature remains high following paracetamol and/or ibuprofen.

George Eliot Hospital is a smoke free environment. For help and advice to stop smoking you can call the national helpline on 0300 123 1044 or visit https://fitterfutures.everyonehealth.co.uk/stop-smoking-service/ ​​​​​​. You can also call the local telephone number for the Warwickshire service on 0333 005 0092 or Coventry service on 0800 112 3780.

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