With this simple test, the doctor rubs a sterile swab over the back of your child's throat to get a sample of secretions. The sample will be checked in the clinic or in a lab for streptococcal bacteria. Show
Many clinics are equipped with a lab that can get a test result within a few minutes. However, a second more reliable test is usually sent out to a lab that can often return results within several hours or a couple of days. If the rapid in-clinic test comes back positive, then your child almost certainly has a bacterial infection. If the test comes back negative, then your child likely has a viral infection. Your doctor will wait, however, for the more reliable out-of-clinic lab test to determine the cause of the infection. Complete blood cell count (CBC)Your doctor may order a CBC with a small sample of your child's blood. The result of this test, which can often be completed in a clinic, produces a count of the different types of blood cells. The profile of what's elevated, what's normal or what's below normal can indicate whether an infection is more likely caused by a bacterial or viral agent. A CBC is not often needed to diagnose strep throat. However, if the strep throat lab test is negative, the CBC may be needed to help determine the cause of tonsillitis. More Information
TreatmentAt-home careWhether tonsillitis is caused by a viral or bacterial infection, at-home care strategies can make your child more comfortable and promote better recovery. If a virus is the expected cause of tonsillitis, these strategies are the only treatment. Your doctor won't prescribe antibiotics. Your child will likely be better within seven to 10 days. At-home care strategies to use during the recovery time include the following:
AntibioticsIf tonsillitis is caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics. Penicillin taken by mouth for 10 days is the most common antibiotic treatment prescribed for tonsillitis caused by group A streptococcus. If your child is allergic to penicillin, your doctor will prescribe an alternative antibiotic. Your child must take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed even if the symptoms go away completely. Failure to take all of the medication as directed may result in the infection worsening or spreading to other parts of the body. Not completing the full course of antibiotics can, in particular, increase your child's risk of rheumatic fever and serious kidney inflammation. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to do if you forget to give your child a dose. SurgerySurgery to remove tonsils (tonsillectomy) may be used to treat frequently recurring tonsillitis, chronic tonsillitis or bacterial tonsillitis that doesn't respond to antibiotic treatment. Frequent tonsillitis is generally defined as:
A tonsillectomy may also be performed if tonsillitis results in difficult-to-manage complications, such as:
A tonsillectomy is usually done as an outpatient procedure, unless your child is very young, has a complex medical condition or if complications arise during surgery. That means your child should be able to go home the day of the surgery. A complete recovery usually takes seven to 14 days. More Information
Preparing for your appointmentIf your child is experiencing a sore throat, difficulty swallowing or other symptoms that may indicate tonsillitis, you'll likely start with a visit to your family doctor or your child's pediatrician. You may be referred to a specialist in ear, nose and throat disorders. Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions about your child's condition. Be prepared to answer the following questions:
Questions you may want to ask your doctor include the following:
By Mayo Clinic Staff Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Symptoms & causes Sept. 03, 2022 Share on: FacebookTwitter Show references
Related
Associated Procedures
Products & Services
Tonsillitis
AdvertisementMayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. What is best antibiotic for tonsillitis?Penicillin taken by mouth for 10 days is the most common antibiotic treatment prescribed for tonsillitis caused by group A streptococcus.
Is there any overTake over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen to reduce pain and fever.
Can a pharmacist prescribe antibiotics for tonsillitis?If it is bacterial, they can decide whether you need antibiotics and provide these to you. The test and treat service is a private (paid for) service from your pharmacist for both consultation and treatment, although you may be able to get antibiotics from your GP if you fulfil the criteria.
What gets rid of tonsillitis quickly?get plenty of rest. drink cool drinks to soothe the throat. take paracetamol or ibuprofen (do not give aspirin to children under 16) gargle with warm salty water (children should not try this)
|