Sore throats happen all the time in childhood and are often nothing to worry about. Most of the time they are simply part of a common cold and will get better without any treatment.
Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils, found at the back of the mouth – they will become swollen and painful. It is a common childhood illness, and it is most commonly caused by a viral infection, but some are caused by bacteria.
What are the signs and symptoms of tonsillitis?
Common symptoms:
- A sore throat
- Pain on swallowing
- Pain may be referred to the ears
- Small children may complain of abdominal pain
- Headache
- Cough
- Changes in the voice
- High temperature (fever)
- Feeling sick
- Feeling tired
Other symptoms can include
- The tonsils may swell and become red
- Pus may appear as white spots on the tonsils
- Swollen painful glands in your child’s neck. This feels like lumps on the side of the neck
- Bad breath
Symptoms typically get worse over two to three days and then gradually go, usually within a week.
Treat at home and visit your community pharmacy
Sore throats (including tonsillitis) usually gets better on their own after a few days. You can treat at home with support from your community pharmacist by:
- giving your child paracetamol or ibuprofen to help relieve pain and fever
- encouraging your child to drink plenty of fluids
- using a throat spray which may help with pain.
- ensuring your child rests and gets plenty of sleep
- encouraging your child to drink plenty of cool drinks to soothe the throat and eating a diet of soft foods if they are having difficulty swallowing
Your community pharmacy team are experts in many aspects of healthcare and can offer advice on a wide range of long-term conditions and common illnesses such. You do not need an appointment and many have private consultation areas, so they are a good first port of call if you need some additional advice. Your pharmacist will say if you need further medical attention.
Antibiotics make little difference to how long symptoms last. When antibiotics are given, it is because the doctor or practitioner suspects a bacterial infection.
Call 111
If symptoms get worse, then it’s time to ask for help. Call 111 or visit your GP surgery if:
- your child has white pus-filled spots in their throat
- their sore throat is so painful it’s difficult to eat or drink
Call 999 or visit our nearest Emergency Department
Call 999 or go to the nearest emergency department (A&E) if your child’s throat is so swollen and/or painful that it’s difficult for them to:
- speak
- swallow
- open their mouth
- breathe