Is your child’s frequent sore throat a sign of tonsillitis?

Many children often have sore throats that come and go, sometimes with a fever, difficulty swallowing, or voice changes. Parents may think it’s just an ordinary cold. But in some cases, “frequent sore throat” may be a sign of tonsillitis. The tonsils are part of the body’s defense mechanism against germs, but when they become repeatedly infected, chronic inflammation may develop—impacting your child’s health and development. Today, we will get to know the tonsils better: their functions, what causes them to become inflamed, how you should care for your child, and also be alert to pertussis (whooping cough) — a hidden threat that you as a mother should be ready to deal with.

What Are Tonsils? Let’s Find Out with the Doctor

Tonsils are a part of the body located inside the throat, positioned on both the left and right sides. They are lymph nodes and form part of the body’s immune system. Their role is to trap germs and foreign particles entering the body through the mouth, acting as a protective barrier for the lower respiratory tract and guarding against infections that could enter the digestive system.

Tonsillitis is a condition commonly found in children, especially those under 10 years old, as their immune systems are still developing. Children at this age often have habits like putting toys or unwashed hands into their mouths, or they may get infected directly from people nearby who cough or sneeze without covering their mouths — making it easy for the infection to spread to them.

What Causes Tonsillitis in Children?

Tonsillitis in children is usually caused by an infection, which can result from either viruses or bacteria.

Viral infections — Viruses that cause the common cold or influenza can also lead to tonsillitis. In such cases, the condition usually goes away on its own without the need for antibiotics.

Bacterial infections — Certain types of bacteria, such as Streptococcus, are a common cause of tonsillitis. If your child is suspected of having bacterial tonsillitis, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics for treatment.

How to Tell If Your Child Might Have Tonsillitis

Fever and headache
Runny nose and phlegmy cough
Sore throat, reduced appetite, and difficulty swallowing food or liquids
Irritability or fussiness (especially in younger children)
Red, swollen tonsils with possible white spots or pus when looking inside the mouth
Enlarged lymph nodes around the neck

Possible Complications of Tonsillitis in Children

In most cases, tonsillitis gradually improves on its own without complications — rest and plenty of fluids are usually enough. However, certain infections can lead to complications such as:

Rheumatic fever;
Kidney inflammation (nephritis);
Airway obstruction, especially when tonsillitis is caused by the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV). In this case, the tonsils may become so enlarged that they block the airway, causing difficulty breathing, snoring, or sleep apnea that wakes the child frequently;
Peritonsillar abscess or abscess formation in the throat;
Poor growth or underweight, as recurrent tonsillitis can cause frequent fever, sore throat, and reduced food intake. Doctors may recommend a tonsillectomy if the child experiences inflammation more than 6 times in one year or 3–5 times over two consecutive years; and
Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck

Streptococcal tonsillitis (caused by Group A Streptococcus) can lead to complications if the infection is not treated within 1–4 weeks after a sore throat or tonsillitis. Possible complications include:

Rheumatic fever – This infection can cause inflammation in the joints and often affects the heart. If left untreated or if the condition recurs frequently, it can lead to chronic heart inflammation, known as rheumatic heart disease, potentially causing heart valve stenosis or leakage.
Kidney inflammation (nephritis) – Children may experience swelling, reduced urine output, red-colored urine, and high blood pressure.

Therefore, if a doctor diagnoses streptococcal tonsillitis and prescribes antibiotics, parents should ensure their child completes the full 7–10-day course, even if symptoms improve, to prevent complications such as rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation.

Basic Care for Children with Tonsillitis

Wipe the body and give fever-reducing medicine if the child has a high fever.
Ensure plenty of rest.
Encourage drinking plenty of fluids.
Offer soft foods in small, frequent portions, as a sore throat may reduce appetite.

If the symptoms are mild, such as slight sore throat without fever, you can provide symptom relief with fever reducers, pain relievers, throat lozenges, or cold sweet foods. The symptoms should gradually improve.

However, if the symptoms are severe — including high fever, sore throat, poor appetite, difficulty swallowing, dehydration, or breathing difficulties with increased snoring during sleep — take your child to a doctor immediately.