"Overindulgence in Children and Tonsil Issues: Prevention and Management"

Never feed children with your dirty hands. Due to this habit, germs can enter the child's mouth and cause problems like tonsillitis

Tonsillitis, a common problem among children, is often unknowingly gifted to them by you. It may sound strange, but to a large extent, it's true. One of the significant reasons for tonsillitis in children is the habit of eating from the same utensil. Yes, often to show love to children, you sit with them to eat, and you start feeding them with the same plate, bowl, or spoon that you are using to eat. Your love gift often leads children to tonsillitis. If you want to save children from tonsillitis, you should try to eat together, but the plates or utensils and spoons should be separate.

In addition to this, avoid feeding children with dirty hands. This habit can cause tonsillitis by introducing bacteria into the child's mouth. We should pay attention to the hygiene of children and encourage them to wash their hands frequently. Avoid sharing utensils with others to minimize the risk of infection. You can also advise your child's school to prioritize hygiene. Parents should focus on boosting their child's immune system to prevent illness. This includes providing balanced nutrition and ensuring that they get enough fresh air and rest. If you suspect any infection in your child's upper respiratory tract, seek medical advice immediately to prevent abscess formation.

If a doctor has prescribed antibiotics, complete the full course and only take antibiotics as directed by a doctor. When discussing tonsillitis, let me explain in detail about various problems related to children's throat. Tonsillitis, peritonsillar abscess (quinsy), adenoiditis tonsils, and retropharyngeal abscess are important in these problems. Let me now explain these problems in detail.

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils located at the back of the throat, usually caused by a viral infection. Symptoms typically last for a few days and may include coughing and a sore throat. Pain relievers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen can help alleviate symptoms. However, bacterial tonsillitis is more severe and can last for a week or more. Tonsils are small glands in the mouth that help protect children from infection, but sometimes they can become swollen due to infection, which is called tonsillitis. Symptoms include difficulty eating and drinking, fever, swollen tonsils, and white spots on the tonsils. Typically, no other symptoms such as a runny nose or cough are present. Treatment may involve antibiotics, analgesics, and antipyretics, as well as gargling with salt water. Tonsillitis usually clears up within a week, but if it recurs frequently, children may need to take time off school. In severe cases, surgery (tonsillectomy) may be considered, which involves removing the tonsils completely. However, the risk of bleeding during this surgery is very low, ranging from 1 to 2 percent.

Peritonsillar abscess, also known as Quinsy, occurs when pus fills the tissues near the tonsils in the back of the mouth. This causes severe pain and makes it difficult to open the mouth. It usually happens when an infection spreads around the tonsils. This is not a common problem because antibiotics are usually given to treat tonsillitis. Symptoms include throat pain, high fever, chills, difficulty opening the mouth, difficulty swallowing, hoarse voice, and difficulty breathing. The uvula is pushed to one side due to swelling of the tonsils, causing pain. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the jaw, neck, and chest. In severe cases, pneumonia can also occur. Treatment involves draining the abscess by making a small cut and then prescribing antibiotics, painkillers, and Betadine.

Adenoiditis Tonsillitis is a condition where there are sensitive glands in the mouth. Adenoids are glands located on the roof of the mouth behind the nose. Adenoids destroy harmful bacteria in the nose and mouth. Adenoids produce antibodies that help fight infection. These glands can also become infected. Large and infected adenoids are called adenoiditis. Symptoms include a blocked nose in children, leading to breathing through the mouth, snoring, swollen throat, ear pain, and occasionally serious apnea (where the child's breathing stops during sleep). Unlike tonsils, adenoids cannot be seen when the mouth is opened. An ENT specialist examines it with the help of a small mirror, nasal endoscopy, and X-ray. Treatment is done with antibiotics, antihistamines, painkillers, and nasal drops. However, if the child is repeatedly infected or has difficulty breathing even with antibiotics, adenoids (adenoidectomy) are surgically removed.

Retropharyngeal abscess is a serious infection that occurs in the throat. It usually starts from the lymph nodes in the throat. Although it is not a common condition, it is found in children under 8 years of age. It is more common in children between the ages of 2 and 4. Younger children are more susceptible to this infection because the lymph nodes in their throat can become infected. As the child grows older, these lymph nodes move backward. Lymph nodes are usually small until the age of 8. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, pain in the throat when swallowing, high fever, drooling, swelling and stiffness in the throat, and muscle Stiffness Diagnosis is usually done through examination, X-rays, and CT scans. Children are given intravenous antibiotics for treatment. In severe cases, the child may have difficulty breathing, and intubation may be necessary. During this procedure, a tube is inserted into the child's airway to alleviate breathing difficulties. Surgery is performed to remove the abscess. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body.

The author is a Consultant in ENT, Head & Neck Surgery at Apollo Hospital in New Delhi