Tonsillitis - Part 1

Yesterday, the fever was kept under control under 38 degrees.

Aston did not get well & is still having fever swings since this morning. The highest hit 40 degrees. Whole body flushed red, the hotness on his body, his ears, his forehead and arms are steaming hot. You will get shivers down your spine the moment you touch him.

We are quite loss actually. Today, we have seen 3 doctors : 1 GP, 1 Chinese Physician and finally visited KK Hospital Children Emergency doctor. All diagnosed Aston with throat inflammation (his tonsils are very very red very very sore !) but only the Chinese doctor and KK Hospital Children Emergency doctor assure us not to worry about the high fever. The high fever is meant to be like this for today & will only come down the next day or two days later.

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils, the fleshy clusters of tissue on both sides of the back of the throat that fight off germs that enter the body through the mouth. The tonsils become enlarged and red, and can be coated with a yellow, gray, or white substance.
Most types of tonsillitis are contagious. It usually spreads from person to person by contact with the throat or nasal fluids of someone who is infected. A person with tonsillitis may have a sore throat, fever, swollen glands in the neck, and trouble swallowing.

Treating Tonsillitis
How doctors treat tonsillitis depends on whether it is caused by a virus or by group A streptococcus bacteria. Doctors usually can't tell the difference just by looking at the tonsils, but can detect strep bacteria with a rapid strep test or a throat culture.
If tonsillitis is caused by a virus, the body will fight off the infection on its own. If it's caused by strep bacteria, the doctor probably will prescribe an antibiotic. If so, make sure that your child completes the full course of treatment to prevent the development of any complications.
If your child gets frequent bouts of tonsillitis (more than 5 to 7 times during a 12-month period) or repeat infections over several years, the doctor may consider a tonsillectomy to remove the tonsils.

Caring for Your Child
Kids with tonsillitis need plenty of nourishment and rest. If your child finds swallowing so painful that eating is difficult, try serving liquids and soft foods, like nutritious soups, milkshakes, smoothies, ice pops, or ice cream.
Make sure that your child drinks lots of fluids and gets plenty of rest, and take his or her temperature regularly. Use a nonprescription pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, for throat pain.
Be sure to keep your sick child's drinking glasses and eating utensils separate, and wash them in hot, soapy water. All family members should wash their hands frequently. After a bout of tonsillitis that's caused by strep bacteria, throw out your child's toothbrush and replace it with a new one.

Preventing Tonsillitis
To prevent tonsillitis, avoid letting your child near anyone who already has tonsillitis or a sore throat. Make sure to practice good hand-washing habits, and teach kids to do the same.