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Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis
Frequently Asked Questions about Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis

What are Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis?

Pharyngitis refers to infection of the pharynx (the back of the throat). Tonsillitis refers to infection of the Tonsils. The Tonsils are glands present on either side of the throat during childhood. Since the Tonsils are very close to the back of the throat, infection of one of these structures during childhood usually leads to infection of the other.

How does my child catch Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis?

Pharyngitis or Tonsillitis is caused by germs (bacteria or viruses) that enter through the nose or the mouth. These germs are usually spread in the air by other children or adults who have these conditions. Sometimes, germs which cause these infections are transferred from one person to another by sharing toys or other objects. Direct mouth contact such as kissing may also spread these infections.

What are the risk factors for Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis?

	Since these infections are usually spread from the air, close contact with another child or adult with these conditions may increase the risk.

	Crowded places such as schools or day-care centers are common grounds for the spread of these infections.

	If another child or adult in your house has these infections, spread may occur from sharing of toys and other objects.

What are the symptoms of Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis?

Young infants with Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis may present with:

	Sore throat
	Fever
	Poor feeding
	Malaise
	Vomiting or Diarrhea
	Coughing
	Adbominal pain
	Vomiting

An older child may complain of:

	Ear pain
	Pain during swallowing

How are Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis diagnosed?

These infections are usually diagnosed by clinical examination by your doctor. Your doctor may take a swab from the back of your throat for a throat culture.

How can Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis be treated?

Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis may be caused by bacteria or viruses. Your doctor may be able to tell the likely cause of the infection. If the infection is caused by viruses, then your doctor may not prescribe an antibiotic. In this case, symptomatic treatment is required till the virus runs it's course (usually 3-5 days). Symptomatic treatment usually consists of over-the-counter medicines that relieve fever and pain. If the infection is caused by bacteria, antibiotics may be prescribed by your doctor. However, antibiotics do not treat fever and pain that may frequently be present with infections directly. For these symptoms it is important to use over-the-counter fever and pain medicines.

What are the complications of Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis?

	Pus may collect in pockets in the back of the throat or the Tonsils.
	Infection from the throat or Tonsils may spread to the ears, lungs and even the brain.

	Sometimes, a complication called Rheumatic Fever develops after a throat infection caused by certain bacteria. This is a serious complication that may affect several body parts including the heart.

How can I prevent Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis from occurring in the future?

	Since these infections are usually spread by close contact with other children or adults with these conditions, avoid prolonged contact with such cases.

	If possible, avoid day-care and other crowded places as these are common grounds for the spread of these conditions.

	Avoiding exposure to passive smoking may also decrease the risk.
	During “Flu season” or if another child in your house has these infections, frequent hand washing may prevent transferring the infection to other children.