Tonsillitis is most commonly caused by common viruses, however bacterial infections can occasionally occur. Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus), the bacterium that causes strep throat, is the most common cause of tonsillitis. Other strep strains and germs can also cause tonsillitis.
It is a common childhood illness, but teenagers and adults can get it too.
The main symptoms of the condition include:
- a sore throat
- problems swallowing
- a high temperature of 38C or above
- coughing
- a headache
- feeling sick
- earache
- feeling tired
Children suffering from tonsillitis are rarely treated with antibiotics. This is because children tend to recover from the condition without any medical treatment, while treatment without antibiotics is beneficial because it increases immunity to the infection and reduces the likelihood of your child getting tonsillitis from that type of infection again.
Our team are highly experienced in providing investigation and treatment for a wide range of conditions, including paediatric tonsillitis, and will be able to provide you and your child with the best possible advice and care.
We have private clinics based in Dorking, Surrey and Wimbledon, London, meaning we are ideally placed to investigate and treat young patients in Surrey, Kent, and Southwest London, including Balham, Battersea, Brixton, Clapham, Earlsfield, Streatham, Stockwell, Tooting, Wandsworth, Chelsea, Earls Court, Fulham, Parsons Green, South Kensington, and West Brompton.
