The tonsils are the first immune organ of the human respiratory tract, and their immune function is most active in childhood (especially between the ages of 3 and 5). It resists and destroys pathogenic microorganisms such as pathogenic bacteria and viruses that enter from the nose and mouth. This is a very useful organ. However, its immunity is also limited. When the number of pathogenic microorganisms inhaled is relatively large or virulent, it can cause inflammation of the tonsils with redness, swelling, pain, and suppuration.
In addition to the tonsils, the adenoids at the back of the nasal cavity and the lymphatic tissue at the back wall of the pharynx together form a circular lymphatic network that covers the uppermost part of the respiratory tract and acts as a filter for the air entering the respiratory tract, a powerful defense mechanism. The tonsils are the “gateway” to the respiratory and digestive tracts. They act as a first line of defense against the invasion of various pathogens.
What should I do if my child has inflamed tonsils?
How should tonsillitis be treated? In most cases of acute septic tonsillitis, the course of treatment is not less than one week, usually 8 to 10 days. During this period, it is crucial for the child to get enough rest. In clinical practice, children with tonsillitis who fail to get proper rest have even experienced extreme conditions such as fulminant heart failure. In addition to bed rest, parents can also let their children drink more water to replenish the water lost due to high fever and promote the excretion of toxins in the body.
Why are my baby’s tonsils always inflamed?
As the “gateway” to the respiratory and digestive tracts, the tonsils bear the brunt of bacteria and viruses when they arrive. The inflamed tonsils are congested, swollen and pus-filled. Many small pus plugs appear on the tonsil sockets, and in severe cases, they are covered with pus moss. The frequent and repeated inflammation can form chronic tonsillitis, due to repeated inflammation makes tonsils hypertrophy, both tonsils almost touch together, like two doors blocking the pharynx.
It can be said that the tonsils are the guardians of the baby’s health, when the respiratory tract is invaded by pathogens, the first to come out to fight is of course the “tonsils”, especially in the pediatric period, not only is the first to come out but also very active after. Once the war happens, there are always winners and losers, and the first one to get hurt must be the first one to come out. If you are not only the first to come out, but also very active, the chances of hanging are quite high – that’s why tonsillitis is so frequent in babies.
Should the tonsils be removed or not?
If you have a baby with frequent tonsillitis in your home, mothers will encounter the question: Should the tonsils be removed or not?
Chronic tonsillitis is mostly caused by recurrent attacks of acute tonsillitis, but can also be caused by measles, scarlet fever, influenza and sinusitis. The child may feel dryness, itchiness, pain and foreign body sensation in the throat, which can cause irritating cough, as well as chronic low fever, loss of appetite and fatigue due to bacteria in the tonsillar crypt. Upper airway obstruction due to highly enlarged chronic tonsils can lead to open-mouth breathing, chicken chest, and even pulmonary heart disease.
5 conditions are considered for surgical treatment: 1, recurrent acute attacks of chronic tonsillitis, or repeated complications of peri-tonsillitis.
2. Excessive hypertrophy of tonsils, which hinders swallowing, breathing and vocalization.
3, Chronic tonsillitis has become a focal point, or is associated with lesions in adjacent organs.
4.Diphtheria with bacteria, when conservative treatment is ineffective.
5.Benign tumors of various tonsils can be removed together with the tonsils.
When your baby has recurrent tonsillitis, you are advised to seek help from your personal physician or go to the hospital for ear, nose and throat consultation.