Tonsillitis

The tonsils are two lumps of lymph tissue at either side of the back of the throat that help to fight viral and bacterial infections entering the body via the nose and the mouth. As a result, they can become infected which causes a sore throat, fever and red, enlarged tonsils, possibly covered in pus.

If your child has tonsillitis that persists or is quite severe, your GP may take a swab to find out whether it's a bacterial infection in which case it can be treated with antibiotics. But having the tonsils removed is rarely performed today - only if your child suffers repeated infections - as they are now known to play an important role in preventing infection from entering the body.

What you can do

• Offer plenty of drinks
• Monitor your child's temperature - sponge with tepid water and give the correct dose of infant paracetamol for his age if his temperature rises
• Offer food that is soft and easy to swallow such as scrambled eggs, baked beans and yoghurt
• Take your child to see the GP if his sore throat hasn't eased after a few days or he has difficulty swallowing

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