Tonsillitis Treatment for Children in Singapore: Why See an ENT Doctor
Tonsillitis is a common childhood condition that causes sore throat, fever and difficulty swallowing. While mild cases often improve with rest, repeated or severe infections can disrupt sleep, appetite and school attendance. Seeking care from an ENT Specialist in Singapore ensures children receive accurate diagnosis, evidence-based treatment and specialist expertise tailored to their needs. An Ear, Nose and Throat specialist is trained to treat throat and airway conditions, providing personalised care for children.
What is Tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is inflammation or infection of the tonsils, two small glands at the back of the throat. They help filter germs entering through the mouth and nose. Infection can cause pain, swelling and difficulty swallowing, particularly in school-aged children who are frequently exposed to viruses and bacteria.
Common Symptoms of Tonsillitis in Children
Symptoms may vary depending on the age and type of infection. Younger children may show irritability or tummy pain, while older children can describe throat discomfort.
Key symptoms include:
- Sore throat and pain when swallowing
- Fever or chills
- Swollen glands in the neck
- Red or enlarged tonsils with white or yellow patches
- Bad breath
- Abdominal pain in younger children
Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe, persistent or recurring.
Causes of Tonsillitis in Children
Identifying the cause of tonsillitis is crucial for treatment. Children are more susceptible due to developing immune systems and exposure to germs in schools or childcare settings.
Tonsillitis in children can be caused by various factors, including:
- Viral Infections: Most cases of tonsillitis are caused by viruses, such as the common cold virus or the Epstein-Barr virus (which causes infectious mononucleosis).
- Bacterial Infections: Streptococcal bacteria, specifically Group A Streptococcus, can cause bacterial tonsillitis, also known as strep throat.
- Allergies: Allergic reactions to pollen, dust, or certain foods can lead to inflammation of the tonsils and recurrent tonsillitis.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to secondhand smoke or air pollution can irritate the throat and contribute to the development of tonsillitis.
- Immune System Weakness: Children with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to recurrent tonsillitis.
Why See an ENT Doctor for Tonsillitis?
Consulting an ENT doctor is essential for children with tonsillitis, particularly when symptoms are frequent, severe, or persistent. While mild cases may be managed by a general practitioner, a Paediatric ENT Specialist in Singapore is better equipped to assess more complex conditions that may affect a child’s sleep, growth, or daily activities.
An ENT doctor can:
- Provide an accurate diagnosis, confirming whether tonsillitis is viral or bacterial through a thorough examination and tests such as throat swabs
- Assess tonsil size and overall throat health, identifying factors that may contribute to recurrent infections
- Detect complications, including peritonsillar abscesses
- Recommend appropriate treatment options, including:
- Antibiotics for bacterial tonsillitis (such as streptococcal infections)
- Pain relief and fever management to ease symptoms
- Tonsillectomy for recurrent or severe cases of tonsillitis
Early specialist input helps reduce recurrence, avoid unnecessary antibiotic use, and ensure timely, effective treatment.
What to Expect During an ENT Consultation
ENT consultations are child-friendly and thorough. Doctors examine the throat, ears and nose, check the neck for swelling, and observe breathing patterns. The aim is to assess the severity of tonsillitis and identify any related conditions before treatment.
How Tonsillitis Is Diagnosed
Accurate diagnosis guides safe and effective care. Testing may be recommended for severe or recurrent cases:
- Throat swab: Checks for streptococcal bacteria.
- Rapid in-clinic test: Provides same-day results.
- Laboratory culture: Confirms bacterial infection when necessary.
ENT doctors determine the best tests based on symptoms and examination findings.
Treatment Options for Tonsillitis in Children
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the infection, aiming to relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and reduce recurrence.
At-Home Care for Viral Tonsillitis
Supportive care includes:
- Adequate rest
- Regular fluid intake
- Soft foods and warm liquids
- Humidified air
- Gentle saltwater gargles for older children
Avoid irritants such as cigarette smoke or harsh cleaning products.
Medication and Antibiotics
Bacterial infections require a full course of antibiotics. Completing treatment prevents recurrence and serious complications such as rheumatic fever. Pain and fever can be managed with age-appropriate paracetamol or ibuprofen; aspirin is not recommended for children.
When Is Tonsillectomy Recommended?
Surgery is considered when infections are frequent, severe or lead to complications. Criteria include:
- Multiple tonsillitis episodes over consecutive years
- Persistent symptoms despite treatment
- Breathing or sleep difficulties
- Pus accumulation near the tonsils
ENT doctors evaluate each child individually before recommending surgery.
Coblation Tonsillectomy for Children
Coblation tonsillectomy uses controlled radiofrequency energy to remove the tonsils at lower temperatures than traditional surgical methods, helping to minimise damage to surrounding tissue. This modern technique is widely used in paediatric ENT care.
How Coblation Tonsillectomy Works
During the procedure, a specialised wand delivers radiofrequency energy that gently breaks down tonsil tissue while sealing blood vessels simultaneously. This precise approach helps reduce trauma to nearby structures and limits bleeding during surgery.
Benefits of Coblation Tonsillectomy
- Quicker recovery: Children typically experience less post-operative pain and return to normal activities sooner than with traditional tonsillectomy
- Reduced risk of complications: Minimal damage to surrounding tissues lowers the risk of bleeding and other post-operative complications
- Less post-operative discomfort: Lower operating temperatures help reduce tissue irritation
- Earlier return to daily routines: Improved comfort allows children to resume eating, sleeping, and school activities more quickly
Recovery and Aftercare Following Tonsil Surgery
Tonsillectomy is usually an outpatient procedure. Most children return home the same day, with recovery typically taking seven to fourteen days. ENT doctors provide guidance on:
- Pain management
- Hydration and diet
- Activity levels
- Follow-up appointments
When Can My Child Return to School?
Children can return to school once the fever resolves and swallowing is comfortable. After tonsillectomy, short-term rest from school and sports is advised to support healing.
When Is Tonsillitis an Emergency?
While most cases of tonsillitis are mild, some children may develop serious complications that require immediate medical attention. Recognising emergency signs early can prevent severe illness and ensure timely treatment.
Seek urgent care if a child has:
- Difficulty breathing
- Inability to swallow fluids
- Persistent high fever
- Severe throat swelling
- Signs of dehydration
Parents should contact an ENT specialist promptly if these symptoms occur.
Can Tonsillitis Be Prevented?
Tonsillitis cannot always be fully prevented, but simple, consistent measures can reduce the risk of infection and recurrent throat problems in children. Understanding effective prevention strategies helps parents protect their child’s throat health and overall well-being.
Practical steps to minimise the likelihood of tonsillitis:
- Practising good hand hygiene
- Avoiding sharing utensils or drinks
- Maintaining oral hygiene
- Reducing exposure to smoke
These measures support long-term throat health in children.
Preventing Complications of Tonsillitis
If left untreated, tonsillitis can lead to complications such as peritonsillar abscesses, breathing difficulties, or, in rare cases, rheumatic fever. Early assessment and appropriate treatment by an ENT doctor help reduce the risk of these complications and support a child’s long-term throat health and overall well-being.
Prompt medical care is particularly important for children with severe symptoms, recurrent infections, or difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Conclusion
Tonsillitis is a common condition in children that can cause significant discomfort. While mild cases often improve with rest and home care, recurrent or severe tonsillitis may require assessment by an ENT specialist. An ENT doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis, personalised treatment, and advice on whether surgical options such as coblation tonsillectomy are appropriate. Early specialist care helps prevent complications and supports better long-term health and well-being.
Trusted Resources for ENT Care in Singapore
For more information, visit the Singapore Medical Council, the Ministry of Health Singapore, and the profile of Dr Pang Yoke Teen, Mount Elizabeth Specialist.
Book Your Appointment with an ENT Specialist for Tonsillitis Care
Arrange a consultation with our MOH‑registered ENT specialists at Mt Elizabeth Medical Centre, Orchard Road, Singapore, and ensure your child receives expert care for tonsillitis. Take the first step towards their faster recovery and improved well-being today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Viral tonsillitis usually improves within five to seven days with rest and supportive care. Bacterial tonsillitis may take longer and typically requires antibiotics to fully resolve.
Symptoms can be similar, so clinical assessment is important. An ENT doctor may perform a throat swab or other tests to confirm whether bacteria are present.
Antibiotics are only needed for confirmed bacterial tonsillitis. Viral infections do not respond to antibiotics and are treated with supportive care.
ENT review is recommended if your child has frequent episodes, severe symptoms, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or poor response to initial treatment.
Yes. Tonsillectomy is a commonly performed procedure in children. When recommended by an ENT specialist, it is considered safe and effective.
No. Research shows that tonsil removal does not weaken long-term immunity, as other tissues continue to protect against infections.
Most children recover within seven to fourteen days. Pain and activity levels gradually improve during this period with proper aftercare.