All you need to know about tonsillitis in children: Symptoms, precautions and 11 effective home remedies

Young children are prone to infectious diseases, as they don't possess a fully developed immune system. Some of the common ailments that plague children are sore throat, ear infection, gastroenteritis, flu and tonsillitis.

What is tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is one of the most painful and bothersome conditions among children. Fortunately, there are quite a few effective home remedies for tonsillitis in children.

Let's look at the symptoms of tonsillitis in children, how to prevent tonsillitis and home remedies for tonsillitis in children.

Diagnosing tonsillitis

You can also diagnose this illness at home. Ask your child to stick his tongue out and shine a torch on the back of his throat. If the tonsils look red and inflamed, then it is time to take your child to the doctor.

Preventing tonsillitis in kids

You can prevent a tonsillitis infection by following these measures: Ensure that your child's hands are clean, encourage your child to sip on warm water throughout the day if she is prone to a throat infection. Warm, nutritious food also plays a role in keeping this infection at bay.

Tonsillitis treatment for children at home

While there are medications to treat tonsillitis, home remedies have been used for generations to address the problem. Warm tea, salt water gargles and few herbs used by us in the kitchen have proved effective in getting rid of the problem.

Here are six effective home remedies for tonsillitis.

1. Gargling with saltwater

Mix one teaspoon of salt with lukewarm water. Teach your child to gargle with this concoction to soothe throat pain. Warm water is known to get rid of the virus which causes the infection. Salt will soothe the inflammation of the throat. Make sure your child spits the water out after gargling.

Gargling is an excellent way to prevent throat infections. It should be practiced regularly during the monsoon and winter seasons.

2. Turmeric

Turmeric has strong antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it the perfect choice to combat tonsillitis. Mix half a teaspoon of turmeric powder in warm water and gargle. You can also make a drink out of two pinches of turmeric, half teaspoon powdered black pepper and half a teaspoon of palm sugar in a glass of warm milk. Give this drink to your child before they go to bed. The milk will make her sleep better and the turmeric will take care of the infection.

3. Lemon

Foods high in vitamin C are known to fight sore throat and cold. Lemons are a good source of Vitamin C. Mix one teaspoon of lemon juice with half a teaspoon of honey in warm water. Get your child to drink this mixture regularly to boost immunity and prevent tonsillitis infection.

4. Basil

Basil has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties which help in treating throat infection. Boil some basil leaves for about 10 minutes in water. Strain this and mix with lemon juice. Give it to your child about thrice a day for relief.

5. Cinnamon

Another ingredient that can provide relief in tonsillitis comes from the kitchen, cinnamon. Mix a pinch of cinnamon with warm water. Add some honey to sweeten it, if required. Get your child to drink this mixture once a day for about a week to get relief.

6. Carom seeds

Make a drink by mixing warm milk, fried carom seeds and a pinch of turmeric. This drink helps build immunity in children.

7. Fenugreek 

Boil two tablespoons of fenugreek in three cups of water. Let the water simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the water and let it cool. Make your child gargle with this water for 30 seconds twice daily.

8. Warm tea and honey

Sipping warm tea with honey can soothe the tonsils and provide comfort.

9. Mint leaves

Boil 10-15 mint leaves in two glasses of water for 10 minutes. Allow the water to cool. Your child should gargle with this water 2-3 times a day. This provides quick relief from tonsillitis.

10. Mustard powder

Mix one teaspoon of mustard powder in one glass of warm water. Ask your child to gargle with this mixture at least two times a day.

11. Ginger and honey

Boil a 1/2-inch piece of ginger in a cup of water for five minutes. Allow the water to cool. Add a spoon of honey and ask your child to drink it. He can have it 2-3 times a day.

When to see a doctor

In most cases, tonsillitis is caused by a virus. But at times, bacteria like streptococcus may also cause infection of the tonsils.

Most children with tonsillitis get well with home remedies, rest and plenty of fluids. However, some of them may require care from a child specialist. If you feel worried about your child's condition, consult a pediatrician as early as possible.