tonsilitis

[paulsmummy]

my son always has tonsilitis, he has it more often than not, now some gp's say its contagious, some say not, the internet says its contagious, in fact most say its contagious, does anyone know for sure 100 percent if it is, or isnt.... only i keep my boy off school when he gets it, or should i let him go???

[mrs_overall]

Yes it is contagious. It's spread from throat/nasal fluids.
I would say it depends on how old your son is as to whether you keep him off school. If he's at primary, then yes I would keep him at home.
If he's in his teens then he's old enough to avoid infecting anyone else (i.e. frequent handwashing if he blows his nose, not sharing drinks with anyone etc.)
It's horrid having tonsillitis & I hope he's better soon.

[daffy654]

Tonsilitis is a generic term for various throat infections. I would have thought they were infectious but only from very close contact,kissing for example,and I don't mean a peck on the cheek or lips by that!

[paulsmummy]

my boy's only 3, hes had 8 bouts of tonsilitis since february, hes got to see a specialist soon, i was wondering because my neice's boys just got it, hes 4, and she told me that her gp said it wasnt contagious, and im pretty sure it is, as my daughter gets it too, now shes nearly 1....................the plot thickens.....

[mrs_overall]

That explains it!
Small children are notorious at exploring their nasal passages.
I don't know if he's too young to have his tonsils out. I know the rule for teenagers is that if they have more than 4 bouts a year they can have them out. My 17 year old is having his out.

[vollerbo]

both my sons had theirs out and although it is contagious it is from very close contact and mine did not catch it from each other. My youngest had his out by chance when he was 3 and I was at the doctors with him for something else. I made a joke about how he snores louder han his father and makes funny noises. The next thing I know I am being told the noises are sleep aphnia and his tonsils and adinods were removed within 6 weeks. My eldest suffered awfully from tonsillitus and would have 3 or 4 bad attacks a year. Athough that is enough to have surgary most doctors would try to put you off as they 'tend to grow out of it' by 7 or 8. He had them out age 6 1/2 and I must admit I pushed for it because he really was suffering and I told the doctor he also snored really badly and seemed to stop breathing for a second. If your child has those systems too then they will always operate. Sleep apnea and snoring seemed to be the magic words ub getting both operations. Now they never get any problems what so ever. Good luck

[paulsmummy]

yeah, its really weird but everything u explained there, both my children do, the both snore like fog horns... my little girl who's one, has to vomit..(sorry if ur eating) everynight, as night falls when the temperature drops, its like she bungs up... starts to cough and there it is... its sad, she and my son both wake up all through the night... sad really...

[paulsmummy]

forgot to mention........daughter has awful breath too.. dont know if its relevent to tonsils or what..

[vollerbo]

the breath thing is defo due to tonsillitis. I was given so much info it was coming out of my ears. v unusual for hospitals!! Anyway I really would push the emphasis on the snoring as it can be dangerous if they have massive tonsils as well.
let me know
good luck
x

[Scarlett]

I would take both your kids to the ENT. Sounds like they have a leaning towards throat/nose problems which could be hereditary.

[paulsmummy]

mmm im wondering if its me... i have a deviated septum i dont know perhaps thats something to do with it.. if i get a bit warm i bung up.. but never had any tonsil probs.... my dad used to have sleep apneoa...<--- (dont quote me on spelling) but it never crossed my mind to mention that...

the doctor checked my daughter last week, being only one they wont do anything for her, she has the biggest tonsils of the two, but my boy is the one that gets the most tonsilitis... dunno its a mystery............. my son sees a specialist may 12th so just wait until then.. hes missing alot of nursery though, i just hope they understand,, apparently they dont like you sending pre schoolers in when they are taking antibiotics.. but if i kept him off all that time they would think hes left...