Why does my child keep getting tonsillitis every few days, and what should I do about it?
Nov 27, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
In general, frequent tonsillitis in children may be caused by vigorous development of the tonsils, immature immune system, recurrent acute tonsillitis, adenoid hypertrophy, or irritation from allergic rhinitis. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general management, medication, or other treatments under a doctor's guidance.
Under normal circumstances, frequent tonsillitis in children may be caused by vigorous development of the tonsils, immature immune system, recurrent acute tonsillitis, adenoid hypertrophy, or irritation from allergic rhinitis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general management, medication, and other approaches. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:
1. Vigorous tonsil development in children: During childhood, the tonsils are an important immune organ and tend to develop prominently, making them prone to harbor bacteria and viruses. When stimulated, they may trigger inflammation. After meals, have children rinse their mouth with warm saline solution, and ensure thorough tooth brushing morning and night to reduce bacterial residue in the oral cavity and tonsillar crypts.
2. Immature immune system: A child’s immune system has not fully matured. Resistance decreases after exposure to cold or fatigue, allowing pathogens to invade the tonsils and cause inflammation. Ensure children get adequate sleep, engage in moderate outdoor activities daily, and maintain a balanced diet rich in protein and vitamins to strengthen immunity.
3. Recurrent acute tonsillitis: If the initial episode of tonsillitis is not completely cured, pathogens may remain dormant in the tonsillar crypts and easily reactivate upon exposure to cold, leading to recurrent inflammation accompanied by sore throat and fever. Children should follow medical advice to take medications such as amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium granules, cefixime granules, or Pudilan Xiaoyan Oral Liquid.
4. Adenoid hypertrophy: Excessive growth of adenoids can block the posterior nasal openings, causing secretions to drain backward and irritate the tonsils, triggering inflammation along with symptoms like nasal congestion and snoring. Children may use mometasone furoate nasal spray, montelukast sodium chewable tablets, or loratadine syrup as directed by a physician to relieve symptoms.
5. Irritation from allergic rhinitis: Children with allergic rhinitis produce increased nasal secretions, which may flow backward into the throat and repeatedly irritate the tonsils, causing inflammation along with symptoms such as nasal itching and sneezing. These children should avoid allergens like pollen and dust mites and follow medical advice to use budesonide nasal spray, cetirizine hydrochloride drops, or levocabastine hydrochloride nasal spray.
In daily life, keep children warm and avoid catching colds or developing respiratory infections. Avoid taking children to crowded places with poor air quality, and maintain good indoor ventilation. Provide a light diet and avoid spicy or irritating foods to reduce stimulation to the tonsils.
