Tonsillitis in children is a condition characterized by swelling, irritation, or inflammation of the tonsils. The tonsils are two oval-shaped tissues located at the back of the throat, one on each side. Tonsillitis most commonly affects children and adolescents. Most cases are caused by common viral infections, although bacterial infections may also be responsible.
Treatment for tonsillitis depends on the underlying cause, making early and accurate diagnosis essential. In the past, tonsil removal surgery was frequently performed as a treatment option. However, today, surgery is generally recommended only for recurrent tonsillitis, cases that do not respond to other treatments, or those that lead to serious complications.
As a more modern treatment option, Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital offers plasma coblation procedures for tonsil surgery. This technique allows for the reduction of tonsil tissue without removing the tonsils entirely. With this method, the natural function of the tonsils as part of the immune system can be preserved, while also helping to reduce symptoms and recurrence of tonsillitis more effectively.
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Symptoms of Tonsillitis in Children
Common symptoms of tonsillitis include:
- Red and swollen tonsils
- White or yellow patches or coating on the tonsils
- Sore throat
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- Fever
- Swollen and tender lymph nodes in the neck
- Hoarse, nasal, or muffled voice
- Bad breath
- Stomach pain
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Headache
In younger children who may not be able to clearly express their discomfort, symptoms may include:
- Excessive drooling due to pain or difficulty swallowing
- Decreased appetite or refusal to eat
- Increased irritability or fussiness.
When Should You See a Doctor?
It is important to seek medical evaluation promptly if a child shows symptoms suggestive of tonsillitis. Contact a doctor immediately if your child experiences:
- Sore throat accompanied by fever
- Sore throat that does not improve within 24–48 hours
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- Extreme fatigue, weakness, or unusual irritability
Seek immediate medical attention if your child experiences:
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe difficulty swallowing
- Excessive drooling
Causes of Tonsillitis in Children
Tonsillitis is most commonly caused by viral infections. However, bacterial infections can also lead to this condition. The most common bacterial cause is Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A streptococcus, which is responsible for strep throat. Other types of streptococci and bacteria may also cause tonsillitis.
The tonsils are part of the body’s immune system and act as the first line of defense against germs entering through the mouth. This role makes them more susceptible to infection. After puberty, the immune function of the tonsils tends to decrease, which may explain why tonsillitis is less common in adults.
Treatment of Tonsillitis in Children with Plasma Coblation Technology at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital
In plasma coblation procedures, doctors use a specialized device that delivers radiofrequency energy into saline solution. This process creates plasma, an energy field capable of separating tissue with microscopic precision, allowing highly accurate treatment.
Unlike conventional surgical techniques that rely on high temperatures and may cause thermal injury, plasma coblation operates at much lower temperatures. Because it does not involve burning tissue, surrounding structures are better preserved, the risk of inflammation is reduced, and recovery time is generally faster.
According to dr. Abdillah Hasbi Assadyk, Sp.ENT-KL, an ENT specialist at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital, this technology is effective for treating recurrent tonsillitis. Plasma coblation can also be used to manage enlarged adenoids that often cause airway obstruction and are associated with obstructive sleep apnea.
Dr. Abdillah explains that plasma coblation procedures typically take about 10–15 minutes, with post-operative recovery being significantly faster compared to traditional surgical methods.
Advantages of Plasma Coblation Compared to Conventional Surgery:
- High precision, allowing accurate treatment of tonsil tissue without damaging surrounding healthy tissue
- Lower risk of bleeding due to better vessel sealing
- Minimal thermal injury because of lower operating temperatures
- Reduced tissue trauma, smaller surgical wounds, faster healing, and preserved natural tissue function
- Shorter recovery time, allowing patients to eat, drink, and speak sooner
- Less post-operative pain, reducing the need for pain medication
- Improved safety, suitable for both children and adults with a lower risk of complications
Profile of dr. Abdillah, ENT Specialist for Tonsillitis Treatment
Dr. Abdillah Hasbi Assadyk, Sp.ENT-KL, has undergone intensive training in Italy under Prof. Lino Di Rienzo Businco, an internationally renowned ENT specialist known for treating global figures, including world-famous singer Andrea Bocelli and football legend Francesco Totti.
This international clinical experience has equipped dr. Abdillah with the expertise to provide ENT services at international standards in Indonesia. With a combination of medical expertise, precision, and dedication, he is a trusted referral doctor for the treatment of sleep apnea, snoring disorders, and various ENT conditions.
In his clinical practice, dr. Abdillah is skilled in a wide range of modern ENT procedures, including plasma coblation for tonsillitis, balloon sinuplasty for sinusitis, and Quantum Molecular Resonance (QMR) as an innovative treatment for sleep apnea.
Doctor’s Schedule at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital:
- Monday: 08.00 – 12.00 & 16.00 – 20.00
- Tuesday: 08.00 – 12.00 & 16.00 – 20.00
- Wednesday: 08.00 – 12.00 & 16.00 – 20.00
- Thursday: 08.00 – 12.00 & 16.00 – 20.00
- Friday: 08.00 – 12.00 & 16.00 – 20.00
- Saturday: 08.00 – 20.00
To make your visit easier, you can use the WhatsApp Chat, Book Appointment feature, or the Care Dokter app, available for download on Google Play and the App Store. These tools help you schedule visits, check queue numbers, and access comprehensive hospital information.
