Anyone Else Deal with a Toddler with Tonsillitis?

Updated on July 14, 2009
T.K. asks from Arlington, TX
5 answers

Hello,

I'm looking to hear back from moms with experience with children (toddlers specifically but it may not be any different in older age children) who have had Tonsillitis. I took my daughter to the ER early Sunday morning because she had a fever all day Saturday and was having difficulty breathing when sleeping. They diagnosed Tonsillitis--the follow-up appointment with her pediatrician today also supported that. She's taking Amoxicillin for the Tonsillitis and Motrin & Tylenol (interchangeably) for her fever. All in all, she's doing ok during the day but my problem is at night.

For the past 2 days she's have difficulty breathing while sleeping. As if she can't breathe through her nose and she fights to take a breath through her mouth. Almost like Sleep Apnea--there will be a pause of a few seconds and she'll take a long, deep breath through her mouth. I've shared this with her doctor but was told it isn't anything to worry about. It's very frightening to hear and watch; I feel quite helpless. I've rubbed her down with Vicks vapor rub, keep a cool mist humidifier in the room, all in an effort to help clear her nasal passage. I get only a few hours of sleep because I stay awake and listen, fearful that something will happen. I am just looking for suggestions or even assurance that this is normal for Tonsillitis and will clear up in a few days, when the antibiotics start to take over. As I'm typing, I'm hearing her gasps of breaths and its breaking my heart. Please share your experiences and help me not panic over this. Thanks in advance.

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

I want to thank everyone who stepped forward with advice. A combination of continual prayer, regular doses of antibiotics and congestion clearing techniques and my little girl is sleeping soundly as I type. There's still a little snoring, which is expected. The antibiotics are indeed doing their job, as well as the Vicks, propping up of her pillow and humidifier. Thank you again; the outstanding mothers of Mamasource has talked me through a crisis, yet again.

Be blessed, mamas!
T.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.S.

answers from Dallas on

T.,

My daughter had similiar problems the first 4 years of her life. After several episodes and once she was old enough her doctor recommended that she have her tonsils and adenoids removed. Once removed the doctor commented that he had never seen adenoids as large as hers.

Different things I would do when symptoms would flare...prop up to sleep, humidifier, steam in bathroom before putting to bed, covered mattress and pillow with allergen covers, vick rubb downs, change out AC filters faithfully every month, removed most of stuffed animals from room. Avoid cigarette smoke and pet dander as much as possible.

Does your child appear to have allergies? If so, you might want to look into NAET (google). Non-advasive allergy testing that could help pinpoint allergy sensitivities. I did treatment with 2 of mine that were very sensitive to environmental allergens and saw a dramatic difference. It is a treatment you have to see to believe. Since treatment have been able to eliminate meds in one and cut meds in half in the other.

Child #4 had tubes and adenoids out when she was 2 to help with recurring ear infections and nasal issues. Once again discovered when adenoids removed that she also had very large adenoids. Hope this helps, good luck...

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.H.

answers from Dallas on

Try Propping her up to sleep if you have a recliner try that. If your tonsils are swollen they will make it hard to move air when lying flat on her back.
Both of my boys had breathing/ and or Throat issues at that age I just bought a small foam wedge and placed it under the head of their mattress. You can use pillows under the mattress as well.
Also try putting the Vapor rub on the bottom of her feet then socks over it. I know it sounds crazy but it really helps clear up nasal congestion.

Good Luck
Nat

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.A.

answers from Tyler on

I'm going through Tonsillitis/Strep with my little girl right now, too. It is so horrible! My daughter is 15 months old, and this illness has taken a toll on her little body. At night, she's not experiencing the same thing your little girl is, but she cannot get comfortable, and she cries throughout the entire night at different times. Needless to say, no one is sleeping right now. I've heard elevating the head does do well, and I've tried this in the past with my little one (it was a success). The crazy thing about all of this...we're flying to Florida Saturday for our family vacation. I'm praying my girl gets better soon...she's on the amoxicillin, as well. I think we should agree RIGHT NOW to pray for each other!!! I know without a doubt that is GREAT medicine! Good luck and God Bless!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.P.

answers from Dallas on

Hello T.,

I hope your daughter is doing better. I'd keep her off milk and milk products for a couple of days. you can also put some peppermint oil on a tissue and put it in her room at night (where she doesn't grab it) to help with the congestion. since she's on antibiotics, give her some children's probiotics to help keep her intestinal track balanced. Good luck! ~C.~

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.C.

answers from Dallas on

Her tonsils and maybe even her adenoids are swollen so it is narrowing the air pathway. So the theory is that once the tonsilitis is cleared up they should go back to normal size and her breathing will be fine.

Try to raise her head a little when she sleeps. And keep an eye on it after she is better. My one daughter had her tonsils/adenoids removed when she was 8, but her tonsils were always large which always caused snoring, etc. It was only when they got constantly infected that we finally got them removed. Now she is so quiet when she sleeps!

1 mom found this helpful
For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches