i am pretty sure that my 4 yo has tonsilitis AGAIN. is there anything else that we can do to treat it other then antibiotics. everytime she gets sick she ends up with swollen tonsils and they are larger to start out with. also if it is not treated right away, can it lead to anything else. doc is ready to send her to an ent, as for when she is sick she wakes up gasping for air and he thinks that when she is laying down they are interfering with her breathing.

I have no idea what to suggest sorry hunny, my daughter used to be prone to this every year and she once had it 4 times in one year. I think it is best to get the anti biotics for it though as this will help to reduce the swelling and make it easier for her to breather.

I hope that you get answers soon though,

I think antibiotics are the only thing to try once they are infected. There are some homeopathic remedies online, but it is hard to say what is safe and what is just a money-making gimmick. I saw some info on preventing reinfection and it said to throw out old toothbrushes, keep nasal passages clear, and to stay away from smokers (I am sorry, I know that is probably not much help)

Has the doctor discussed removing them? I know it is not that common anymore but if she is having trouble breathing it might be serious enough. That is usually only if they have it more than 4 times in one year or if it lasts more than 3 mos without really responding to treatment I think.

If it is left untreated the infection can spread down the throat and block off the airway http://www.itonsil.com/p.htlm

Praying for your little girl.

just got back from the clinic and she has a bad case of it. the doc said to bring her to our regular doc when she is done the antibiotics and said if her tonsils were still large( today they are large and very red) then she would have to go to the ent.

Lori, sounds like your DD needs a tonsilectomy. My DS had his out when he was 2.5 and my DD had hers out when she was 17months. They both had very large tonsils that always ended up being a huge issue for us. ANd since then, they are both better when sick, it is one less thing to deal with.
I am praying for your gal. KUP?

Praying for your DD! What a scary and uncomfortable thing for a little one to be going through. [prayer]