3 1/2 Year Old with Tonsillitis, High Fever Since Friday

Hi J.~

The doctor seems to think he does have tonsillitis and it seems he's not doing anything to help him get better. Call him on it. Ask him point blank: "What are you doing to do?" If he wants to "wait and see", with me, when it comes to my children, that won't cut it for me as I want answers and immeditate action. All doctors take the hypocratic oath that begins with "First do no harm" and if he's not helping your son, then it would seem he's doing harm.

Some suggestions: get a second opinion, or take him to your local ER and see what they have to say. If surgury is an option for you (some parents don't want to do that to their chidlren) then get him what he needsl. I've never dealt with tonsillitis myself, but I know what it's like to have a sick child and it is just heart wrenching.

Get your son a second opinion and help him get better. Good luck to you...

~J.

1 mom found this helpful

I just hate it when little ones have such high fevers. You are probably just exhausted from worry. 3-5 days of fever is about right with tonsillitis. The other mom gave great advice on giving cold things. Hope he feels better soon.

Hey J.,

My son had mono and he never ran such a high fever, also his spline was enlarged when the doctor felt his belly. I wouldn't worry about eating as much as drinking and with a sore throat it is difficult to eat. Have you tried ice pops they usually work? I just had a little boy at my daycare with tonsillitis and he ran a fever for three solid days so I think it is normal. You are doing the right thing alternating the Motrin and Tylenol to keep the fever under control. If you can get him to drink broth just try not to make it to hot, cold is better for a sore throat. I would try any kind of ice pop or even Italian Ice you can get him to take to keep him hydrated. I think
Pedialyte even makes ice pops. Pretzels are nice and salty and may get him to drink as well. Even if he sucks the salt off of the pretzel rods it may get him to drink. My doctor also would recommended jello water it also worked. Put whatever you can in a cup with a straw and even if it is small sips it is better then not drinking while he has a fever. If he still has a fever in the morning I would call the doc for a recheck. Good luck!!

When my kids have throat infections I give them ice pops (te real fruit kind), yogurt, apple sauce and pudding. Just push fluids as best you can. Oh, DO NOT give aspirin to a child with fever. Tylenol and ibuprofen are perfect. Asprin can cause a very serious condition.

If your son has a viral infection, there is nothing the doctor can do and antibiotics wont do a thing. Just dress him in cotton clothing to help the heat escape and don't over bundle. He'll be feeling better before you know it.

Get to another Dr.!!! OR let your Dr. know you are not happy with the handling of your child!! Better yet!! when the fever is raging, go to the emergency room!! and its always been my understanding that Tylenol will not reduce fever it is simply a pain reliever, aspirin is the best fever reliever as long as there are no allergies!!