How to prepare for a video visit about Tonsillitis (Non-strep)

Audience: pediatric

Tonsillitis (Non-strep) is an inflammation of the tonsils usually caused by viruses. It often causes sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and fever in children. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help assess symptoms and guide care without needing to visit a clinic in person. During the visit, the provider may ask about your child's symptoms, medical history, and may request to see the throat via video. Preparing for the visit by gathering information and creating a calm environment helps the appointment go smoothly. While many mild cases improve with rest and fluids, some signs require urgent care. Telemedicine can support education and symptom management but cannot replace in-person exams or tests when needed. This guide helps families prepare for a video visit about non-strep tonsillitis, understand what to expect, and know when to seek emergency care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing — call emergency services immediately.
• Unable to swallow saliva or excessive drooling — seek urgent medical care.
• High fever lasting more than 3 days or not responding to fever reducers — contact healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and medical history related to tonsillitis.
• Visual inspection of throat via video to assess redness or swelling.
• Providing advice on symptom management and home care.
• Guidance on when to seek in-person or emergency care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing throat swab tests to confirm bacterial infection.
• Providing prescriptions requiring physical examination or lab tests without prior assessment.
• Managing severe complications requiring immediate physical intervention.
• Diagnosing other causes of sore throat that require in-person evaluation.

What is Non-strep Tonsillitis?

Non-strep tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils caused mainly by viruses, not by the bacteria that cause strep throat. Symptoms often include sore throat, red and swollen tonsils, fever, and sometimes cough or runny nose. It usually resolves on its own with rest and fluids.

How to Prepare for the Video Visit

Before the appointment, have your child's recent symptoms ready, such as when they started, fever details, and any medications given. Find a quiet, well-lit place with good internet connection. Make sure your device's camera and microphone work. Have a flashlight or phone light ready to help show your child's throat if asked.

What to Expect During the Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about symptoms and may ask to see your child's throat via video. They will check for signs of severe illness and advise on care. They cannot perform throat swabs or physical exams through video but can guide you on next steps.

Common Treatments and Care at Home

Most non-strep tonsillitis cases improve with rest, plenty of fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers if appropriate. Avoid irritants like smoke. Follow the provider's advice on medications and watch for worsening symptoms.

When to Seek Emergency Care

If your child has difficulty breathing, severe throat pain preventing swallowing, drooling, high fever not responding to medication, or sudden worsening symptoms, seek emergency care immediately.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note the start date and details of your child's symptoms.
• Ensure your device has a working camera, microphone, and good internet connection.
• Prepare a well-lit, quiet space for the video visit.
• Have a flashlight or phone light available to help show your child's throat.
• List any medications your child is taking and any allergies.
• Be ready to describe any changes in breathing, swallowing, or behavior.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on home care and medications.
• Monitor your child's symptoms closely for improvement or worsening.
• Keep your child hydrated and rested as recommended.
• Schedule follow-up appointments if advised or if symptoms persist.
• Seek emergency care if any red flag symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can a video visit diagnose tonsillitis?

A video visit can help assess symptoms and guide care but cannot confirm diagnosis with tests like throat swabs. It is useful for initial evaluation and advice.

How can I show my child's throat clearly during the video visit?

Use a flashlight or phone light to illuminate the throat. Have your child tilt their head back and open their mouth wide. Try to keep the camera steady and focused on the throat area.

What should I do if my child has a fever during tonsillitis?

You can give age-appropriate fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen following dosing instructions. Keep your child hydrated and monitor the fever. Contact your provider if the fever lasts more than 3 days or is very high.

Is tonsillitis contagious?

Non-strep tonsillitis caused by viruses can be contagious. Encourage good hand hygiene and avoid close contact with others while your child is symptomatic.

When is an in-person visit necessary?

If your child has severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, trouble swallowing, persistent high fever, or if symptoms worsen or do not improve, an in-person evaluation is needed.

Sources

1. Tonsillitis — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Sore Throat (Pharyngitis) in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Tonsillitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment — Mayo Clinic.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If your child has severe or worsening symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.