Tonsillitis and Pharyngitis in Children

Antimicrobials are indicated in infections caused by group A streptococci diagnosed by culture or rapid antigen test. Symptomatic treatment is indicated in other cases. Infectious mononucleosis presents with only mild symptoms in small children. Treatment with antimicrobials is of no benefit for the child, but a course of amoxicillin during the disease will provoke a red-spotted rash in almost every patient (picture ). Epidemics caused by streptococci should be identified and managed. Contaminated food and milk may cause streptococcal epidemics.