tonsillitis and diarrhoea in my 2 year old

[chocadoodle]

I just posted this on general health without realising there was a childrens health section, but could really do with some speedy advice so will post here.

My 2 year old has been diagnosed with tonsillitis for the 4th time. This is the 1st time he has not been given anti-biotics as he struggles to swallow the penicillin anyway plus the Dr thinks it's viral.

He ususally gets diarrhoea when suffering with it and I always believed it was a side-effect of the penicillin. But he now has diarrhoea and he hasn't had any penicillin. He's only managed toast and sips of drinks in the last 2 days but has been fully dosed up with calpol and nurofen to reduce his temperature which has been between 37&39 degrees.

Can anyone tell me if diarrhoea is a symptom of tonillitis? I would take him back to GP but don't want to if not necessary. I know I could phone NHS direct but I find them quite vague. I am prone to panicking when my son is ill and just want to know if this is common and to be expected or not. Thanks.

Mine sometimes get runny backsides when they've had regular Calpol/Nurofen etc

Thanks for replying notnowbernard I think you must be right as he seems to be ok otherwise.

My feeling is that tonsillitis can make them swallow more gunk and also I know it can affect the glands in the stomach. I think if he is not eating but taking nurofen that can upset the stomach too. That must have something to do with it??? I am not a medic but my DD has had a lot of tonsillitis and it is more than just a sore throat. I also suffer with it. Horrible.

Thanks Jimmy it's horrible isn't it. He seems a lot better today in himself, but the diarrhoea has been worse. You're right, it is a lot more than just a sore throat and I feel really sad for him that he seems to be someone who's going to pick it up often. I hope it is just the calpol and nurofen as he's had less today. Hopefully we'll have a big improvement tomorrow if that's the case.