Tonsillitis

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Definition
Symptoms
Causes
Risk factors
When to seek medical advice

Tests and diagnosis
Complications
Treatments and drugs
Prevention
Lifestyle and home remedies

Definition

Tonsillitis is when the tonsils — fleshy pads on each side of the back of the throat — become infected with a virus or bacteria. A common childhood ailment, tonsillitis causes the tonsils to become swollen and painful.

Most cases of tonsillitis are caused by a virus and are treated at home with over-the-counter sore throat remedies. Less often, tonsillitis is caused by a bacterial infection and antibiotics are needed. At one time, removing the tonsils (tonsillectomy) was a common treatment for recurrent tonsillitis. Today, surgery is only recommended if tonsillitis doesn't get better with other treatment.

Symptoms