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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffTonsillitis 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
