Condition Basics

What is tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is an infection or inflammation of the tonsils (Figure 1). The tonsils are areas of lymph tissue on both sides of the throat, above and behind the tongue. They are part of the immune system, which helps the body fight infection. Tonsillitis often goes away on its own after 4 to 10 days.

What causes it?

Tonsillitis is usually caused by a virus. For example, it can be caused by the same viruses that cause the common cold. It can also be caused by the same bacteria that cause strep throat. Viruses and bacteria are usually passed by close contact with an infected person.

What are the symptoms?

The main symptoms of tonsillitis are a sore throat and swollen tonsils. Symptoms may also include a fever, a congested or runny nose, swollen lymph nodes (Figure 2), a headache, and trouble swallowing.

How is it diagnosed?

Your doctor will look at your throat to see if you have red and swollen tonsils (Figure 3) with spots or sores. These signs can mean that you have tonsillitis. Your doctor may do a rapid strep test along with a throat culture. These will show if the tonsillitis is caused by streptococcus bacteria.

How is tonsillitis treated?

If your tonsillitis is caused by bacteria, you may need treatment with antibiotics. Tonsillitis caused by a virus usually goes away on its own. Treatment includes self-care at home, such as taking over-the-counter pain medicine. Surgery to remove the tonsils may be recommended if you've had problems such as repeat infections or obstructive sleep apnea.

Does your child need a tonsillectomy?

Tonsillectomy is surgery to remove the tonsils. It's generally used for children who have repeated infections, especially when they interfere with daily life. It may also be done to treat snoring and sleep apnea caused by large tonsils. But it should only be done after you and your doctor carefully think about your child's medical history and overall health.

Tonsillectomy may also be done for problems such as a peritonsillar abscess or cancer.

Your Child's Tonsillectomy: Before Surgery, video

Your Child's Tonsillectomy: Returning Home, video

Tonsils, adenoids, and uvula, Opens dialog

Common Sites of Swollen Lymph Nodes, Opens dialog

Tonsillitis, Opens dialog

Figure 1 - Tonsils, adenoids, and uvula

The tonsils and adenoids are made of lymph tissue in the throat. They help make substances (antibodies) that help the body fight infection. The tonsils can be seen on either side of the throat at the back of the mouth. The adenoids are higher in the throat and usually cannot be seen.

The uvula is the small, finger-shaped piece of tissue that hangs down from the soft palate in the back of the throat. It can usually be seen when the mouth is open wide.

Current as of: September 25, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Figure 2 - Common Sites of Swollen Lymph Nodes

The three most common sites of swollen lymph nodes are the neck, armpit, and groin.

Current as of: September 27, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Figure 3 - Tonsillitis

The main symptom of tonsillitis is a sore throat, which usually appears red and swollen along with the tonsils. The tonsils may have white patches or a yellowish coating.

Current as of: September 27, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.