Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, which are located at the back of the throat — one tonsil on each side. Normally, it is caused by infection with a virus, but also by bacterial infections. Because appropriate treatment depends on the cause, it is important to get an immediate diagnosis. Surgery to remove tonsils was common, but nowadays it is only performed when the person affected does not respond to other treatments or has serious complications.

Tonsillitis most commonly affects children. However, symptoms are common to all ages. Some of them include:  swollen tonsils or with white patches, sore throat, painful swallowing, fever, scratchy voice, stiff neck and headache. In children, it is also normal the loss of appetite or an unusual fussiness.