Tonsillitis

Key facts Tonsillitis is inflammation (swelling) of the tonsils. It can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Symptoms include a sore throat, trouble swallowing, fever, headache, and swollen lymph glands. Tonsillitis is more common in children than in adults. What is tonsillitis? Tonsillitis is inflammation of your tonsils. The tonsils are glands found at both sides of the back of your throat. Your tonsils are part of your immune system and help protect your body against infection. Tonsillitis makes your tonsils swollen and sore. It is most common in children. Adults can get tonsilitis, but it is not common.  The tonsils are