Tonsillitis The tonsils Tonsillitis is a very common childhood ailment and is caused by the inflammation of the tonsils. The tonsils are masses of lymph tissue located on the right and left at the back of the throat. Scientists are still trying to pin down the exact function of the tonsils, but they surmise that the tonsils act as a filter and prevent the spread of infections in the throat, mouth and sinuses from spreading to other parts of the body.
Studies also show that the tonsils produce antibodies or cells that fight disease.
The causes As mentioned earlier, tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils get inflamed. Either bacteria or viruses can cause this inflammation. Younger children tend to be afflicted by viral tonsillitis, while older children and adults are more prone to bacterial infection. Tonsillitis can also sometimes be an offshoot of more serious illnesses like diphtheria, scarlet fever and infectious mononucleosis. Some children seem to be more prone to developing tonsillitis than others.