Tonsillitis happens when the tonsils become inflamed. The tonsils are two oval-shaped pieces of tissue in the back of the throat. Tonsillitis is usually caused by a common virus that causes the infection. Bacterial infections can also cause tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is more common in children and teenagers than in adults. The most common signs and symptoms include: • Sore throat • Red, swollen tonsils • Difficult or painful swallowing • White or yellow patches of coating on the tonsils • Fever • Scratchy, muffled, or throaty voice • Enlarged or tender lymph nodes • Neck pain or stiff neck • Bad breath • Headache • Stomachache Younger children who cannot describe how they feel may exhibit these signs: • Refusal to eat • Drooling due to painful or difficult swallowing • Unusual fussiness Appropriate treatment for tonsillitis will depend on what the cause is. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis, promptly. Tonsils were commonly removed in the past, but that is no longer the case. Tonsils are only removed if tonsillitis becomes frequent and will not respond to other treatments. They may also be removed if tonsillitis is causing other serious complications.