Tonsillitis facts for kids
Tonsillitis is a common illness that affects your tonsils. Your tonsils are two small, oval-shaped pads of tissue at the back of your throat. When you have tonsillitis, these tonsils become swollen and red.
Tonsillitis can also be called pharyngitis, laryngitis, or a tonsillar infection. It's caused by either a virus or bacteria.
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What Causes Tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis happens when your tonsils get infected. Most of the time, a virus causes it, like the common cold virus. Sometimes, bacteria can be the cause, such as the bacteria that causes strep throat.
How Do You Know You Have It?
When your tonsils are infected, they can look red and swollen. You might also notice white spots or streaks on them.
Other common signs of tonsillitis include:
- A sore throat that makes it hard to swallow
- A fever
- Headaches
- A weak or hoarse voice
- Feeling very tired (fatigue)
- Bad breath
- Aches in your back and neck
- Chills
How Is Tonsillitis Treated?
The way tonsillitis is treated depends on what caused it.
- If bacteria caused your tonsillitis, a doctor might give you antibiotics. These medicines help kill the bacteria.
- For pain and fever, you can take medicines that relieve pain, like Tylenol or Advil.
- It's also important to get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids.
Sometimes, if someone gets tonsillitis very often or if it causes serious problems, doctors might suggest an operation to remove the tonsils. This surgery is called a tonsillectomy. It's a way to stop the infections from coming back.
How Does Tonsillitis Spread?
Tonsillitis is contagious, which means it can spread from person to person. It usually spreads through close contact, like when someone coughs or sneezes. Washing your hands often can help prevent the spread of germs.
Images for kids
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Illustration comparing normal tonsil anatomy and tonsillitis
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Bacteria or viruses can cause tonsillitis.
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Throat swab.
See also
In Spanish: Amigdalitis para niños
