Tonsil facts for kids

Schematic of the mouth, showing the tonsils

Your tonsils are small, oval-shaped parts of your body located at the back of your throat, one on each side. They are made of a special kind of tissue called lymphoid tissue, which is part of your body's defense system. When people talk about 'tonsils,' they usually mean the ones you can see at the back of your throat, called the palatine tonsils.

What Are Tonsils?

Tonsils are like little guards at the entrance to your throat. They are part of a bigger network called the lymphatic system. This system helps your body fight off germs and stay healthy. Think of them as tiny stations that catch invaders.

Your Body's Defenders

Just like other parts of your lymphatic system, your tonsils are a key player in your immune system. They work hard to help protect your body from getting sick. Doctors believe tonsils are especially good at fighting off infections in your throat and nose area. These are also known as upper respiratory tract infections. They help stop germs from going further into your body.

What is Tonsillitis?

When your tonsils get an infection, it's called tonsillitis. This often happens when germs like bacteria or viruses get past your tonsils' defenses. When they get infected, your tonsils can become swollen and sore. It's a common problem, especially for kids and teenagers.

Signs of Tonsillitis

If you have tonsillitis, you might notice a few things. Your throat will likely feel very sore, and it might hurt to swallow. Your tonsils might look red and swollen. Sometimes, you can even see white spots or streaks on them. You might also have a fever, headache, or feel tired.

How Doctors Help

If you think you have tonsillitis, it's a good idea to see a doctor. They can figure out if it's caused by bacteria or a virus. If it's bacteria, they might give you medicine called antibiotics. If it's a virus, antibiotics won't help, and you'll need to rest and drink lots of fluids. Sometimes, if tonsillitis happens very often, doctors might suggest a surgery to remove the tonsils. This surgery is called a tonsillectomy.