Tonsillitis

Introduction

Open your mouth wide in front of a mirror. Do you see your tonsils? They're located on each side of your throat, just behindand above your tongue. 

Years ago, many young children had their tonsils removed. In fact, surgery was once the standard treatment for recurrent tonsillitis — inflammation of the tonsils caused by a viral or bacterial infection. 

Today, tonsils are recognized for their role in filtering harmful bacteria and viruses that could cause more serious infections. When tonsillitis strikes, the first line of treatment is typically self-care or antibiotics. Surgery is seldom necessary, unless tonsillitis recurs often or it interferes with breathing or swallowing.