Common childhood illnesses: Tonsillitis

The tonsils are two small glands that sit on either side of the throat. In young children, they help to fight germs and act as a barrier against infection. If the tonsils become infected, the infection is isolated in the tonsils and this stops it spreading further into the body. In most cases, tonsillitis gets better within a week; however, a small number of children have tonsillitis for longer or they develop recurrent tonsillitis. This article provides advice for health visitors and parents on preventing and managing the symptoms of tonsillitis.