The wait times in our emergency departments are longer than usual due to illnesses like RSV and the flu. View our estimated ED wait times and learn more about where to get care for your sick child.
Say: tahn-suh-LYE-tus
Your tonsils are at the back of your throat. They help keep bad germs from getting into the rest of your body. But sometimes bacteria and viruses get into tonsils and they get infected. This is called tonsillitis. Kids with tonsillitis have trouble swallowing and their throats hurt a lot. Some kids will need to take antibiotics to get better.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995-2025 KidsHealth ® All rights reserved. Images provided by iStock, Getty Images, Corbis, Veer, Science Photo Library, Science Source Images, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com
Reach us 24/7 for patient referrals, consults, admissions and neonatal transport.
© 2025 Children’s Minnesota
Children’s Minnesota is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our tax identification number is 41-1754276.
