• This is an inflammatory disorder of the tonsils, which are lymph nodes in the throat.  It is present with pharyngitis.
  
• It is common in childhood.
  

• Sore throat
  
• Difficulty swallowing
  
• Headaches
  
• Fever, chills
  
• Tenderness of the jaw and throat
  
• Hoarseness
  
• Breathing difficulty
  

- Group A hemolytic Streptococcus, Corynebacterium diphtheriae

• A culture of the tonsils for bacteria such as streptococci
  

• Antibiotics for bacterial tonsillitis
  
• Rest.
  
• Drink fluids
  
• Gargle with warm salt water to reduce pain.
  
• Medications such as acetaminophen to reduce pain and fever
  
• Remove the tonsils (tonsillectomy) for severe swallowing and breathing difficulties.
  

• Pharyngitis
  
• Airway obstruction
  
• Peritonsillar Abscess
  
• Rheumatic Fever
  
• Kidney failure
  
• Poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis
  

• Contact your physician if your child has additional symptoms of tonsillitis, new symptoms, a sore throat for more than 48 hours, or if symptoms get worse.