What is tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is a bacterial infection of the tonsils usually caused by the Streptococcus bacteria

Classically tonsillitis presents with a progressive sore throat, fever, enlarged neck nodes and feeling unwell. The tonsils appear red and swollen and often have a white exudate.

Some patients can be so unwell that they are unable to eat and drink

In adolescents and young adults the first episode of tonsillitis often occurs in association with glandular fever