Tonsillitis overview

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils and will often, but not necessarily, cause a sore throat and fever.

There are 3 main types of tonsillitis: acute, subacute and chronic. Acute tonsillitis can either be bacterial or viral in origin. Subacute tonsillitis (which can last between 3 weeks and 3 months) is caused by the bacterium Actinomyces. Chronic tonsillitis, which can last for long periods if not treated, is almost always bacterial.