Learn about tonsillar hypertrophy, including causes of enlarged tonsils, common symptoms, when a tonsillectomy is needed, and available treatment options for both children and adults.

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of your tonsils, two masses of tissue in the back of your throat. It’s most common in children and can be caused by both viral and bacterial infections.

Swollen tonsils often signify something is up with your body—like an impending cold or virus. There are many causes for the mounds in the back of your throat to become inflamed. And much like a ...

Medically reviewed by Sukaina Hasnie MD White spots on your tonsils are typically a sign of common bacterial or viral infections, such as tonsillitis, strep throat, or mononucleosis. White spots can ...

Children are more likely to undergo a tonsillectomy, but adults may need the procedure, too. Children tend to experience more infections because the immune system function of the tonsils is most ...

Chronically enlarged tonsils may also shrink as children get older. Most of the time, treatment is not necessary. Sometimes, your pediatrician might recommend a nose spray to try to shrink the tonsils ...

While the procedure is more common in younger children, tonsils may be required to be removed at any age. Tonsillectomy is the second-most common procedure performed by otolaryngologists.