ENLARGED TONSILS

Overview and Facts

Enlarged tonsils are usually a sign of infection or irritation if you are exposed to smoke and polluted air.

The tonsils are two small glands inside the back of your throat. Tonsils are also a part of your immune system that help fight against infections.

Persistently enlarged tonsils are also known as tonsillar hypertrophy. It is most common in children because they have larger tonsils than adults, as their bodies are often too busy fighting off frequent colds and other viral infections of childhood.

In children, the tonsils will get smaller on their own as they age. However, adults can be also affected by enlarged tonsils. Some people have naturally enlarged tonsils with no cause.

Types and Symptoms

SYMPTOMS

Usually, enlarged tonsils don’t always cause symptoms. If tonsils will get very large, they can impede your breathing as they can block your throat.

If you notice these signs and symptoms of enlarged tonsils and are bother in your everyday activities, consult your doctor immediately.

These symptoms include:

  • Bad breath
  • Constant runny nose
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Difficulty breathing through the nose
  • Loud snoring
  • Mouth breathing
  • Noisy breathing
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Repeated ear or sinus infections
  • Restless sleep
  • Trouble eating in young children

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

If you develop painful and enlarged tonsils, it is advised that you consult your health care professional beforehand to have immediate treatment for infection.

Kids with enlarged tonsils and are having difficulty in feeding and sleeping need to be seen by a doctor, even if they don’t experience pain. Doctors may begin at checking the medical history and asking about the symptoms that you have. They may also do a physical exam around your neck to look for signs of swelling.

To diagnose someone with enlarged tonsils, doctors may do the following tests, depend on your age and symptoms:

  • Medical history
  • Physical exam
  • Sleep study
  • Throat culture
  • X-ray

TREATMENT

When enlarged tonsils interfere with your daily life activities such as eating, sleeping and breathing, treatment may be immediately needed.

Antibiotics are needed if enlarged tonsils are caused by an underlying infection. Nasal corticosteroid sprays and antihistamines can help if enlarged tonsils are due to allergies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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