Understanding Enlarged tonsils: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

What is it?

The tonsils are two small glands located on either side of the back of the throat. They function as part of the immune system and have a role in producing cells to fight infections like bacteria, viruses and fungus. Enlarged tonsils, better known as tonsillar hypertrophy, is the medical term for persistently enlarged tonsils. Enlarged tonsils may be a sign of an underlying bacterial or viral infection such as streptococcus, mononucleosis, and influenza.

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Additional names

This group contains additional names:
- Tonsils Hypertrophy

Signs & symptoms

Enlarged tonsils don't always cause symptoms, but if they do they symptoms usually are: difficulty breathing through the nose or mouth, snoring, restless sleep and daytime sleepiness due to obstructive sleep apnea (when you wake up from sleep due to obstruction of your airway)

Diagnosis

Your healthcare provider may ask you about your symptoms and medical history. Depending on your symptoms, he or she may also do a throat culture that involves swabbing your throat and tests the tissue for a bacterial infection.

Treatment

Treatment for tonsils hypertrophy is usually required if the condition is symptomatic, or if it caused by and underlying bacterial infection, then you may need antibiotics. Enlarged tonsils that are due to allergies, may be treated using a nasal corticosteroids spray. Surgery may be the option of treatment if your enlarged tonsils interfere with your breathing and aren't due to any underlying condition.

☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.

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Source of Information - We analyze big data of more than 23 million patients de-identified medical records from the following sources:

National Institution of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ University of Illinois hospital