If you open your mouth and look in the mirror, you will see small oval-shaped tissue areas located on both sides of the throat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tonsils are often out of sight, but they play a role in the lymphatic system, which helps with immune response in the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The tonsils are a proactive player in fighting off bacteria and viruses that enter through your mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n
Tonsillitis is the medical term for swollen tonsils. Some people have a short-term episode of swollen tonsils because of an illness. For example, you might notice that your tonsils swell when you have a head cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are times when patients experience tonsils that are chronically swollen. In this situation, it\u2019s common for the swelling to be caused by a chronic, long-term condition that could be affecting overall health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here is an overview of the three types of tonsillitis:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to swollen tonsils, it\u2019s common for other symptoms to be present. Sometimes, these symptoms are noticed before a patient sees that the tonsils are swollen. Or, you might see the swollen tonsils before additional symptoms develop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What do swollen tonsils feel like? Watch for these symptoms to see if you have tonsillitis:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s possible that swollen tonsils without other symptoms are normal, especially in children. But if an adult has swollen tonsils with no other symptoms, then it could be an indication of cancer. When you notice that your tonsil swelling doesn\u2019t go away, then it might be time to talk to an ENT for a professional diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n Keep in mind that swollen tonsils are often a symptom of another health condition. If tonsillitis is caused by a viral or bacterial infection, then you might be diagnosed with one of the following illnesses:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most effective way to reduce tonsil swelling is to find the underlying reason why your tissue is inflamed. When we identify the illness or disease that is causing the immune response, then we can treat the condition to eliminate these symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, if a sinus infection is resulting in a post-nasal drip that causes the tonsils to swell, then treating the sinus infection will often clear up tonsillitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The approach to tonsillitis treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and the timeline of your condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Short-term swelling related to a head cold often requires minimal treatment to ease your discomfort such as sucking on lozenges, gargling with salt water, and drinking plenty of fluids. As your body fights off the infection, then the swelling will go down. A cold virus usually needs to \u201crun its course\u201d before you start feeling better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, chronic tonsillitis requires treatment from a medical professional. Certain causes of tonsillitis won\u2019t clear up without treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, strep throat requires an antibiotic prescription to avoid the bacteria spreading to other parts of the body. Certain viruses can be treated using antiviral medication as needed.<\/p>\n\n\n Surgery is considered a last-resort treatment for swollen tonsils<\/a>, but there are times when it makes sense to remove the tonsils. This procedure is known as a tonsillectomy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Frequent, recurring bouts of tonsillitis can interfere with your daily activities. If a person has chronic tonsillitis and the symptoms aren\u2019t responding to normal treatments, then a doctor might recommend surgery to remove the tonsils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This surgical treatment is done on an outpatient basis, which means that you don\u2019t need to stay the night in the hospital. Surgical removal might be recommended for children who have recurring infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Or, sometimes adults need to have their tonsils removed to treat complications such as breathing issues or sleep apnea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The surgery is completed in as little as 30 minutes, using cauterization or a scalpel to remove the tonsils. It was once a widespread procedure, but doctors are not using this treatment method as often now.<\/p>\n\n\n Since we visit with many patients who have swollen tonsils, it\u2019s common for us to answer similar questions about this condition. Here are the answers to a few of your most common questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do You Need to See an ENT for Swollen Tonsils?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just because your tonsils are swollen doesn\u2019t mean that you need to schedule an appointment right away. Here are a few common indications that you need to talk to an ENT:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Other Symptoms of Tonsillitis<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Common Causes of Swollen Tonsils<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Treatment Options: Sinus, Throat, and Overall Health<\/h2>\n\n\n
Do You Need Surgery for Tonsillitis?<\/h2>\n\n\n
Frequently Asked Questions: Advice from an Ear, Nose, & Throat Doctor<\/h2>\n\n\n
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