Swollen Tonsils Overview
Tonsils are located at either side of the back of the throat, appearing as fleshy pads.
Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils, two oval-shaped pads of tissue found at the back of the throat. Symptoms of tonsillitis may include swollen tonsils, sore throat, difficulty in swallowing, and tender lymph nodes located on both sides of the neck.
A common virus can cause tonsillitis most often, but it can also be caused by bacterial infections, which may also result in tonsillitis.
It is important to get a timely and accurate diagnosis of tonsillitis because treatment depends on the cause. Despite the fact that tonsillectomy was once regarded as a common procedure for treating tonsillitis, surgery for the removal of tonsils is usually done only when the tonsillitis occurs frequently, fails to respond to other treatments, or results in serious complications.
What are swollen tonsils?
As part of the lymphatic system, your tonsils are a pair of oval-shaped soft tissue masses located on either side of your throat.
The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in the prevention of illnesses and infections. Tonsils are an important part of this system, as they help to fend off viruses and bacteria that enter the body through the mouth.
Swollen tonsils are known as tonsillitis, which is an infection of the tonsils caused by viruses and bacteria. Whenever this happens, the tonsils swell up.
There are three types:
- Acute tonsillitis: Symptoms typically persist for three to four days, although they may last up to two weeks.
- Recurrent tonsillitis: When you get tonsillitis more than once a year
- Chronic tonsillitis: A long-term tonsil infection may persist over an extended period of time.
Symptoms of tonsillitis
The primary indicators of tonsillitis are usually comparable to common cold or flu symptoms. However, a distinguishing factor is the presence of red, swollen, and sore tonsils.
Additional symptoms may include:
- sore throat
- pain on the sides of the neck
- difficulty swallowing
- fever
- headache
- earache
- fatigue
Swollen tonsils can cause a variety of symptoms, including those that are more severe, such as:
- Bad breath
- It is characterized by swollen, painful glands on the side of your neck that feel like lumps at times.
- Having white spots that look like pus on your tonsils is a sign of pus-filled tonsils
When to see a doctor
If you experience prolonged swelling of your tonsils lasting for more than two or three days, it is important to consult your doctor.
It is recommended to seek medical attention if the tonsils are significantly swollen, causing difficulty in breathing or sleeping, paired with a high fever and/or severe discomfort.
Individuals with asymmetrical tonsils may be at an increased risk of developing tonsil cancer, although additional risk factors must typically be present. If you find that one of your tonsils is larger than the other, it is recommended that you discuss the potential causes with your physician.
Causes of tonsillitis
There are a number of viruses that can cause swollen tonsils, including:
- Adenoviruses: Various viruses are responsible for causing the common cold, sore throat, and bronchitis.
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV): The Epstein-Barr virus is the causative agent of mononucleosis, which is commonly referred to as the ‘kissing disease’. Transmission of this virus occurs primarily via contact with infected saliva.
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV, HHV-5): There is a herpes virus called CMV that is typically dormant in the body, but can sometimes become active in pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems.
- Measles virus (rubeola): This virus, which is highly contagious and affects the respiratory system, is spread through infected saliva and mucus.
This bacterial strain, Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus), is the most common type of bacterium that causes swollen tonsils. This bacterium also causes strep throat, so it is important to treat it as quickly as possible.
Approximately 15-30% of tonsillitis is caused by bacteria.
Why do tonsils get infected?
Your tonsils play an important role in your body’s defense against viruses and bacteria, increasing their vulnerability to infection.
Risk factors for swollen tonsils
Tonsillitis is a condition that can occur at any age, but it is most prevalent among children and adolescents:
- More common in children ages 5-15: tonsillitis due to bacterial infection.
- More common in children 5 years and younger: Infection of the tonsils caused by a virus.
It is likely that many children in the United States may experience tonsillitis at least once, especially when they begin attending school or daycare.
Tonsillitis is a condition that can affect people of all ages, but it is most commonly seen in children. It is rare to observe tonsillitis in individuals under the age of three.
Tonsillitis Treatments
The approach to your treatment plan will be determined in part by the underlying cause of your illness.
Medication
If tests indicate the presence of bacteria, antibiotics will be prescribed. Your doctor may provide these medications via an injection or through an oral regimen to be taken over the course of several days. You should begin feeling better within two to three days, however it is imperative that the full course of medication is completed.
Home remedies
If a virus has been identified, antibiotics will not work in treating the infection and the body’s natural defenses should be allowed to fight the virus. To aid the healing process, some home remedies may provide relief for symptoms.
- Get lots of rest
- Drinking fluids at either warm or very cold temperatures can help reduce throat pain.
- It is recommended to consume soft foods, including flavored gelatins, ice cream, and applesauce.
- Consider using a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier in your room for an added level of comfort.
- Gargle with warm salt water
- It is recommended to take over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief.
Tonsillectomy surgery
Your doctor will try to help you maintain your tonsils, which play a crucial role in your immune system. There is, however, a risk that you might need to have your tonsils removed if your tonsillitis keeps returning or isn’t going away, or if your tonsils are swollen and make breathing or eating difficult. This is known as a tonsillectomy.
The tonsillectomy was once the most common treatment for tonsillitis. However, doctors now only recommend it if the tonsillitis keeps coming back, which is why a tonsillectomy is no longer a standard treatment. You or your child are considered sick if you or your child are sick seven times a year, four or five times a year, or three times a year for the past three years.
Typically, a physician will utilize a surgical instrument known as a scalpel to remove enlarged tonsils. However, alternatives are also available, such as laser therapy, radio frequency waves, ultrasonic energy, and electrocautery to remove enlarged tonsils.
Consult with your doctor to determine the most suitable treatment plan for you.
Tonsillectomy recovery
A tonsillectomy is typically an outpatient procedure that takes less than an hour to perform. Patients are usually able to return home a few hours after the surgery is complete.
Generally, it takes 7 to 10 days to recover from the procedure. You may experience some discomfort in your throat, ears, jaw, or neck following the surgery. Your physician can advise you on which medications are available to help manage this.
In the first 24 hours after your surgery, you should avoid eating or drinking anything containing dairy products. Take plenty of rest and make sure you drink plenty of fluids while you are recovering.
It is normal to experience a low fever and slight traces of blood in your nose or mouth for several days post-surgery. However, if your fever exceeds 102 degrees Fahrenheit or the bleeding is profuse, please contact your doctor immediately.