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What are Enlarged Tonsils?

M.C. Huguelet
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Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 14,437
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Tonsils are patches of tissue found at either side of the throat which function to trap harmful viruses and bacteria as they attempt to enter the body. From time to time, the tonsils can become infected, growing enlarged as a result. The most common causes of enlarged tonsils are tonsillitis — especially strep throat — and mononucleosis. When an individual frequently experiences infected, enlarged tonsils, her doctor may recommend a tonsillectomy to prevent future illnesses.

One of the predominant causes of enlarged tonsils is tonsillitis, an umbrella term used to describe throat infections resulting from both viral and bacterial infections. In the case of a viral infection, tonsil enlargement and pain is often accompanied by cold-like symptoms such as coughing, runny nose, and sneezing. Unfortunately, time — usually five to seven days — is the only real cure for viral tonsillitis. Sufferers can, however, ease symptoms like tonsil soreness and enlargement by taking an over-the-counter painkiller, drinking lots of fluids, and gargling with a saltwater solution.

Strep throat, caused by the streptococcus bacteria, is a common form of bacterial tonsillitis. In most cases, strep throat causes very sore, enlarged tonsils that may be covered with small yellow or white bumps. Strep throat is contagious, so those who suspect they have this illness should visit a doctor. The doctor will usually perform a throat swab and, if strep throat is confirmed, prescribe antibiotics to reduce infection time. Strep-related pain can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers.

Mononucleosis — often known simply as mono — is a somewhat less prevalent cause of enlarged tonsils. Mono is an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and spread through certain bodily fluids, such as saliva and mucus. Along with painful, enlarged tonsils, mono patients also usually experience extreme fatigue and high fever, and in rare cases may suffer swelling of the spleen. As with viral tonsillitis, time and rest are generally the only cure for the mono virus. Sufferers may wish to ease throat and tonsil pain with lozenges, warm and cold fluids, and over-the-counter painkillers.

Some individuals experience painful, enlarged tonsils so frequently that it begins to seriously impact their attendance at school or work. In this situation, the individual’s physician may recommend a tonsillectomy, or the removal of the tonsils. Tonsillectomy is generally an outpatient procedure, but it usually requires several days of somewhat painful at-home recovery. In the long run, however, it can improve the patient’s quality of life by greatly reducing the incidence of throat-related illnesses.

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M.C. Huguelet
By M.C. Huguelet
Cate Huguelet, a Chicago-based freelance writer with a passion for storytelling, crafts engaging content for a wide range of publications, including WiseGeek. With degrees in Writing and English, she brings a unique perspective and a commitment to clean, precise copy that resonates with readers. Her ability to understand and connect with audiences makes her a valuable asset to any content creation team.

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Discussion Comments
By tdeamicis — On Jan 22, 2014

@ddljohn: Is your daughter vaccinated? It is much more common in vaccinated kids as they are exposed to more things, which lowers their immune system. With each sickness, the tonsils can swell more and more, leading to enlarged tonsils. Tonsils are a very important organ, are the only organ to prevent polio (especially back when the live polio vaccine was given).

You can use essential oils to fix the cause, but that most likely won't reduce the size of the tonsils, unless she is still reacting to something (like gluten, pasteurized milk, casein, etc, some type of allergen).

By ddljohn — On Jun 09, 2013

What causes chronic enlarged tonsils in children?

My ten year old daughter has been dealing with swollen tonsils on and off since she was about six.

The odd part about it is that doctors can't tell us what the exact cause is. Her doctor is now recommending a tonsillectomy. I think we're going to have to go with surgery I don't want her to be dealing with this anymore.

By burcinc — On Jun 09, 2013

@ZipLine-- The article mentioned gargling with saltwater. This is probably one of the best remedies for enlarged tonsils symptoms because salt is anti-inflammatory and also kills germs. It will reduce the swelling and it will prevent the throat infection from getting worse. I recommend gargling with salt water every couple of hours. Use warm water and put lots of salt in it.

Taking an anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen will also reduce the swelling. I personally also use OTC analgesic throat lozenges when I have throat pain. They numb the throat.

By ZipLine — On Jun 08, 2013

I have swollen tonsils from strep throat. My tonsils are huge and red. My throat is killing me, it's extremely sore and painful. It hurts to swallow and talk.

My doctor told me to take pain killers, but are there any home remedies that will help?

M.C. Huguelet
M.C. Huguelet
Cate Huguelet, a Chicago-based freelance writer with a passion for storytelling, crafts engaging content for a wide...
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