Explore Over 11,000+ Conditions, Medications, and Symptoms.

Get a personalized feed by signing up for free.

Enlarged tonsils

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

Additional names

This group contains additional names: - Tonsils Hypertrophy

General

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.

26 people with Enlarged tonsils are on Alike.

"Alike is the place to get answers from people who firsthand share your health challenges"

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.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

pp-logo

Alike is a transformative platform that goes beyond just bringing together patients; it meticulously connects individuals based on multiple critical factors, such as age, gender, comorbidities, medications, diet, and more, fostering a community of knowledge, support and empathy.

appStoreBtngooglePlayBtn

© 2020-2024 Alike, Inc