Enlarged tonsils can be caused by tonsillitis, streptococcus, and mononucleosis. Treatment includes rest, pain relief, and antibiotics. A tonsillectomy may be recommended for frequent sufferers.
The tonsils are patches of tissue found on either side of the throat that function to trap harmful viruses and bacteria as they attempt to enter the body. From time to time, the tonsils can become infected and grow as a result. The most common causes of enlarged tonsils are tonsillitis, especially sore throat, and mononucleosis. When an individual frequently experiences infected and enlarged tonsils, their 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, enlarged tonsils and pain are 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, relieve symptoms such as tonsil pain and enlargement by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, drinking plenty of fluids, and gargling with a saltwater solution.
Streptococcus, caused by strep bacteria, is a common form of bacterial tonsillitis. In most cases, a sore throat causes very sore and enlarged tonsils that may be covered in small yellow or white bumps. Strep is contagious, so those who suspect they have this disease should see a doctor. Your doctor will usually perform a throat swab and, if strep throat is confirmed, prescribe antibiotics to shorten the time to infection. Strep related pain can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Mononucleosis, often known simply as mono, is a somewhat less common cause of enlarged tonsils. Mono is an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and is spread through certain bodily fluids, such as saliva and mucus. Along with painful and enlarged tonsils, mono patients usually also experience extreme tiredness and high fever, and in rare cases, may suffer from swelling of the spleen. As with viral tonsillitis, time and rest are usually the only cure for monovirus. Sufferers may want to relieve throat and tonsil pain with lozenges, hot and cold liquids, and over-the-counter pain relievers.
Some individuals experience painful and enlarged tonsils so frequently that it begins to seriously impact their attendance at school or work. In this situation, the individual’s doctor may recommend a tonsillectomy or removal of the tonsils. Tonsillectomy is generally an outpatient procedure, but usually requires several days of somewhat painful home recovery. In the long run, however, it can improve the patient’s quality of life by greatly reducing the incidence of throat-related diseases.
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