What are swollen tonsils?
Swollen tonsils, or tonsillar hypertrophy, is an enlargement of one or both of the tonsils in the throat. This can be due to infection, chronic inflammation, or anatomical factors. The tonsils are part of the body's immune system and help to trap bacteria and viruses that enter through the mouth and nose.
Causes of Swollen Tonsils
The tonsils, or tonsils, are part of the body's immune system and can react to various external factors by swelling. Swelling is often a sign that the body is fighting infection, but there are other causes that can contribute to enlarged tonsils.
- Infections: Both viruses (e.g. colds, Epstein-Barr virus) and bacteria (mainly streptococci) can cause temporarily swollen tonsils.
- Recurrent tonsillitis: With repeated infections, the tonsils can remain chronically enlarged.
- Allergies and irritation: Allergens or environmental factors such as smoke can cause long-term inflammation and swelling.
- Enlarged tonsils without infection: Common in children, where the swelling can cause breathing or sleep problems (e.g. snoring or sleep apnea).
Symptoms of swollen tonsils tonsils
Swollen tonsils can cause a variety of symptoms, which vary depending on whether the swelling is due to an infection or other causes. Symptoms can be mild and transient, but sometimes more pronounced problems occur that affect everyday life.
- Visibly enlarged tonsils: The tonsils can be seen as large, red or pale bulges in the throat.
- Difficulty swallowing: Large tonsils can make it difficult to swallow food or liquids.
- Sore throat: Can be constant or come in periods.
- Snoring and breathing problems: Common in children with severely enlarged tonsils.
- Recurrent infections: If the tonsils often become infected (sore throat).
When should you seek medical attention?
Most cases of swollen tonsils are harmless and go away on their own, but sometimes medical help may be needed. It is important to recognize signs of more serious conditions or when the symptoms become prolonged.
- If the swelling does not go away within two weeks.
- If there is difficulty swallowing or suspicion that the tonsils are affecting breathing (especially in children).
- If the symptoms are recurrent or severe.
Investigation and blood tests
If the swelling in the tonsils is persistent or its cause is unclear, the doctor may recommend certain blood tests and examinations. These help determine if there is an infection, inflammation or other underlying disease.
- CRP: To rule out ongoing infection or inflammation.
- Blood count: To check blood values, signs of infection or other systemic effects.
- Monospot or EBV serology: To rule out glandular fever as the cause.
- Strep test: If a bacterial throat infection is suspected.
Treatment of swollen tonsils
Treatment of swollen tonsils depends on what is causing the swelling. In many cases, no treatment is required at all, but sometimes both medication and surgery may be necessary to relieve symptoms and prevent recurrence.
- In case of infection: Viral infections often go away on their own, but bacterial infections may require antibiotics.
- Cortisone treatment: Can sometimes be considered for severe swelling or inflammation.
- Tonsillectomy: Surgical removal of the tonsils may be considered in chronic or very difficult cases.