can enlarged tonsils affect breathing

Common Causes

Tonsil symptoms may accompany other symptoms affecting the throat and mouth including:

• Bad breath
• Change in or loss of voice
• Cough
• Coughing up clear, yellow, light brown, or green mucus
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Feeling of something stuck in the throat
• Pus or white patches covering the tonsils or throat
• Sore throat
• Tender jaw

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Related Conditions

You Might Need a Tonsillectomy Now

• Signs You Need Your Tonsils Out. Tonsils are glands located on both sides of the back of the throat. ...
• When to See Your Doctor. Because sore throats are not uncommon, it may be difficult to know when to make an appointment.
• Tonsillectomy: What to Expect. A tonsillectomy is performed under general anesthesia. ...

What are the signs of bad tonsils?

‌‌Other symptoms in children with enlarged tonsils and adenoid problems include the following: ‌

• Sore throat
• Trouble swallowing
• Inner ear infection
• Bright red tonsils
• Bad breath
• White or yellow film on tonsils
• Fever in some cases with infection

How to know when you need your tonsils removed?

While more rare, enlarged tonsils may also cause sleep apnea or snoring in adults as well. It should be noted that while snoring can be associated with sleep apnea, not all people who snore have sleep apnea. Snoring occurs due to vibration of the soft tissues in the upper airway, enlarged tonsillar tissue can contribute to these noises.

What are symptoms of enlarged tonsils?

Do large tonsils cause snoring?

Will removing tonsils help with breathing?

Tonsil surgery can improve or get rid of breathing and sleep problems such as snoring or breathing pauses in children. But surgery isn't always necessary. Enlarged palatine tonsils can affect children's sleep. It is common for children who have enlarged palatine tonsils to have enlarged adenoids too.

Can tonsils interfere with breathing and swallowing?

When enlarged, tonsils sometimes interfere with breathing or swallowing, and adenoids may block the nose or the eustachian tubes that connect the back of the throat to the ears. Usually, tonsils and adenoids return to normal size once the infection is over.

What happens when your tonsils are too big?

When the tonsils are enlarged, they can cause a variety of symptoms. Sometimes they cause no problems at all. In other cases, they can cause or contribute to snoring and sleep problems.

Can tonsillitis cause shortness of breath?

In rare cases, tonsillitis can cause the throat to swell so much that it causes trouble breathing. If this happens, seek immediate medical attention. While some tonsillitis episodes resolve without treatment, some may require other treatments.

Can throat problems cause breathing problems?

The throat could also feel scratchy and irritated, which can worsen when swallowing. Common causes include a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu, and bacteria. Most sore throats are not serious, but severe symptoms can make breathing difficult.

How can you tell if your tonsils need to be removed?

3 Signs You Might Need Your Tonsils Removed: Tonsillectomy In...Look for constant throat infections. Tonsils become infected from exposure to excess bacteria or viruses, commonly called tonsilitis. ... Do you have trouble sleeping? The swollen tonsils can cause sleep apnea. ... A strange growth on your tonsils.

Do enlarged tonsils need to be removed?

Surgery is typically recommended only if you have other related symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, persistent pain, swelling of the glands in your neck, or one tonsil that keeps getting larger and larger over time. The good news is most of the time, having one enlarged tonsil is simply due to a minor issue.

When should I be concerned about swollen tonsils?

If you have swollen tonsils that last for more than 1 or 2 days, see your doctor. You should also seek medical treatment if your tonsils are so swollen that you have trouble breathing or sleeping, or if they're accompanied by a high fever or severe discomfort.

Why are my tonsils so big?

Enlarged tonsils can be a sign of infection or irritation from things like smoke or polluted air. Some people just naturally have larger tonsils. In other cases, there’s no known cause. Tonsillar hypertrophy is particularly common in children, though it can also affect adults.

Why are tonsils bigger in children?

Children’s tonsils are generally larger than adult’s because their bodies are busy fighting off the frequent colds and other viruses of childhood. Large tonsils often get smaller on their own as children age.

What is the term for a swollen tonsil?

Tonsillar hypertrophy is the medical term for persistently enlarged tonsils. The tonsils are two small glands located on either side of the back of the throat. They’re part of your immune system and help to fight off infections that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and other germs that enter your body through your nose and mouth.

What are the complications of tonsillar hypertrophy?

These include: heart and lung conditions, such as pulmonary hypertension or heart enlargement. trouble in school.

How to tell if a child has a large tonsil?

Young children with large tonsils should also be seen by their doctor if they have sleeping or feeding difficulties, even if they don’t seem to be in pain. They’ll start by looking at your medical history and asking about any additional symptoms you have. They may also feel around your neck for any signs of swelling.

What is the procedure to remove tonsils?

Surgery to remove the tonsils is called a tonsillectomy. During a tonsillectomy , your doctor might also remove your adenoids, which are two glands located in the back of your nose near the roof of your mouth. A tonsillectomy is a straightforward procedure done under general anesthesia.

What does a throat culture show?

This involves swabbing the back of the throat and testing the tissue for signs of a bacterial infection. You may also need an X-ray to give your doctor a better view of the soft tissues in your neck.

Why do tonsils swell?

Swollen tonsils are commonly caused by an infection, bacteria, or viruses such as: Strep throat 1 . Mononucleosis 2 . Common cold 3 . Cytomegalovirus (CMV) 4 . Herpes simplex virus (HSV) 5 . In some individuals, the swelling in their tonsils becomes a chronic condition that does not go away.

How long does it take for tonsils to go down?

While the tonsils may occasionally become swollen when you have an infection, for most people the swelling goes down in a few weeks. For some people, however, the swelling becomes a chronic condition and can lead to other health complications if not treated. Tharakorn / Getty Images.

What causes a person to stop breathing?

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes a person to stop breathing for brief periods of time during sleep. Swollen tonsils are a common cause of obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious condition which has been associated with many other serious health risks and symptoms including: 6  1 Fatigue 2 High blood pressure 3 Mood changes 4 Depression 5 Heart attack 6 Congestive heart failure 7 Abnormal heart rhythms 8 Stroke

What causes a person to stop breathing for a short period of time during sleep?

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes a person to stop breathing for brief periods of time during sleep. Swollen tonsils are a common cause of obstructive sleep apnea . Sleep apnea is a serious condition which has been associated with many other serious health risks and symptoms including: 6 

Can tonsils be malnourished?

With acute swelling of the tonsils, lack of eating is not likely to result in malnutrition, however, if you have chronic or recurrent swelling and pain, lack of adequate nutrition and weight loss can become an issue.

Can you eat and drink with tonsillitis?

Treating pain will help you to be able to eat and drink. The other symptoms will improve with treatment (antibiotics) if the cause is bacterial or with time if the cause is viral. Chronic tonsillitis or recurrent tonsillitis is different than the occasional infections which cause a temporary episode of swollen tonsils.

Can tonsils be removed?

When other treatments have failed to decrease the size of your tonsils, your doctor may recommend surgical removal of your tonsils and adenoids, especially if you have complications such as sleep apnea.

Why do tonsils feel swollen?

If your tonsils feel swollen or appear enlarged for an extended period of time, this might be a sign of throat cancer. Swollen tonsils without fever can also be caused by allergies, tooth decay, and gum disease.

How to tell if tonsillitis is swollen?

In addition to swollen tonsils, tonsillitis may present with several other symptoms, including: sore, scratchy throat. irritated, red tonsils. white spots or a yellow coating on the tonsils. pain on the sides of the neck. difficulty swallowing. fever. headache. bad breath.

What is the function of tonsils?

The lymphatic system helps you avoid illness and infection. It’s your tonsils’ job to fight off viruses and bacteria that enter your mouth. Tonsils can become infected by viruses and bacteria. When they do, they swell up. Swollen tonsils are known as tonsillitis.

What is the best test to check for tonsils swelling?

If you start taking antibiotics before seeing the doctor, you’ll skew the results of the tests. A blood test called the CBC, or complete blood count, can sometimes help to determine if the cause of your swollen tonsils is viral or bacterial.

How to heal a swollen tonsil?

Things to try include: getting lots of rest. drinking fluids, such as water or diluted juice, at room temperature. drinking warm tea with honey or other warm liquids, such as clear chicken soup or broth.

How long does it take to remove tonsils?

This procedure usually takes around a half hour to perform. Tonsils may be removed with a scalpel or via cauterization or ultrasonic vibration.

How to get rid of a swollen tooth?

If you’re the one who’s sick, discard your toothbrush after your infection has cleared. Boost your immune system by eating a healthy diet, getting enough rest, and exercising regularly. Don’t smoke cigarettes, vape, chew tobacco, or spend time in a secondhand smoke environment.

What are swollen tonsils or enlarged tonsils?

Tonsils are two round lumps that are located in the back of the throat. The purpose of tonsils is to prevent bacteria and viruses from entering the body through the nose or mouth. However, when tonsils become enlarged in adults or children, they can be the cause of certain health conditions.

Is it dangerous when tonsils become enlarged?

Tonsils that have swollen or become enlarged can cause the following serious health conditions:

What are the symptoms of swollen tonsils?

One of the most common symptoms of enlarged tonsils in adults is the inability to breathe through the nose. Other signs of large tonsils include:

When should I see a doctor about my swollen tonsils?

If you experience any swelling of the throat or large tonsils, it is important to see a doctor. He or she may recommend you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist, such as New York ENT to help diagnose and remedy your condition.

How are enlarged tonsils treated?

Enlarged tonsils usually indicate an underlying cause, and therefore are treated based on the cause of the swelling. Bacterial infections are usually treated with antibiotics but may be severe enough to require tonsillectomy or removal of the tonsils.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are suffering from enlarged tonsils, the first step towards feeling better is to schedule an evaluation with an experienced ear, nose and throat doctor. Board-certified physicians with New York ENT have extensive experience diagnosing and treating a wide variety of neck and throat conditions.

How to tell if tonsils are enlarged?

If your or your child’s tonsils or adenoids are enlarged, it may be hard to breathe through the nose, or cause difficulty while sleeping. Other signs of adenoid and/or tonsil enlargement include: 1 Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose most of the time 2 Nose sounds “blocked” when the person speaks 3 Chronic runny nose 4 Noisy breathing during the day 5 Recurrent ear infections 6 Snoring at night 7 Restlessness during sleep, or pauses in breathing for a few seconds at night (this may indicate sleep apnea, or other sleeping disorder)

What is the condition where a child's tonsils are enlarged?

Symptoms may include: If your or your child’s tonsils or adenoids are enlarged, it may be hard to breathe through the nose, or cause difficulty while sleeping. Other signs of adenoid and/or tonsil enlargement include: You should see your ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist, or otolaryngologist, ...

Why do you need to remove tonsils and adenoids?

In adults, the possibility of cancer or a tumor may be another reason for removing the tonsils and adenoids.

Why is it hard to breathe through my nose?

Bad breath. If your or your child’s tonsils or adenoids are enlarged, it may be hard to breathe through the nose, or cause difficulty while sleeping. Other signs of adenoid and/or tonsil enlargement include: Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose most of the time. Nose sounds “blocked” when the person speaks.

How to check tonsils and adenoids?

Other methods used to check tonsils and adenoids are: Throat cultures or strep tests to identify infections in the throat. A small, flexible scope to visualize the size of the adenoids; an X-ray may also be ordered. Blood tests to diagnose infections such as mononucleosis.

What are the two lumps in the back of your throat called?

Tonsils are the two round lumps in the back of your throat. Adenoids are high in the throat behind the nose and the roof of the mouth (referred to as your soft palate). They are not visible through the mouth or nose without special instruments. Tonsils and adenoids are part of the immune system and help protect the body from disease.

Can antibiotics be used to treat tonsils?

Bacterial infections of the tonsils, especially those caused by streptococcus, are first treated with antibiotics. Tonsillectomy, removal of the tonsils and/or adenoids (adenoidectomy), can be an option when infections return frequently even after antibiotic therapy or there is difficulty breathing with the enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids.

What is the condition where the tonsils are enlarged?

Causes. Symptoms. Complications. Diagnosis. Treatments. Frequently Asked Questions. Tonsillar hypertrophy, a condition in which the tonsils are enlarged, is more common in children than adults. Large tonsils usually don't cause symptoms, or only cause minimal symptoms.

Why does tonsil growth cause a narrowing of the airway?

For children who do not have room to spare, tonsil growth may cause a narrowing that prevents adequate passage of air. Additionally, muscle tone is firmer in children than adults, potentially shrinking the airway opening in the back of the throat.

How to treat tonsillitis?

Treatments can depend on the cause of the enlargement: 7 1 Treatment for inflammation and swelling due to allergies will often involve medications to reduce the allergic reaction. 2 Tonsillitis caused by a viral infection usually involves supportive care, such as fluids and fever reduction. 3 Bacterial infections generally require treatment with antibiotics. 4 Sometimes tonsils are removed with tonsillectomy surgery. 8 This procedure has a low degree of risk and may resolve the effects of tonsillar hypertrophy or chronic tonsillitis.

Why do kids have tonsils?

Causes. Children can have large tonsils for a number of reasons. The back of the mouth and throat are proportionately smaller in children. The lymphoid tissue of the tonsils and adenoids grows in most children between the ages of 2 and 6 years.

What to do if your child has tonsils?

If your child is having problems that seem to be related to enlarged tonsils, talk to their doctor to get a diagnosis and to see what treatment options would be best for your child.

Can tonsils be uneven?

This can happen with hypertrophy or tonsillitis, but sometimes uneven tonsils can be a sign of tonsil cancer, which is rare in children. 9.

Can tonsils cause chronic inflammation?

Many of these complications can contribute to and worsen each other. For example, large tonsils can predispose your child to recurrent infections, which in turn can lead to chronically inflamed tonsils.

What is the function of tonsils?

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the tonsils are part of your body’s lymphatic system, which helps fight off infection. Since they are located in the back of your throat, tonsils are often the first line of defense against germs like viruses and bacteria that enter the body through the nose or mouth.

How many people have tonsils removed?

But do you know what your tonsils do—and would you recognize if they were causing you problems? Tonsil issues are actually somewhat common: In fact, close to 300,000 people over the age of 15 have theirs removed each year, according to research published in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery. Here's what you need to know about your tonsils—and what you should do if they're causing issues like dragon breath or snoring .

Why does my throat hurt when I get overworked?

But if they get overworked or overwhelmed, tonsils themselves can get infected, causing them to swell and get irritated, a condition called tonsillitis. Often caused by allergies, bacteria, or viruses like streptococcus or Epstein-Barr, you’ll likely know something is wrong because the back of your throat will be sore and painful.

What is tonsilectomy surgery?

The surgical removal of the tonsils (known as a tonsillectomy) is a fairly standard operation performed by an ENT and often also includes removal of the andenoids—patches of tissue that sit in the back of the nasal cavity and work in conjunction with the tonsils—as well. But the surgery itself has been on the decline.

Can tonsil stones cause pain?

While many tonsil stones are small and don’t cause any discomfort, when larger calcifications form, they can make swallowing painful. "When [the tonsil stones] are rock hard, they can act as a foreign body and cause localized discomfort," says Murray. "When you swallow, it is like you have a pin in your throat." If you are experiencing swallowing discomfort and don’t have allergies or a virus like strep throat, the pain may be caused by large tonsil stones. Sometimes you can dislodge the tonsil stones at home by vigorously gargling salt water or even coughing. However, larger tonsoliths may require a consultation with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist to discuss professional removal options such as laser tonsil cryptolysis. According to the New York Head and Neck Institute, during this procedure, which is done under local anesthesia (meaning you're awake), a doctor inserts a tube containing a laser through your nostrils and down your throat to blast through tonsil stones.

Can tonsil surgery be done on adults?

While some studies show modest benefits for kids suffering from recurrent tonsil issues, the surgery has mixed results in its effectiveness for adults. "Tonsillectomies should be a last treatment resort for all tonsil issues because there can always be complications with surgery," says Gallups.

Can you remove tonsils for snoring?

If the condition is severe, removing the tonsils may be recommended. "It’s a last resort, but it is the most common treatment for this kind of snoring because few people want to wear a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure device (C-PAP) every night to keep the airway open," he says.

How do tonsils work?

Tonsils work with adenoids to keep you healthy. Your adenoids are further back and higher than your tonsils. They rest where your nasal passage connects to your throat. Typically, when enlarged tonsils are removed, the adenoids are taken out too.

Why do you need tonsils?

They are important for keeping bacteria out of your throat and esophagus. Their main purpose is to protect you from bacterial and viral infections. If they’re swollen, they can be harmful to your health.

How old do you have to be to get tonsillectomy?

This depends on the type of tonsillar hypertrophy you have and whether the adenoids are affecting your quality of life. Any child over the age of 4 years can get a tonsillectomy. It is a simple surgery that takes very little time.

Why do tonsils get yellow?

White or yellow film on tonsils. Fever in some cases with infection. Causes of Tonsillar Hypertrophy. ‌There’s no exact cause of tonsillar hypertrophy. However, some doctors believe that secondhand smoke from cigarettes and air pollution could cause enlarged tonsils.

What is tonsillar hypertrophy?

Medically Reviewed by Dan Brennan, MD on April 23, 2021. ‌Tonsillar hypertrophy is when you or your child’s tonsils become swollen. Enlarged tonsils are a common condition, more likely to happen in children. Surgery to remove the tonsils might be required depending on how large they become. This is called a tonsillectomy .

Can antibiotics shrink tonsils?

‌Treatment for tonsillar hypertrophy is a common, easy procedure. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to get rid of bacterial infection, which may shrink your swollen tonsils. However, this will depend on the severity of the enlarged tonsils.

Can tonsillar hypertrophy cause inflammation?

This can cause infection and inflammation in your body. Tonsillar hypertrophy can be simple, which means you only have enlarged tonsils, or it can be hypertrophy with chronic inflammation. Your treatment plan and health effects will depend on how tonsillar hypertrophy affects your body. Regardless, tonsillar hypertrophy can have harmful effects on ...