Swollen tonsils can make breathing difficult. These lymphoid tissues, located at the back of the throat, are part of the body’s immune system. When inflamed, they can enlarge, potentially obstructing the airway, leading to issues from mild discomfort to significant breathing problems.
Understanding Swollen Tonsils
Tonsils are lymphoid tissues situated on either side of the back of the throat. They function as part of the immune system, filtering out germs and producing antibodies to fight infections.
Tonsil swelling, medically known as tonsillitis, commonly results from infections. Viruses like the common cold or flu are frequent causes. Bacterial infections, most frequently Group A Streptococcus (strep throat), are another common cause. Less common triggers include allergies, chronic mouth breathing, or dental infections.
When exposed to pathogens, tonsil immune cells become active, leading to inflammation. This causes tonsils to become red, swollen, and sometimes develop white spots or a coating. This inflammation results in their physical enlargement.
How Swelling Affects Breathing
Enlarged tonsils reduce the space for air in the throat, making breathing challenging. Swollen tonsils can protrude into the airway, causing noisy breathing, such as snoring. This obstruction can also lead to a sensation of a lump in the throat or difficulty swallowing.
Breathing difficulties can range from mild discomfort to serious respiratory compromise. Chronically enlarged tonsils are a common cause of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), particularly in children. During sleep, relaxed muscles allow enlarged tonsils to block the airway, leading to breathing pauses and disrupted sleep.
Children with OSA due to enlarged tonsils may experience hyperactivity, behavioral issues, or attention problems. The constant strain on the respiratory system can also impact facial and jaw development over time, as mouth breathing becomes a compensatory mechanism for nasal obstruction.
Recognizing Serious Symptoms
Recognizing serious symptoms of swollen tonsils is important. Severe difficulty breathing, such as gasping for air or shortness of breath, warrants immediate medical attention. A bluish tint to the lips or skin (cyanosis) indicates a lack of oxygen and is a serious symptom.
Other signs of significant airway compromise include severe difficulty swallowing that leads to drooling. A muffled voice, often described as sounding like a “hot potato” in the mouth, can suggest a peritonsillar abscess, a pus-filled pocket behind the tonsil that can block the airway. High fever, a stiff neck, persistent severe pain not relieved by over-the-counter medication, or inability to open the mouth fully also signal a need for urgent medical evaluation.
If tonsillitis symptoms persist for more than four days, or if eating and drinking become difficult, medical advice is recommended. Untreated bacterial infections can lead to complications such as rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation, highlighting the importance of timely diagnosis and appropriate care.
Treatment and Management
Treatment for swollen tonsils depends on the cause and symptom severity. For milder, often viral cases, at-home care is sufficient. This includes rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Gargling with warm salt water and using a cool-mist humidifier can also provide relief.
For bacterial infections like strep throat, antibiotics are necessary. Penicillin is a common antibiotic prescribed, and it is important to complete the full course of medication to prevent complications and recurrence. Antibiotics are not effective against viral tonsillitis, so accurate diagnosis guides treatment.
Surgical removal of the tonsils, a tonsillectomy, may be recommended for chronic or recurrent severe swelling, especially if it causes persistent breathing issues like sleep apnea. This procedure is common for children with enlarged tonsils causing airway obstruction. Tonsillectomy is also recommended for frequent infections, such as seven infections in one year, or five per year for two consecutive years.