Swollen tonsils are a symptom of tonsillitis, an infection of the tonsils. Because the tonsils, which are lymph nodes positioned at the top of the throat, guard the throat from foreign organisms that might cause disease if they reach the lungs, they are frequently vulnerable to becoming infected themselves. Children often develop swollen tonsils, although they can occur at any age.
Causes
Tonsillitis can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Viral infections by the virus family that causes the common cold is the most frequent source of swollen tonsils, according to Dr. Alan Greene, a pediatrician. Other viruses that can infect the tonsils include mononucleosis and coxsackievirus. In the case of bacterial infections, group A streptococcus is the most common source of infection.
Timing
Swollen tonsils can occur at any age, but most cases of tonsillitis appear around the time when children first enter kindergarten, Greene says. Infants younger than 1 year old and adults rarely develop swollen tonsils. The infection causing the swollen tonsils determines the length of time they remain swollen. Tonsillitis can last a few days or it might last months, as in the case of mononucleosis-caused swelling of the tonsils.
Complications
According to the Mayo Clinic, swollen tonsils can cause difficulty breathing if left untreated for long periods. Obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that forces patients awaken in the middle of the night, is another potential complication that swollen tonsils can cause. If the individual has difficulty swallowing as a result of the swelling, dehydration can occur. In some cases, the infection causing the swelling can spread into the tissue surrounding the tonsils or can create an abscess behind them.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the underlying infection causing the tonsillitis. If the infection is bacterial, a doctor can prescribe antibiotics to halt the infection. In the case of viral causes, no medication is available to destroy the infectious agent, so treatment revolves around easing the symptoms. This can be accomplished by taking over the counter pain medication and drinking plenty of fluids. In cases where the swollen tonsils are causing complications, the infection is not subsiding or the infection recurs many times over the course of one to three years, a doctor can recommend surgery to remove the tonsils.
Testing
Since determining the proper course of treatment depends on knowing the infectious agent causing the swollen tonsils, a doctor will perform tests to help diagnose the underlying infection. A rapid strep test, or throat swab, can confirm or rule out the presence of streptococcus bacteria. A complete blood count, or CBC, can help determine whether the infection is bacterial or viral. A separate blood test is available to look for mononucleosis if accompanying symptoms are consistent with that disease.
