Enlarged Tonsils

Tonsils are located at the back of the throat and are a part of the body's immune system. The immune system helps in fighting off the harmful germs from the body. Sometimes, due to specific causes, the tonsils become enlarged or inflamed. Enlarged tonsils is a fairly common condition, but, can lead to severe negative effects if not treated at proper time. Inflamed tonsils is a symptom of tonsillitis and tonsil stones (tonsilloliths); among which tonsillitis is relatively common.

Causes of Enlarged Tonsils

Viral or bacterial infections are the major or prominent causes of swollen tonsils. Bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes or streptococcus which leads to sore throat, leads to tonsillitis in children as well as adults. As a part of the immune system, tonsils are prone to inflammation caused by viral and bacterial infections. Secondly, immune deficiency and adenoid disorders are also the other causes which lead to this condition. Another viral disease, mononucleosis or the kissing disease, is also believed to be the cause of enlarged tonsils in people. This disease is observed in teenagers and young adults. Swollen tonsils with no sore throat can be caused due to food or airborne allergy. Pain and discomfort while swallowing, difficulty in speaking, etc. are the symptoms of this condition. On the other hand, other symptoms in toddlers and adults include ear infections and ear aches and frequent sinus infections.

Treatment

There are several different methods available for swollen tonsils treatment. However, before recommending a treatment, the doctor will undertake examination and also inquire about the history of throat infections or symptoms experienced by the person. In case a person observes swollen tonsils with white spots, he should consult the doctor immediately. Tonsillitis caused due to bacterial infections can be treated with the help of antibiotics. It is advisable to complete the entire course of antibiotics in order to get quick and permanent relief. The doctor will also prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to get rid of the pain and discomfort in the throat. Tonsillitis caused due to viral infection gets cured on its own, but one can make use of swollen tonsils remedy like gargling with warm salt water at home.

Apart from medications, there are several home remedies that help in the treatment of enlarged tonsils in adults and children. They are as follows:

• You should add 3-4 teaspoons of honey, a pinch of common salt and 1-2 teaspoons of lemon juice in a glass of warm water and drink it.
• You can include hot soups in your diet or meals as they are easy to swallow and can help in giving relief to tonsils. You can also add black pepper in the soup.
• Having herbal tea also provides quick relief to the inflamed tonsils. Having hot tea with traces of ginger in it is another home remedy.

Along with the home remedies, it is also advised to drink a lot of fluids and take rest. One should try to speak as little as possible to give rest to the tonsils. If none of the above mentioned treatment methods or home remedies help, and one suffers from frequent recurring enlargement and swelling; the doctor will advise surgical removal of the tonsils. This is an easy and safe surgery done in nearly all the major hospitals and health centers.

It should be noted that this condition can turn severe if it is not treated immediately and hence, one should undertake quick treatment as soon as the symptoms are observed. Take care!