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Hypertrophic Tonsils


Overview of Hypertrophic Tonsils

overview

The tonsils are lymph nodes in the back of the mouth and top of the throat. They normally help to filter out bacteria and other microorganisms to prevent infection in the body. They may become so overwhelmed by bacterial or viral infection that they swell and become inflamed, causing tonsillitis. The infection may also be present in the throat and surrounding areas, causing pharyngitis.
Chronic infection can lead to enlargement of the tissue that forms the tonsils. It can cause obstruction of the airway, the throat and can lead to persistent infections.

Causes of Hypertrophic Tonsils

causes

The health care provider will look in the mouth and throat for enlarged, visible tonsils. They are usually reddened and may have white spots on them. The lymph nodes of the jaw and neck may be enlarged and tender to the touch.
A culture of the tonsils may show bacterial infection. A culture for the streptococcus bacteria (strep) may be taken because it is the most common and most dangerous form of tonsillitis. A rapid strep test may also be performed by your physician by taking a throat swab for a quick diagnosis.
Rarely, enlarged tonsils can be the result of neoplastic or cancerous diseases that affect the lymph nodes and lymphatic tissue.

Signs and Symptoms of Hypertrophic Tonsils

signs and symptoms

Chronic sore throat and difficulty swallowing can be signs of tonsillitis and hypertrophy or enlargement of the tonsils. The following may occur with acute and chronic involvement of the tonsil:
swollen tonsils make it hard for your child to breath
your child has difficulty swallowing
recurrent sore throats
recurrent throat infections
obstructive sleep apnea (a condition in which your child may stop breathing for a few seconds at a time during sleep because enlarged tonsils are partially blocking his airway)



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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008

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