Swallowing difficulties with swollen tonsils
Swollen palatal tonsils often cause swallowing difficulties. A swollen lingual tonsil also causes similar complaints. The swallowing problems can be mild to severe.
Since the swollen tonsils sometimes very strongly constrict the exit of the oral cavity, eating can be extremely painful to hardly possible. A doctor should definitely be consulted. Until the treatment begins or takes effect, soft foods such as yoghurts, soups and mashed potatoes are recommended. In addition, sufficient fluid intake should be ensured in any case.
Shortness of breath
The tonsils and throat, for example, can swell up so much in an allergic reaction that it can lead to shortness of breath. This is an emergency! An emergency doctor must be consulted immediately.
The so-called “kissing tonsills” or enlarged pharyngeal tonsils can also cause shortness of breath. Furthermore, abscesses can lead to shortness of breath. In very rare cases the tonsils of the tongue can swell and cause shortness of breath.
Therapy
Since the causes of swollen tonsils are manifold, the treatments are also versatile. In the case of light, short-term tonsillitis, for example in the context of a cold, certain household remedies may be sufficient. Often physical rest and sufficient fluid intake are sufficient.
Sucking throat sweets or lozenges can also have a soothing effect. In addition, gargle solutions can be pain and anti-inflammatory. If household remedies are not sufficient, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving drugs as well as antipyretic drugs can provide relief.
If after more than a week the symptoms have not diminished or have worsened, a visit to a doctor is usually advisable. This is especially true if there are abnormal breathing noises, breathing difficulties, fever, severe pain when chewing and swallowing and a difficult mouth opening. In addition, a doctor should be consulted if additional serious pre-existing conditions or acute rheumatic fever are known in the family.
In the case of bacterial inflammation, antibiotics can support the body’s own defense system in fighting the pathogens. If chronic tonsillitis has developed, surgical removal of the tonsils is usually advisable. The point at which tonsillitis is classified as chronic and when surgery is recommended is a matter of controversy. More on the topic: Tonsillectomy In some children, the pharyngeal tonsils are also often troublesome and must be removed. However, this operation is usually a minor procedure, with less risk of secondary bleeding, compared to the surgical removal of palatal tonsils.
