Have Swollen Tonsil With White Coating. Is It A Post Nasal Drip?

Posted on Thu, 7 Mar 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 7 Mar 2013 Answered on

Mon, 1 Apr 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a swollen tosil on the right side. i did sleep with a celing fan on high. There is no pain. But the tosil has a whiteness to it. But no white spots and lower down the toung is white coated in some areas. Is it a post nasle drip. I due suffer from allergies

Answered by Dr. Polash Sannigrahi (1 hour later)

Hello XXXXXXX,

Thanks for your query.

Swelling of tonsil can be due to:
1. Tonsillitis- inflammation/ infection of the tonsil
2. Tonsil stones (tonsilloliths)- due to calcium deposition

The white coating can be attributed to post nasal drip or poor oral hygiene.

The management consists of:
1. Gargle with warm salt water to reduce swelling.
2. Antihistamines to provide symptomatic relief.
3. Antibiotics, if bacterial infection is suspected.
4. Analgesics to take care of pain & fever(if any)

So, it will be better to consult an ENT specialist & get a proper physical examination done.
So that appropriate management steps could be taken.

Meanwhile, avoid taking cold food & drinks, maintain adequate hydration & take soft, non-spicy foods.

Wishing you a Good Health.
Let me know if I need to clarify further.
Thanks & take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Mohammed Kappan