What Causes Lingual Tonsil Enlargement?

Posted on Sun, 4 Dec 2016

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

Sun, 4 Dec 2016 Answered on

Mon, 26 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I've had swollen lingual tonsils for over a month - some difficulty with swallowing pills or dry foods as they get stuck in my throat. Went to ENT who scoped and showed me how swollen the tonsils were. He put me on Augmentin for two weeks even though I had no pain and did not feel like I had an infection. No change in swollen tonsils after antibiotic. So he had me start on prednisone three days ago - 60 mg a day for three days then tapering down. I still feel a lump in my throat and difficulty swallowing. Why are these tonsils so unresponsive to treatment?

Answered by Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
The commonest cause is a chronic infection

Detailed Answer:
Hello

The commonest cause for lingual tonsil enlargement is a chronic infection followed by acid reflux from the stomach

Chronic infections of the tonsils are very difficult to treat and may need prolonged antibiotics for upto 4 weeks. Besides this the source of infection has to be looked for and treated.

chronic acid reflux is also difficult to treat and instead of omeprazple I would normally start my patients on omeprazple domperidone combination for atleast 6 to 8 weeks.

Please discuss this with your doctor

Take care!!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar