What Causes Swollen Tonsil?

Posted on Tue, 18 Mar 2014

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

Tue, 18 Mar 2014 Answered on

Mon, 14 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi. I had swollen tonsil (Left side) two weeks back. I took Azithral for 5 days and get cured. Due to change in weather, I got mild cold and fever. After few days, I started feeling pain between the area of Ear and Tonsils. When I touch the end part of tonsil from outside (in neck) I feel pain in neck and ear.I started getting this feeling (only when I press that part of neck) for last 4 days. Earlier pain was higher... Once I started taking Phexin BD (375) twice a day, I feel that the pain is little less than earlier. I wish to know, is it because of ear or tonsil infection or something else? I am taking medicine for last 4 days...and there is only little improvement.... how long it will take to resolve completely... Pl note I have no fever at present I dont have difficulty to swallow food or drink water Pl help

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Pain due to inflammation of lymph node Detailed Answer: Hi Welcome to Healthcare-Magic Greetings of the day Namasthe Dear Mr XXXXXXX Infection and inflammation of Tonsil causes the reactive inflammation of the lymph node draining the tonsil. It is known as jugulodigastric node or tonsil node and is exactly situated at the point where you are experiencing pain on pressing. It's a normal inflammatory response. I would suggest you the following which will definitely help 1. Hot water fomentation : local application of hot water bag or cloth immersed in hot water will be helpful 2. Warm saline gargling : Add two spoon of common table salt to glass of lukewarm water. Gargle throat with it thrice a day 3. Decoction : to a cup of milk + 10 Tulsi leaves + 2 gms of fresh ginger + 2 black pepper + 1 spoon of turmeric + 2 spoon of sugar. Bring it to boil. Filter it and consume it hot thrice a day 4. Betadaine mouth gargling twice daily I hope it helped In case you require any further assistance, will be glad to assist you. Take care Best Regards Dr Deepak Kishore MBBS, MS, MCH Consultant Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (33 minutes later)

thank you doctor. currently I am taking antibiotics...since last Friday..so five days now.... though pain is subsided but not completely gone.... I am using hexadine mouthwash...... I will use the therapy suggested by you. what is the normal duration to get cured from such infection? is it serious condition? pl advise

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer: No reason for worry Detailed Answer: Hi Dear Sir, As you have mentioned the pain has decreased, no fever, no throat pain this means you are on path of recovery. Its definitely not serious, it is one of the common cause for throat pain with fever. It normally subsides in 1-2 weeks. Do not worry. Take Care Regards Deepak

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (2 minutes later)

should I continue taking phexin BD for another five days? I am allergic to dust and my profession is such that I have to move within city on two wheeler. is there any medication that can increase immunity so that such infection does not happen in future? pl advise.

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Steam Inhalation will be helpful Detailed Answer: Hi Dear Mr XXXXXXX Do continue taking Phexin Regarding your problem of allergy , I would suggest you the following 1. Wear Mask and Helmet while driving, preferably wear medical grade mask which you can get from Surgical store of your town 2. Steam Inhalation: 15 minutes each session twice a day preferable using electric steamer will be helpful. ( Being a Surgeon , I am also exposed to formaldehyde of Operation theater and even i do get respiratory symptoms often, steam inhalation has benefited me a lot) 3. Chyawanprash: It contains Indian Gooseberry which is the richest dietary source of Vitamin C( Vitamin C and other ingredients are helpful in boosting immunity) 4. Glass of warm water with honey and lemon added twice a day 5. Trial of Combination of Cetrizine + Montelukast : it will prevent allergic reacion. Continued use for 2 months will be beneficial. 6. Two servings of fruit a day 7. 2 - 3 liter of water a day Do write to me directly if you need further inputs. Take Care Best Regards Deepak

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (9 days later)

Hi Doctor. Good Morning. I took phexin for another five days from 20th March. I feel fine. Earlier I had pain in front part of neck even if I twist my neck...but today its fine. However I feel little pain if I press that part (I think its a nerve near to my left tonsil). But there is no pain if I move my neck. I already took antibiotic for 15 days.... pain is almost reduced by 80% now. I started applying ice on the part where I feel pain, and I found that pain is subsided in great way. I dont have fever, dont feel trouble in swallowing, sometimes I feel pain is radiating from Front part of neck to my jaw but it goes immediately. I dont feel continuous pain. I am little anxious as I searched this issue earlier on google and it gives me result of cancer....or nerve problem. I consulted my doctor however he thinks its normal. Kindly share your opinion. Should I continue using antibiotic?

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer: unlikely to be cancer Detailed Answer: Hi Dear Mr XXXXXXX Internet and Google is full of resources and vast information. It's like information at your fingertips. But in spite of all these advances nothing can replace a good clinical examination. When your Physician has examined you thoroughly and has felt it's normal, I will definitely go with the words of Physician for two reason 1. One should rely on good clinical examination. 2. Pain in cancer is usually present in advanced stage.presence of pain implies more of inflammation. Pain in cancer is present only when there is fungating growth which becomes infected or direct infiltration and involvement of nerves carrying pain sensation. Even though I have not examined you clinical, I still would consider tonsil infection as culprit. Sometimes leads to prolonged pain called tonsil neuralgia. Having the habit of warm saline gargling will be very effective. Do mail me if you need any further assistance Take care Best Regards Dr Deepak Kishore Consultant Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (7 minutes later)

Thank you very much doctor. I live in city called Rajkot. Though we have good family doctor but most of time he is busy and give medication within 5 to 10 min. He examined me and told me to take antibiotic which I took it for almost 15 days. Pain is subsided by 80% but not completely gone. I got anxious as when I press that part, I feel like its a nerve being swollen. When I apply ice I feel fine. How much time it will take for getting it cured completely... I mean no pain should be there.

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (9 hours later)

Brief Answer: Tenderness may persist for couple of months Detailed Answer: Namasthe Dear brother Pain which occurs only on pressing is known as tenderness. If without pressing there is no pain then there seems to be no cause for concern. Tenderness may persist for 2 weeks. Gargling will definitely help. Do write to me directly if you need any further assistance. Take care Best Regards Deepak

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (1 hour later)

thank you very much doctor..... your advices help me a lot..... should I continue applying ice? I started gargling and feel nice

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Continue ice for 1 week Detailed Answer: Hi Bro Continue applying ice if that makes you feel better . Take care Best Regards Dr Deepak

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar