What should I do for swollen tonsils and severe cough?
Nov 27, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
Enlarged tonsils and severe cough may be caused by environmental irritants, excessive voice use, acute tonsillitis, acute bronchitis, allergic pharyngitis, etc. Symptoms can be improved by adjusting the environment, resting the vocal cords, and medication. If symptoms worsen or are accompanied by fever or difficulty breathing, prompt medical attention is required. Prolonged exposure to dusty, smoky, or dry environments may contribute to these conditions.
Swollen tonsils and severe cough may result from environmental irritation, vocal strain, acute tonsillitis, acute bronchitis, or allergic pharyngitis. Symptoms can be improved by adjusting the environment, resting the vocal cords, or using medication. If symptoms worsen or are accompanied by fever or difficulty breathing, prompt medical attention is necessary.
1. Environmental irritation: Long-term exposure to dusty, smoky, or dry environments can irritate the tonsils, causing congestion, swelling, throat discomfort, and coughing. It is recommended to avoid polluted environments, use a humidifier to increase moisture, and drink plenty of warm water to soothe the throat.
2. Vocal strain: Frequent loud speaking or singing can lead to congestion and swelling of the tonsils and pharyngeal mucosa, triggering coughing. It is advised to reduce voice use, allow the vocal cords to rest, avoid shouting, and maintain a light, non-irritating diet.
3. Acute tonsillitis: Inflammation caused by bacterial or viral infection leads to swollen tonsils and sore throat; airway irritation from inflammation can cause severe coughing. Patients may take medications such as amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium dispersible tablets, Pudilan anti-inflammatory oral liquid, or dextromethorphan sustained-release suspension under medical guidance to relieve symptoms.
4. Acute bronchitis: Respiratory infections spreading to the bronchi cause inflammation-induced severe coughing, which may also affect the tonsils, leading to their swelling. It is recommended to use medications such as cefaclor sustained-release capsules, ambroxol and clenbuterol oral solution, or budesonide suspension under a doctor's supervision to alleviate symptoms.
5. Allergic pharyngitis: Exposure to allergens such as pollen or dust mites triggers an allergic reaction in the throat, resulting in swollen tonsils, throat itching, and paroxysmal severe coughing. Patients may follow medical advice to use loratadine syrup, montelukast sodium chewable tablets, or nebulized ipratropium bromide solution to improve symptoms.
Maintain indoor ventilation and cleanliness, eat a light diet rich in fruits and vegetables, drink plenty of water, avoid allergens, and ensure adequate sleep to support recovery and reduce discomfort.
