What are the effects of enlarged tonsils?

Jul 16, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

These days, the area around my tonsils has been severely swollen. Doctor, what are the effects of tonsil hypertrophy?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lu Cheng
Enlarged tonsils may have multiple effects, mainly including: 1. Breathing difficulties: Enlarged tonsils may cause pharyngeal narrowing, leading to snoring, mouth breathing, and even sleep apnea syndrome. Severe cases may result in hypoxia and affect the patient's sleep quality. 2. Difficulty swallowing: Enlarged tonsils may obstruct the passage of food through the throat, causing dysphagia, dry throat, and throat itching. 3. Recurrent infections: As an immune organ, the tonsils may become more susceptible to bacterial or viral infections after enlargement, leading to tonsillitis, pharyngitis, and other conditions. Severe cases may result in high fever and sore throat. 4. Decreased immune function: Tonsillar hypertrophy may impair immune function, making the body more prone to infections. 5. Impact on speech development: Enlarged tonsils may affect the movement of oral muscles, thereby influencing children's speech development and pronunciation.