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What Causes Sudden Inflammation Of Tonsils?

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Posted on Mon, 12 Oct 2015
Question: My tonsils are enlarged suddenly, no fever, some pain but pain is mainly gone after 2-3 days, no other symptoms. Both are enlarged but left is bigger. Is this tonsil cancer? No swollen lymph nodes or strep as confirmed by doctor. Day 2 of Zithromax 5 pack today.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Viral upper respiratory tract infection, not cancer.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. These symptoms including the ear pressure are usually due to a viral upper respiratory tract infection.

2. Cancer of the tonsils is rare. One sided tonsil enlargement is usually seen in cancer. The tonsils normally appear unequal in size hence unless the size difference is very large, no investigation is necessary.

3. Antibiotics will only prevent secondary bacterial infection. Since strep throat has been ruled out and in is only two days, continue the course of azithromycin.

4. You will recover soon.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.

Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sumit Bhatti (22 hours later)
Thank tou Dr Bhatti

Doing better with each day but 2 points to note:

1. Throat feels dry and slightly difficult to swallow until i wet throat and then i feel fine but no throat pain overall.

2. A light ear sensation/pressure on other side very briefly, almost switches from side to side

Also attached is a picture from Sunday evening EST

Your thoughts against the picture and the above would be appreciated
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Pharyngitis.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for writing back.

1. The image shows pharyngitis.

2. There is still marked congestion.

3. The throat irritation is due to persisting inflammation.

4. The ear sensation can also be due to referred sensations as the nerve supply is shared between these structures.

5. You will require sustained treatment for 5 to 7 days for recovery.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.

Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Sumit Bhatti

Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 2685 Questions

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What Causes Sudden Inflammation Of Tonsils?

Brief Answer: Viral upper respiratory tract infection, not cancer. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for your query. 1. These symptoms including the ear pressure are usually due to a viral upper respiratory tract infection. 2. Cancer of the tonsils is rare. One sided tonsil enlargement is usually seen in cancer. The tonsils normally appear unequal in size hence unless the size difference is very large, no investigation is necessary. 3. Antibiotics will only prevent secondary bacterial infection. Since strep throat has been ruled out and in is only two days, continue the course of azithromycin. 4. You will recover soon. I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them. Regards.