Tonsil Problems

The tonsils are two areas of lymphoid tissue located at the back of the throat and form part of the immune system. One of the most common tonsil problems is tonsillitis, where the tonsils become inflamed, usually because of a viral infection and sometimes because of bacteria. Inflamed tonsils may become red and swollen and can develop white patches or spots. Symptoms can include a sore throat, painful swallowing, fever and swollen glands in the neck. Some people experience recurrent episodes of tonsillitis, which can have a significant impact on school, work, sleep and everyday life.

Tonsils can also become persistently enlarged without an active infection. Enlarged tonsils are particularly common in children and may sometimes narrow the upper airway. Significant enlargement can contribute to mouth breathing, snoring, disturbed sleep or obstructive sleep apnoea in some people. Tonsil size varies naturally, however, and large tonsils do not automatically indicate a medical problem. Assessment is generally based on symptoms and their effect on breathing, swallowing and sleep rather than tonsil size alone.

Another common concern is tonsil stones, or tonsilloliths. Tonsils naturally contain small folds and crevices called crypts, where food particles, dead cells, mucus and bacteria can become trapped. This material can gradually harden into small white or yellow deposits. Tonsil stones are usually harmless but may contribute to persistent bad breath, an unpleasant taste, throat irritation or the sensation that something is stuck in the throat. Persistent or recurring tonsil symptoms can have several different causes, so identifying whether the problem is infection, enlargement, stones or another throat condition is important before deciding how it should be managed.