Tonsillar hypertrophy, a condition in which thetonsilsare enlarged, is more common in children than adults.
Large tonsils usually don’t cause symptoms or only cause minimal symptoms.
But they can cause health problems, includingsnoringandsleep apneawhich can affect daytime behavior and long-term growth in children.
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What Causes Enlarged Tonsils in Kids?
Children can have large tonsils for a number of reasons.
The back of the mouth and throat are proportionately smaller in children.
What Are the Symptoms of Enlarged Tonsils?
Many children who have large tonsils never develop symptoms.
Prolonged symptoms indicate a chronic issue.
Tonsillar hypertrophy is more common in children, but adults can have swollen tonsils andassociated complicationsas well.
Complications of Enlarged Tonsils
Sometimes enlarged tonsils can cause problems.
Many of these complications can contribute to and worsen each other.
Obstructed Breathing
Enlarged tonsils can interfere with breathing.
This is more common during sleep, but it can occur while awake.
Interrupted sleep and oxygen deficiency can prevent a child from getting enough restorative sleep.
Heart and Pulmonary Disorders
Children who have enlarged tonsils can develop heart and lung complications.
Your child may have additional tests to assess their oxygen level and breathing ability.
Can only one tonsil be enlarged?
This can happen with hypertrophy or tonsillitis.
While uneven tonsils can be one sign oftonsil cancer, this is rare in children.
Talk to your child’s healthcare provider if tonsil enlargement is confined to one side.
When symptoms occur, you may notice snoring, daytime drowsiness, and difficulty swallowing.
Other symptoms such as pain and fever may also be present, depending on the cause of tonsil swelling.
Complications can include obstructed breathing, sleep problems, and heart and pulmonary issues.
Diagnosis is usually based on a physical exam, but other tests may also be needed.
Treatment addresses the cause of the enlargement (e.g., allergies, viral or bacterial infection).
Seek immediate medical attention for breathing difficulties, extreme difficulty swallowing, or if a red rash develops.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Sleep apnea detection.
2019;160(2):187-205. doi:10.1177/0194599818807917
