“Can tonsils heal on their own?”
I am a 16 year old female and my tonsils are inflamed. Can tonsils heal on their own?
3 Answers
The brief answer is: it depends on the cause of the inflammation--strep, nasal drainage, mono.... This would need to be evaluated by your Doctor
Hello and thanks for your question.
Interestingly, the tonsils are a part of the immune system. The tonsils, actually, are found in three different areas of the head and neck. The main region (what we ideally consider the
tonsils) are found in the back of the mouth/neck (pharynx). There are also portions behind the nose and in the back of the base of the tongue. The triad works to collect germs and bacteria in order to prevent them from traveling and causing infections in the throat and lungs.
The tonsils become swollen/irritated when large amounts of virus/bacteria accumulate. Within the tonsils are immune tissue that contain WBCs (help fight infections). Usually the tonsils heal without complications. Sometimes people can develop tonsillar stones (contain WBCs), but it is most frequently due to chronic infection.
Most people never require removal of the tonsils. If you are experiencing chronic pain or swelling of the tonsils that has lasted longer than expected or have chronic recurrent tonsillitis, your primary care provider may consider referring you to an ENT specialist.
Interestingly, the tonsils are a part of the immune system. The tonsils, actually, are found in three different areas of the head and neck. The main region (what we ideally consider the
tonsils) are found in the back of the mouth/neck (pharynx). There are also portions behind the nose and in the back of the base of the tongue. The triad works to collect germs and bacteria in order to prevent them from traveling and causing infections in the throat and lungs.
The tonsils become swollen/irritated when large amounts of virus/bacteria accumulate. Within the tonsils are immune tissue that contain WBCs (help fight infections). Usually the tonsils heal without complications. Sometimes people can develop tonsillar stones (contain WBCs), but it is most frequently due to chronic infection.
Most people never require removal of the tonsils. If you are experiencing chronic pain or swelling of the tonsils that has lasted longer than expected or have chronic recurrent tonsillitis, your primary care provider may consider referring you to an ENT specialist.
NEEDS MEDICAL EVALUATION AND LABS/CULTURE OF THROAT TO DETERMINE CAUSE OF SYMPTOMS. ARE THEY WITH PUS AND BIG OR JUST RED AND BIG
