Published on: 7/9/2025
What are the common causes of swollen tonsils in adults?
Swollen tonsils in adults can be caused by infections like chronic tonsillitis or other conditions such as unilateral tonsillar enlargement.
Explanation
Swollen tonsils, or tonsillitis, can happen when the tonsils enlarge and get sore. In adults, this can be due to infections.
Common Causes:
- Chronic Tonsillitis: This is when your tonsils stay swollen and sore for a long time. It can happen because of bacteria and other tiny germs. Sometimes, these germs form a sticky group called a biofilm, which makes it hard to treat.
- Unilateral Tonsillar Enlargement: This means one tonsil is bigger than the other. It can happen because of infections or other issues in the throat.
What to Do:
If your tonsils are swollen, it may be a good idea to see a healthcare provider. They can help figure out what’s causing the problem and how to make it better.
(References)
- Pribuišienė R, Kuzminienė A, Sarauskas V, Saferis V, Pribuišis K, & Rastenienė I. (2013). The most important throat-related symptoms suggestive of .... Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 24247917.
- Cortez EA, Mattox DE, Holt GR, & Gates GA. (1979). Unilateral tonsillar enlargement. Otolaryngology and head and neck surgery, 530694.
- Abu Bakar M, McKimm J, Haque SZ, Majumder MAA, & Haque M. (2018). Chronic tonsillitis and biofilms: a brief overview of treatment .... Journal of inflammation research, 30233227.
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