4 Causes of swollen tonsils that should not be underestimated

When you are swallowing food or drink, have you ever experienced pain such as stuck in your throat? It could be due to swelling of your tonsils. But after looking in the mirror, why is only one of the tonsils swollen, huh? Don't let this condition get worse, let's see the reason why the tonsils are swollen only in one side!

What causes swollen tonsils only in one part?

It is undeniable, swollen tonsils will certainly make your throat feel sore when you swallow. As a result, you become lazy to eat even though your stomach feels very rumbling. However, it is not like the common swelling of the tonsils.

The condition that you experience actually occurs in only one part of the tonsils, either right or left. Well, here are a few things that can cause this swollen tonsils:

1. Viral infection

If you open your mouth in front of the glass, you will see two oval soft tissues on the sides of the throat. These tissues, known as the tonsils, are still part of the body's lymphatic system.

As a function of the lymphatic system, the tonsils are also tasked with fighting off viruses that try to enter through the mouth. However, the tonsils are not always very good at fighting viruses. In some cases, this small tissue can become infected with a virus which eventually causes swelling.

Although it consists of two tissues, aka a pair, swelling can only occur on one side of the tonsils. There are various types of viruses that can cause swollen tonsils, including:

• Adenovirus, which causes sore throats, colds and bronchitis.
• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which can spread through infected saliva.
• Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which is also referred to as oral herpes. This virus can form blisters on the tonsils.
• Cytomegalovirus (CMV, HHV-5), which usually occurs in people with weakened immune systems.
• Measles virus (rubeola), can be transmitted through infected saliva or mucus.

2. Inflammation of the tonsils

Apart from being a viral infection, exposure to bacteria can also be the cause of swollen tonsils on one side. Swollen tonsils due to viral and bacterial infections, then develop inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis).

Of the many types of bacteria that exist, Streptococcus pyogenes are the bacteria that most often cause this condition. Most cases of tonsillitis affect both sides of the tonsils. But sometimes, inflammation of the tonsils can cause swelling of only one side of the tissue.

Apart from swelling, other symptoms that appear in tonsillitis include sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, stiff neck, and hoarseness.

3. Peritonsil abscess

Peritonsil abscess is a condition that occurs as a result of complications from inflammation of the tonsils. That is why, peritonsil abscess is also caused by the same thing as inflammation of the tonsils, namely bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes .

In contrast to inflammation of the tonsils which directly attacks the tissue, peritonsil abscess is not the case. Bacteria Streptococcus which results in peritonsil abscess only causes infection in the soft tissue around the tonsils only.

In fact, it is usually more often experienced on one side of the tonsils, either right or left, so that it is the cause of swollen tonsils. Furthermore, the tissue around the side of the tonsils is attacked by anaerobic bacteria that come through other parts of the body's glands.

In short, inflammation of the tonsils that spreads to other surrounding tissues can lead to infection. Finally, there is a peritonsil abscess which causes swelling, pain, and even blockage in the throat.

4. Tonsil cancer

Swelling of the tonsils caused by inflammation of the tonsils appears to be quite common among children. Meanwhile, in adults, the appearance of certain tonsil symptoms can indicate the presence of tonsil cancer.

First, if the swelling of the tonsils is not accompanied by pain. In fact, you may have difficulty swallowing and breathing, but still don't feel sore throat. Second, the tonsils are swollen on only one side.

If it turns out that the swollen tonsils are not accompanied by pain, it may be the cause of tonsil cancer. Do not underestimate this condition, especially if it lasts for a long time.

Apart from these signs, tonsil cancer can also cause symptoms in the form of:

• The voice changed and became hoarse
• Ear pain on one side only, especially on the same side as swollen tonsils
• Bleeding from the mouth
• Difficulty swallowing

When to see a doctor

Other conditions such as poor resting of the vocal cords due to talking and shouting too much, or tooth abscesses can cause swollen tonsils only in one side. On the other hand, post nasal drip or the build-up of mucus around the nose and throat can clog the throat passages.

Subsequently, swelling develops on one side of the tonsils. Given that this condition can signal other health problems that are more dangerous, do not delay to check with a doctor.

Especially if one side of the tonsils is swollen that you are experiencing does not work with the administration of drugs.