Unilateral swelling of the tonsils without fever is a sign of a tonsil infection that is not caused by infection (usually caused by irritation or allergy). In addition, this can also be a sign of tonsillar stones, gastroesophageal reflux, tonsillar enlargement or even tonsil cancer.
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Swollen one-sided tonsillitis without fever – Where is it?
Amidan is the largest lymphocyte in the body located on both sides of the throat. The main function of this organ is to capture infectious agents (viruses, fungi, bacteria), produce antibodies to fight disease and protect the body. However, for many different reasons, the tonsils can become damaged and inflamed.
Tonsillitis often causes a sore throat, hoarseness, fatigue, swollen glands in the neck, and fever. In rare cases, however, the tonsils are swollen only on one side and are not associated with fever. If you encounter this, it can be caused by:
1. Tonsillitis caused by irritation or allergy
Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils due to a variety of causes, the most common of which are viruses and bacteria. These agents penetrate the tonsils, causing swelling, redness, soreness and high fever. However, tonsillitis can also occur due to certain irritants and allergies such as weather, pollen, alcohol, tobacco, etc.
Irritants and allergens can cause swelling of the tonsils 1 or 2 but do not cause fever. This pathology causes only mild throat pain, itching, phlegm and hoarseness. It causes almost no systemic symptoms such as fatigue, headache or fever, such as viral and bacterial tonsillitis.
2. Tonsil stones
Amidan is a lymphoid organization with many small niches. As a result, food and bacteria can accumulate in these cavities, grow and form stones (small white or yellow masses). Tonsil stones cause the lining of the tonsils to become swollen, red, painful, and larger than normal in size. However, it rarely causes a high fever.
Tonsil stones are manifested by symptoms such as sore throat, white / yellow dots on the surface of the tonsils, bad breath, difficulty swallowing, … Common disease in people with chronic tonsillitis, chronic sinusitis, poor oral hygiene and unhealthy eating habits.
3. Gastroesophageal reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a disease in the digestive tract. However, it can also cause irritation and swelling of one or two tonsils without fever. The reason is that stomach acid backs up into the esophagus and nasopharynx, provoking an inflammatory response in the tonsils, pharynx, and larynx.
Therefore, people with chronic esophageal reflux are more susceptible to upper respiratory diseases, dental problems, and bad breath. So, if you notice that the tonsils are swollen on one side without fever, you should consider this condition. In addition to symptoms in the throat, gastroesophageal reflux also causes other manifestations such as heartburn, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, food reflux, epigastric burning, stomach pain , …
4. Enlarged tonsils
Tonsil enlargement is an increase in size of the tonsils that obstructs breathing, communication and eating. This usually occurs as a result of recurrent tonsillitis, which stimulates benign hyperplastic cells and leads to a larger size of the tonsils than usual.
Tonsil enlargement can affect 1 or all of the tonsils and are not always associated with fever. The disease causes typical symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, fatigue, bad breath, snoring while sleeping, breathing through the mouth, hearing loss, … In young children, enlarged tonsils also make children eat poorly and slowly grow.
5. Post nasal discharge
Posterior nasal discharge is discharge from the sinus through the posterior nose and down directly into the back of the throat. This syndrome causes unpleasant symptoms such as itchy throat, sore throat, cough and sore throat. Prolonged post-nasal discharge can increase the risk of tonsillitis, pharyngitis and laryngitis due to the accumulation of mucus in the back of the throat.
So in some cases, swollen unilateral tonsillitis without fever may be the result of this syndrome.
6. Oral diseases
In the oral cavity there are many harmful bacteria. If not cleaned properly, harmful bacteria can cling to leftovers, thrive and cause dental diseases such as gingivitis, periodontitis, … Normally, bacteria only cause redness and soreness in the tissue. gums. However, in cases where the bacteria overgrow, bacteria can also cause inflammation in the tonsils and pharynx.
The bacteria that cause dental problems are those that reside in the oral cavity. The inflammation caused by these bacteria causes only local pain and itching and rarely causes fever symptoms. As a result, unilateral swollen tonsils without fever can be a sign of common oral problems.
7. Tonsil cancer
Unilateral swelling of the tonsils without fever is one of the symptoms of tonsil cancer. This pathology occurs when the cells of the tonsils develop dysplasia, lose control, and turn into malignant cells. It is common in smokers for many years, alcohol abuse, and HPV infections of types 11, 16 and 2. The virus is mainly spread through sexual activity – especially during oral sex .
Amidan swollen one side but no fever is it dangerous?
Unilateral swollen tonsils without fever can occur for a variety of reasons. In which mainly common causes such as irritation, allergies, gastroesophageal reflux, tonsillar stones, … These diseases can be relieved after proper care, treatment with drugs and surgery. .
Although less common, there are also cases of unilateral swelling of the tonsils and no fever or pain is a manifestation of tonsil cancer – a serious and life-threatening condition. Therefore, you should actively seek to see a doctor if you notice unusual manifestations such as tonsils increasing in size, fatigue, choking on swallowing, unusual weight loss, …
Treat unilateral swelling of the tonsils without fever
Treatment of unilateral tonsillitis without fever depends on the specific cause. Therefore, you should see a doctor for examination and diagnosis before treatment interventions. Here are some common ways to treat unilateral swollen tonsils without fever:
1. Drug treatment
In case of unilateral swollen tonsils without fever due to tonsillitis, irritation, allergies, reflux, … the doctor will prescribe the drug. Depending on the case, medications that may be used include:
- H1 antihistamines: Relieve itchy throat and is often used in cases of tonsillitis due to irritation, allergies.
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics are used in the case of tonsillar stones, hypertrophy, and post nasal drip syndrome to inhibit harmful bacteria, thereby improving red inflammation in the tonsils and alleviating the associated symptoms.
- An antiseptic mouthwash: To reduce the bacteria in the oral cavity, a number of mouthwashes may have antiseptic and antibacterial properties. In addition, mouthwash also helps to thin the accumulated phlegm, while reducing the swelling, hot and itchy throat.
- Pain relievers: If the tonsils are painful, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever Paracetamol or some anti-inflammatory drugs as directed by your doctor.
- Reflux therapy: If the tonsils are swollen on one side due to gastroesophageal reflux, you need to use proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 antihistamines, antacids, gastric mucosa protectors, … to limit Reduce acid reflux to the esophagus and throat.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill malignant cells in the tonsils. This method is usually used in cases where the disease has moved to an advanced stage.
2. Surgery
Besides medication, your doctor may also prescribe tonsillectomy in the following cases:
- Tonsil enlargement causes serious sleep problems or has complications
- Tonsil cancer in an early stage
- Slit and remove the tonsils
3. Care measures
Amidan is located in a quite sensitive position and easily attacked by bacteria, viruses, fungi, irritants and allergens. Therefore, besides medical methods, you should combine with some care measures to support the treatment process.
Measures to take care of unilateral swollen tonsils without fever:
- Gargle with diluted salt water 1-2 times a day to soothe swollen and red tonsils. At the same time, helping to eliminate bacteria and allergens, irritation that is residual in the oral cavity.
- Avoid screaming and communicating frequently during treatment. Besides, it is necessary to limit drinking alcohol, condensed tea, hot spicy foods, smoking, …
- Add dishes that are soft, liquid, easy to digest and easy to swallow. In addition, drink plenty of fluids to soothe a sore throat and relieve burning pain and swelling.
- Take time to rest, get enough sleep to support your physical condition, increase the effectiveness of medical methods and help shorten the treatment time.
- For people with unilateral tonsillitis but no fever for esophageal reflux, meals should be divided into small sections, avoid eating after 7:00 pm and use pillows designed for people with reflux to control and prevent relapse.
Prevent swollen one-sided tonsils without fever
Unilateral swollen tonsils without fever may return when the conditions are right. Therefore, after the treatment, you should take some precautions such as:
- Regular oral hygiene 2 times a day (morning and evening) by brushing and rinsing mouth with salt water. This remedy helps to reduce dental diseases and upper respiratory infections.
- Keep your body warm when the weather turns cold, avoiding contact with allergens and irritants.
- Eat in moderation, perform scientific activities and exercise regularly to improve fitness. An improved immune system may reduce the risk of recurrence of tonsillitis and respiratory diseases.
- Actively treat and control gastroesophageal reflux disease, posterior nasal discharge syndrome.
- Avoid intimate contact with people suffering from upper respiratory infections.
Painless, swollen unilateral tonsillitis is a manifestation of many different medical conditions. Therefore, you should proactively visit for timely diagnosis and treatment. Avoid voluntary use of drugs without a specific cause being identified.
