HomeAnswersOtolaryngology (E.N.T)tonsils

I started getting small tonsil stones recently, and one tonsil is slightly larger. Is this normal?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am 23 years old. I suffered from round allergies for a year and took Zyrtec every day. I am a mouth breather and I am doing it even when I am sleeping. Before a few months, I started to have tonsil stones and they are in three to four numbers. One of my tonsils got larger. I am a huge hypochondriac. I need to know your advice. Is this normal? Is it due to cancer? Do I need to remove them? I have a constant stuffy nose and some mucus. Please help.

Answered by Dr. Bhadragiri Vageesh Padiyar

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Bhadragiri Vageesh Padiyar is an accomplished Otolaryngologist with expertise in head and neck surgery, as well as cochlear implant procedures. He is skilled in diagnosing and treating a wide range of ear, nose, and throat conditions with a focus on restoring function and improving quality of life. Known for his precision and patient-centered approach, Dr. Padiyar combines advanced surgical techniques with compassionate care. 

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through the attached picture (attachment removed to protect patient identity). There is an allergic component and it requires proper precautionary and medical treatment. Do not take Zyrtec (Cetirizine) for a long period of time. The tonsils get enlarged due to chronic throat infections secondary to allergy. One tonsil larger than the other will not pose too much worry unless they are too disproportionately enlarged. Removal is needed when you have recurrent sore throats associated with fever. Having a positive streptococcal culture and inflamed tonsils of grade three cause oropharyngeal luminal obstruction and it potentiates obstructive sleep apnea. The cause of mouth breathing with or without snoring should be found. Enlarged adenoids can cause it with congested nasal passages. This causes disturbance in the ears. Regarding tonsils, there is nothing to worry. Stop taking Zyrtec and you can take topical nasal spray such as Duonase (Fluticasone propionate and Azelasrine). It causes reduced systemic absorption and side effects. You need to stay away from dust and other triggering factors by wearing an N95 mask as medications do not contribute for the long term in the treatment of allergy.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sneha Kannan
Published At October 7, 2020
Reviewed At December 26, 2023

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Bhadragiri Vageesh Padiyar is an accomplished Otolaryngologist with expertise in head and neck surgery, as well as cochlear implant procedures. He is skilled in diagnosing and treating a wide range of ear, nose, and throat conditions with a focus on restoring function and improving quality of life. Known for his precision and patient-centered approach, Dr. Padiyar combines advanced surgical techniques with compassionate care. 

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sneha Kannan is a skilled Dental Surgeon with expertise in providing general dental care, including scaling, fillings, and preventive treatments. She does oral surgery procedures such as extractions and minor surgical interventions. She does procedures in restorative dentistry, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. She is an expert in doing endodontic treatments such as root canal therapy. She is well-versed in doing procedures in cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening and smile correction. She can provide pediatric dental care for children’s oral health and preventive treatments. She promotes oral hygiene awareness and preventive dental practices.  

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Bhadragiri Vageesh Padiyar is an accomplished Otolaryngologist with expertise in head and neck surgery, as well as cochlear implant procedures. He is skilled in diagnosing and treating a wide range of ear, nose, and throat conditions with a focus on restoring function and improving quality of life. Known for his precision and patient-centered approach, Dr. Padiyar combines advanced surgical techniques with compassionate care. 

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Listen to related tracks in our music library
Comprehensive Second Opinion

Read answers about:

tonsils

Ask your health query to a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.