HomeAnswersOtolaryngology (E.N.T)tonsilsWhat is serious about visible blood vessels on tonsils in a small kid?

My 6-year-old daughter has visible blood vessels on tonsils with no symptoms. Is it a matter of concern?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Vinodhini J.

Published At June 19, 2020
Reviewed AtDecember 26, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

We noticed our 6-year-old daughter has a visible blood vessel on one of her tonsils. She feels fine and says her throat feels fine. Is this a cause of concern? We have never noticed it before? It has been three months since she was at the dentist and I know they check her tonsils. This is very weird, please advise if this is very serious.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have had a look at the pictures you have sent (attachment removed to protect patient identity). The tonsils are definitely enlarged in this case, there is no doubt about it. The tonsils have a very rich blood supply and are relatively avascular structure. It is normal to encounter leash of blood vessels over the tonsil or its adjacent areas like the anterior and posterior pillars (these are two walls in between which the tonsils reside).

Unless and until the tonsils are inflamed and the child is symptomatic, we do not need to give any sort of antibiotics as it is not indicated. At the same point of time, enlarged tonsil indicates possible previous episodes of recurrent tonsillitis as a result of which the tonsillar tissues get hypertrophied and attains a larger size.

It is always better to maintain strict oral hygiene, do saltwater gargles five to six times a day at regular intervals. Avoid anything cold, spicy, and oily food/beverages. Maintaining precautionary measures definitely goes a long way in preventing recurrent sore throats or streptococcal infections.

However, in a situation where the child is having recurrent sore throats with associated fever, significant leaves from school, it is always better to get the tonsils removed. There are criteria given by aao-hns (American association of otorhinolaryngologists and head and neck surgeons) who have laid down criteria for a patient to undergo tonsillectomy.

In nutshell, visible blood vessels over the tonsils or related adjacent structures is not a worry as it is very common and seen in health and have not pathology related to it.

Sticking of the uvula to the right tonsil is due to surface tension of the saliva and enlarged size of the tonsil. This again has no clinical significance. There is absolutely nothing that you need to worry or get stressed about. Make sure you advise the child to follow the instructions that I have given above to prevent recurrent sore throats. In addition, she can also use crushed ginger with manuka honey (you can add crushed ginger and honey in a cup and give it together one tablespoon three times a day). Honey has excellent antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial properties and so does ginger.

I hope this helps.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

However, she does not have a sore throat. She feels perfectly fine. I wonder the impetus for swollen tonsil.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

There is absolutely nothing to worry about a swollen tonsil as it can exist incidentally in many of us. As I said until and unless there is an active infection out there, there should be no requirement for any active intervention of any sort not even antibiotics.

Make sure that the child tries to follow the measures mentioned previously as that is best what we can do as of now to prevent any infection of the throat and its related structures.

A swollen tonsil can definitely lead to a recurrent sore throat and tonsils can also get infected along, that is maximum what can happen. This can be effectively treated with a good course of antibiotics and things will resolve over time. It is always better to take the utmost care when we know there is a possibility to develop an infection.

Keep a close watch on the throat and the tonsils and if you find something abnormal you can always send a picture to us and we will assure you with a reply. Do not worry and I am very sure everything will be perfectly fine.

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

Dr. Bhadragiri Vageesh Padiyar
Dr. Bhadragiri Vageesh Padiyar

Otolaryngology (E.N.T)

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