Swollen tonsil from asthma?

[GFloss]

Good morning all, I was wondering whether any of you have had issues with a single swollen tonsil in relation to their asthma please? The oh-so lovely Dr. Google tells me this can be one of the first signs of tonsil cancer, so I know it's one of those things I should suss out with the doc but just wondered. Thanks!

[twinkly29]

I wouldn't have thought it would be related to asthma - but equally it could well be other things not necessarily cancer. A friend had one swollen tonsil which the GP investigated because of it being a possible symptom of tonsil cancer but hers definitely wasn't. I can't remember exactly what it was for her but think it was something to do with that one just going into overdrive after having had several bouts of tonsillitis.

[GFloss in reply to twinkly29]

Thanks so much for the speedy reply! The asthma connection idea was probably a longshot, I did wonder if it could be a reaction to the meds (salbutamol and clenil modulite. The latter used with a spacer) but I reckon you're right and it's most likely something else immune-related or even vocal cord related. I've been quietly trying to ignore a few squiffy immune system signs in the hope they'll disappear and I can avoid a GP visit but my body seems determined to get me out there! 😆

[twinkly29 in reply to GFloss]

It (tonsils) would be a first line of defence thing when protecting the body so being run down might cause it - just weird it's only the one but it can happen. Low vit D can mean the body struggles with immune response so if you're not already taking that it might be worth getting some?

[GFloss in reply to twinkly29]

So true - it's been a stressful time and I definitely fit a run down picture, so I would've just kept ignoring it if it wasn't for the asymmetry. I'm on D3 daily, but may check my dose and see if I need to increase for a while. Hopefully the GP will say just monitor for a time but usually they're pretty quick on sending lumps and bumps off for a scan!

[Poobah]

I have one sided sore throats from time to time. Dry air, caused by low humidity and central heating are the usual culprits for me. Throw dry powder inhalers into the mix and it's necessary to rinse and gargle regularly throughout the day. I'm a mouth breather too, which doesn't help. But if this is something new & unexpected for you, then a trip to the GP would be prudent.

[GFloss in reply to Poobah]

That's so interesting, thank you, and I wouldn't be surprised if my body just fancies doing some lop-sided immune response! It seems to like to do anything squiffy it can. Also a mouth breather...and still meant to be trying to train myself out of it...hadn't even thought that that could be involved this time. But I agree it's wise to ask the GP. Would hate to dismiss/ignore anything and then end up with a bigger issue!

[Triggerina]

I have had asthma all my life.(now 65). For many ,many years I have had one tonsil significantly larger than the other and it does sometimes get slightly infected( get yellow patches!) and I get a sore throat. I have no idea if it is to do with asthma,the various inhalers over the years or unconnected......would be interested to know if there is a link.

[GFloss in reply to Triggerina]

It's certainly intriguing, isn't it! Knowing how easily one can react to the steroid meds did get me wondering. Though, as you say, it may all be totally unconnected. I read it can also be connected to post-nasal drip and infections such as strep, as well as vocal cord issues, and other causes. Has your doc ever picked up on your larger tonsil/asked for it to be investigated?