Prolonged Enlarged Tonsils - any suggestions on what to do?

[snowchickie79]

My DD has had enlarged tonsils for about 3 weeks now (at least) and I've taken her to our GP and he has told me that we just have to monitor them. He said we need to document any cases of throat infections etc and see how it goes. DD was sick about a month or so ago and had a cold and a weird rash which cleared up but then a week later she kept telling me she had a sore mouth and sticking her fingers down her throat - when I managed to get a good look I could see how swollen her tonsils were - moreso the right one. She hasn't actually had any throat infections as yet but she is still telling me - probably 2-3 times a week - only when she goes to bed though - that she has a sore mouth and asks me for medicine. I can't tell if she is stalling the "going to bed" process or it really is actually hurting. I'd imagine it isn't comfortable but she is fine in herself - eating fine, sleeping normal etc etc.

Has anyone had this with their kiddies and can suggest what I can do myself to help this and potentially reduce the swelling?

[Butterfly Dawn]

I would ask for a blood test, then they can see what the body is doing. There are all kinds of home remedys and teas made from ordinary herbs that may help. when I have had sore throats they are normally sore 1st thing when I wake up and last thing at night when Im tired so she may not be stalling. what color is her throat etc? pink, red, red with white spots?

[Butterfly Dawn]

warm salt water gargles, Chamomile tea will help- especially at night when shes tired. Teatree oli in a burner with water or inhailed via a steam bath will help to stimulate white blood cells. Ginger teas and warm water with lemon juice and honey (about a tsp) are very soothing

[MummaBee]

I had the same problem as a child and everytime I was sick thats where it hit first but other then them being large it wasnt an issue the salt gaggles worked wonders for me. I would say she may have picked up that your worried about them

[Miss E]

I actually noticed a few weeks ago that my DS's tonsils are huge. They appeared to be very swollen, but there was no sign of an infection or anything. I was all set to take him to the doctor, but then I thought I'd do a little bit of research first.

Apparently it's normal for toddlers and preschoolers tonsils to appear to be enlarged. This is usually most pronounced around 3 and 4 and is basically because the tonsils develop at a faster rate and they need to grow into them. If you google enlarged tonsils in toddlers you'll find that it's pretty normal.

But if you do suspect that her complaints about a sore throat are more than stalling bed time then I would probably be taking her back to the GP to rule out any sort of infection or inflamation.

HTH

[Ginger]

i would be asking for a referral to an ENT.

[~me~]

i would be asking for a referral to an ENT.

Yep, that's what I would be doing. Even if they give you suggestions on how to manage it, it's worth an ENT check.