Naturally large tonsils
Posted , 5 users are following.
I am a 42 year old female. I have naturally large tonsils. I got strep throat frequently as a child but it was during the time period when doctors were not recommending removal of tonsils. I get strep rarely now but do get pharyngitis a few times a year. My biggest problem is feeling like I do not get enough oxygen. I always feel like I cannot get a deep, cleansing breath. When exercising, I yawn frequently but I breathe fine through my nose when sleeping. I also get altitude sickness. I'm wondering if large tonsils may cause these issues because they block my airway?
0 likes, 7 replies
M.Karl jules0773
Posted
Hi Jules
Were your doctors 100% sure that what you had was actually strep throat or pharyngitis ?
Do you get oral cold sores at all ? I.e. Oral Herpes?
Herpes can cause tonsillitis as well and can cause fatigue as the immune system is constantly in a battle with this virus when active and which will never leave your body for life. Also herpes tonsillitis can cause secondary infections and can enhance chances of throat cancer.
I would recommend you to ask the doctor to test you next to make sure if it is actually strep throat or Herpes.
jules0773 M.Karl
Posted
The doctors were sure it was strep or pharyngitis and not oral herpes. Your answer had nothing to do with my question. I asked if the size of your tonsils can affect your oxygen intake and cause other medical issues, like exercise induced asthma or altitude sickness.
M.Karl jules0773
Posted
In fact my answer is related because if the doctors are 100% sure what it was then they should use the right treatment and then you will know if it is affecting your breathing or not.
Beverley_01 jules0773
Posted
Hi Jules,
My daughter has enlarged tonsils, adenoids and ear issues. Her trouble breathing was almost always through her nose but is doing better with this. When she is ill (more throat and ear infections than her siblings) she feels she can't breathe through her mouth.
I have shallow breathing, I have had since being a child and I yawn constantly if I exercise. I have cfs/me though so I haven't exercised in some time ! The shallow breathing means I get dizzy at altitude but, with practice this improved.
You could ask your doctor for a breath test, I do not know the technical term. These are used for people with asthma as well as any breathing issue,I believe, in the UK. you are asked to take a deep breath and blow into a cardboard tube with a measure attached. You do this 3 times. I believe it will show if you have any issues.
Have you ever looked into Yoga for exercise? There are a couple of breathing exercises with that that may help you.
Have you asked your doctor the tonsil related question?
Beverley
jules0773 Beverley_01
Posted
Hi Beverley. I have seen my doctor for breathing difficulties and had a breath test that was abnormal. It was registering me as having the lung capacity of an 85 year old woman. My doctor thinks I wasn't doing the test correctly or there was something wrong with their machine. I'm a martial artist that can easily get thru a 2 hour class at my dojo so my doctor thought something was amiss. I never asked if my tonsils could be the issue. That's why I asked the question here hoping it will help decide if I need to see an ENT.
Beverley_01 jules0773
Posted
Hi Jules,
If the doctor thought the machine was faulty then why doesn't he test you again? Could you ask about the possibility of it maybe being linked to enlarged tonsils?
I must admit I am a little confused, you are doing 2 hours in the dojo and your breathing is ok but you do not feel you are getting enough oxygen when you exercise and don't feel you get a good cleansing breath?
I understand you are wanting to hopefully get some help on here to decide on whether a referral to ENT is best. I feel a return trip to the doctor for another lung capacity test and to ask if your tonsils could cause lower volume on such a test are worthy of investigations? As I previously mentioned I have shallow breathing and so don't get a good reading either on such tests but my breathing is fine and I don't feel I am not getting enough oxygen.
Beverley
amy59164 jules0773
Posted
Yeah sounds like it , especially when lying flat. Sounds like u have had a lot of issues. Best to see an oral specialist to see if they need to remove them. I suggest you write a list of issues and make special note of the breathing thing. it important .
when you see your doctor so u dont forget and give full picture.