Snoring
Is your snoring problem ruining your relationship or your sleep? Your tonsils might be to blame! According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, enlarged tonsils can be a cause for snoring. When your tonsils are enlarged due to recurrent infections or congenital condition, the size interferes with the air passage which can lead to snoring. In case of severe condition, removal of tonsils may be recommended. Image source : Shutterstock
Headache
In severe cases, these enlarged tonsils can even block air passages resulting in sleep apnea. When there are breaks in your breathing during the night, your brain is less likely to get enough oxygen. Low levels of oxygen widen your blood vessels, causing vascular headaches. Image source : Shutterstock
Discomfort while swallowing
While the small tonsil stones do not cause any trouble or discomfort, the larger ones can make swallowing painful. Therefore, if you are experiencing discomfort while swallowing even though you don’t have allergies or a virus like strep throat, the reason behind that discomfort could be your tonsils. Image source : Shutterstock
Bad breath
We all know the primary cause of bad breath is oral hygiene, but did you know your tonsil stones can also be responsible for giving you that bad breath. The tonsils are filled with nooks and crannies where dead cells and bacteria get clogged resulting in a foul breath. Image source : Shutterstock
Sinus infection
Enlarged tonsils can also lead to recurring sinus and ear infections. Apart from bacterial and viral infections, gastroesophageal reflux and other irritants can cause your tonsils to enlarge and contribute to sinus infections. Image source : Shutterstock
