What might cause a child to have "over-sized" tonsils? They aren't infected-they're just to big 4 his airway.

TxTina · 12-10-2007, 09:36 AM

We went to the orthodontist yesterday and he told us my sons airway is almost fully blocked by his tonsils and that they need to come out as soon as possible. Does anyone know what causes this or where I can go to research it?

WilliamC · 12-10-2007, 09:55 AM

Tonsillitis

rpoff20 · 12-10-2007, 10:14 AM

There is not a true cause. I am 21 and about 2 months ago had to have mine taken out because they were to big. The doc is right you do need to get them taken out they can cause alot of pain and trouble down the road. They may be affecting his sleep as well...I had obstructive sleep apnea. They were so large it wasn't allowing me to breath properly in my sleep and I would quite breathing....You should get in for a consult at an ear nose and throat doctor.

SandieB · 12-10-2007, 10:33 AM

I don't know of any particular sites, but WebMD is pretty good.My daughter had over-sized tonsils that also effected her eating/swallowing. They removed them when she was 3.

spongebobrogers · 12-10-2007, 10:53 AM

Some people just have more tonsillar tissue than others. Basically, he has large tonsils that might be genetic or just a freak thing.

allisonk · 12-10-2007, 11:12 AM

the tonsils are the first line of defence to inhaled germs, so if he has had or faught off a lot of colds or viruses then his tonsils will be enlarged

BilindaG · 12-10-2007, 11:31 AM

my son had his adnoids removed and tubes put in his ears. After that I started to notice that his tonsils were 4 times larger than they should be. It just came out of nowhere. HE never complained of them hurting him. We got them removed but what caused it I don't know.