Are Chronic Tonsilitis And OSA Linked?

Posted on Fri, 13 Oct 2017

Question: I am a 70 year old male. I was diagnosed with Chronic Tonsillitis in 1971. I have been snoring for many years but my tonsils are not enlarged now. I had a sleep study done by VA and was diagnosed with severe OSA. Is there any link to the two conditions, CT and OSA? I am not obese, 6'5" 220 lbs, normal mouth, never smoked, have a "frog in my throat" for as long as I can remember (last year dx was sicca complex.) Over the years I have had many sore throats and a few time severe. I only went to doctor for the severe cases. I was hospitalized in 1970(two weeks) for severe case of Herpegina. I know this was a long time ago but I am curious if the throat conditions could have played a part in OSA. I never thought to have the sleep study done until my dentist recommended it. I had two done- AHI 9 in 2014(recommended dental device) and AHI 40 (with the dental device) in 2017(now have an APAP.) AHI is averaging 5 now(2months use.)

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
About OSA

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HealthcareMagic and thanks for putting up the query,

Tonsils enlargement can lead to OSA but it is not that tonsil enlargement must be there. OSA can be due to nasal pathologies like a septal deviation or nasal polyps or due to pharyngeal wall disease or tonsillar hypertrophy or tongue hypertrophy.

It needs to assessed and corrected accordingly. CPAP must be used. A surgical procedure like a uvulopalatopharyngoplasty can be considered.

Any further questions are always welcome.
I hope my advice proves helpful to you.

Take care
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (4 hours later)

My question is: can OSA be linked to chronic tonsillitis if I no longer have symptoms of CT. I have OSA now and use an Apap

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
OSA

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Chronic enlargement of tonsils may cause Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea even if there is no acute infection of the tonsils.
Any further questions are always welcome.
Regards

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D