Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Child Diagnosed With Chronically Infected Tonsils. Could It Be Due To Living In Moldy Environment?
Question: My almost 5 yr old daughter has had enlarged tonsils for at least the last 3 years and they appear to have been getting progressively worse - she has now been diagnosed with chronically infected tonsils and a toncilectomy has been scheduled. Since she was 6 months old we have been living in a very moldy house. Is it possible that the moldy environment has caused the enlargement and chronic infection of her tonsils? Could moving house resolve the problem without undergoing surgery?
Hi,
Welcome to XXXXXXX
You have written a very nice and detailed report about your daughter!
From what you have written,it looks like that she has both enlarged tonsils and adenoids.
There are a few points to consider.
1- There is a generalised tendency for all lymphoid tissue including tonsils to become bigger between 3-5 years and then there is natural regression as the child grows.This situation is possible when there is minimal enlargement of tonsils!
2 -chronic tonsillitis by definition which means tonsillitis occuring more than 7 times in the preceding year or more than 5 times in each of the preceding 2 years or more than 3 times in each of the preceding 3 years - is indication for surgery usually.
3- The concern here is chances for secondary infection like abscess,strep infections (which can lead to nephritis and rheumatic fever),airway obstruction,etc
4- Her symptoms of difficulty in swallowing,low weight,repeated ear infections -all suggest that she may be better off with surgery.
5-Regarding molds,I do not think that changing the environment will help in avoiding surgery at this stage!
It will help in decreasing allergic symptoms of mold in future.
All the best
God Bless
DrUma
Welcome to XXXXXXX
You have written a very nice and detailed report about your daughter!
From what you have written,it looks like that she has both enlarged tonsils and adenoids.
There are a few points to consider.
1- There is a generalised tendency for all lymphoid tissue including tonsils to become bigger between 3-5 years and then there is natural regression as the child grows.This situation is possible when there is minimal enlargement of tonsils!
2 -chronic tonsillitis by definition which means tonsillitis occuring more than 7 times in the preceding year or more than 5 times in each of the preceding 2 years or more than 3 times in each of the preceding 3 years - is indication for surgery usually.
3- The concern here is chances for secondary infection like abscess,strep infections (which can lead to nephritis and rheumatic fever),airway obstruction,etc
4- Her symptoms of difficulty in swallowing,low weight,repeated ear infections -all suggest that she may be better off with surgery.
5-Regarding molds,I do not think that changing the environment will help in avoiding surgery at this stage!
It will help in decreasing allergic symptoms of mold in future.
All the best
God Bless
DrUma
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
