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Does Tonsils Reduce Size On Its Own In An Elderly Person?
Question: I have my left tonsil vanished but I didn't have tonsillectomy' Should I be concerned? I'm 73 years old.
Brief Answer:
Information requested and suggestions
Detailed Answer:
Hello
I am Dr Mittal.
I have read your message.
I will be writing to you about the same.
First, please do not worry.
This is very often expected.
The last part of the question explains it all- your age.
Tonsils are known to shrink gradually overtime.
This is well known incidence.
So you need not worry.
Tonsils are lymphoid tissues.
In other words, they are stations in the throat that keep a watch on the infections.
So if you develop an infection, they react.
These reduce in size gradually in elderly.
Many elderly do have them, if they have a high frequency of throat infections.
Else it will reduce.
So I think you need not worry.
What will happen if you do develop another infection now?
Not to worry.
The body's rest of the immune system is intact and this will take care of the infection.
Think of it this way- those who undergo tonsillectomy, do develop infection later in life, but the infection is still controlled.
So you will be fine.
Suggest to have good oral hygeine, to avoid infections.
Brushing/flossing 2-3 times a day, and saline gargles 2-3 times per day after meals will help.
I have tried to make it as simple as possible.
Please feel free to ask a related question if there is some doubt that persists in your mind.
Best of luck, Dr Saumya Mittal
Information requested and suggestions
Detailed Answer:
Hello
I am Dr Mittal.
I have read your message.
I will be writing to you about the same.
First, please do not worry.
This is very often expected.
The last part of the question explains it all- your age.
Tonsils are known to shrink gradually overtime.
This is well known incidence.
So you need not worry.
Tonsils are lymphoid tissues.
In other words, they are stations in the throat that keep a watch on the infections.
So if you develop an infection, they react.
These reduce in size gradually in elderly.
Many elderly do have them, if they have a high frequency of throat infections.
Else it will reduce.
So I think you need not worry.
What will happen if you do develop another infection now?
Not to worry.
The body's rest of the immune system is intact and this will take care of the infection.
Think of it this way- those who undergo tonsillectomy, do develop infection later in life, but the infection is still controlled.
So you will be fine.
Suggest to have good oral hygeine, to avoid infections.
Brushing/flossing 2-3 times a day, and saline gargles 2-3 times per day after meals will help.
I have tried to make it as simple as possible.
Please feel free to ask a related question if there is some doubt that persists in your mind.
Best of luck, Dr Saumya Mittal
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
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