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What Causes Swollen Throat With Breathing Difficulty?
Question: I had my tonsils removed a few years ago. The back of my throat feels swollen recently, and I have had a hard time breathing/going to sleep.
It feels most difficult to breath underneath my right nostril, and right side of my esophagus.
Uvula is also swollen.
Is it possible, its just inflamed, or anoids need to be removed? Can it be an allergic reaction to something?
It feels most difficult to breath underneath my right nostril, and right side of my esophagus.
Uvula is also swollen.
Is it possible, its just inflamed, or anoids need to be removed? Can it be an allergic reaction to something?
Brief Answer:
Need to be seen in person.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
I am sorry you are having this swelling.
Here are some thoughts:
If it were an allergic reaction to something you ate, I would expect that all of the tissues in the throat would be swollen, and possibly your tongue and lips would be swollen too. But given that it feels like there is swelling near the esophagus, it is possible, particularly if it came on abruptly.
If it is something you inhaled, it is possible that just certain areas, including the uvula would be swollen.
Usually when tonsils are removed, the adenoids are taken out too. But not always.
Tonsils can grow back sometimes (!). And become inflamed again.
An infection can cause these symptoms too.
I suggest, if it is interfering with breathing or sleep, that you go in so that the doctor can have a good look in your nose (as far back as possible) and throat. If you can't get in to see your doctor promptly, go to an urgent care clinic.
I'd also suggest taking 50 mg of Benadryl (diphenhydramine), which can help if there is some type of allergic response happening.
I hope this information helps and that you are better soon!
Need to be seen in person.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
I am sorry you are having this swelling.
Here are some thoughts:
If it were an allergic reaction to something you ate, I would expect that all of the tissues in the throat would be swollen, and possibly your tongue and lips would be swollen too. But given that it feels like there is swelling near the esophagus, it is possible, particularly if it came on abruptly.
If it is something you inhaled, it is possible that just certain areas, including the uvula would be swollen.
Usually when tonsils are removed, the adenoids are taken out too. But not always.
Tonsils can grow back sometimes (!). And become inflamed again.
An infection can cause these symptoms too.
I suggest, if it is interfering with breathing or sleep, that you go in so that the doctor can have a good look in your nose (as far back as possible) and throat. If you can't get in to see your doctor promptly, go to an urgent care clinic.
I'd also suggest taking 50 mg of Benadryl (diphenhydramine), which can help if there is some type of allergic response happening.
I hope this information helps and that you are better soon!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
How do I go about scheduling/finding a doctor? I havent seen a doctor in many years. Probably since the tonsils.
Brief Answer:
Here is some information:
Detailed Answer:
Does your insurance have "preferred providers" that limit who/where you can be seen?
If your insurance allows you to go anywhere, and if it's possible for you to get in to see an ENT (ear nose throat) doctor quickly, call a major medical center clinic near you (if there is a university branch clinic, that would be good)and ask who you can get in to see the quickest of their ENT doctors.
Another possibility is to call the office of the doctor who removed your tonsils and see if you can get in to see him or her quickly.
But my guess is you may not be able to get in to see a specialist quickly. So if there is an immediate care, urgent care clinic, or "walk in" clinic near you, go there. When you register, ask to see a physician only. Some of these sorts of places have PAs and NPs and they do not have nearly as much training as an MD.
Here is some information:
Detailed Answer:
Does your insurance have "preferred providers" that limit who/where you can be seen?
If your insurance allows you to go anywhere, and if it's possible for you to get in to see an ENT (ear nose throat) doctor quickly, call a major medical center clinic near you (if there is a university branch clinic, that would be good)and ask who you can get in to see the quickest of their ENT doctors.
Another possibility is to call the office of the doctor who removed your tonsils and see if you can get in to see him or her quickly.
But my guess is you may not be able to get in to see a specialist quickly. So if there is an immediate care, urgent care clinic, or "walk in" clinic near you, go there. When you register, ask to see a physician only. Some of these sorts of places have PAs and NPs and they do not have nearly as much training as an MD.
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
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