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What Causes Swollen Tonsil, Ear Crackling And Sore Throat?
Question: Have one swollen tonsil, ear crackling and sore throat on side of the tonsil. Had an engorged tick pulled out of my ear 4 weeks ago. Been on antibiotics and still having a problem. What could this be.
Brief Answer:
Descriptive
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for the query.
A swollen tonsil and sore throat on that side can predispose the person to the dysfunction of Eustachian tube which can be the reason for ear crackling.
The other reason can be an injury, because of the tick which was removed and that can lead to edema and intermittent blockade and the resultant crackling sound but 4 weeks is a long period for healing to take place. Also that will not lead to throat infection. An ear examination by an ENT will shed more light on the findings in the ear canal and drum.
Please use nasal decongestant drops along with antiseptic gargles and steam inhalation. If the antibiotics are not working, a throat swab and culture sensitivity will help in giving the specific antibiotic which can be used in consultation with your doctor.
Feel free to ask another query.
Regards
Descriptive
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for the query.
A swollen tonsil and sore throat on that side can predispose the person to the dysfunction of Eustachian tube which can be the reason for ear crackling.
The other reason can be an injury, because of the tick which was removed and that can lead to edema and intermittent blockade and the resultant crackling sound but 4 weeks is a long period for healing to take place. Also that will not lead to throat infection. An ear examination by an ENT will shed more light on the findings in the ear canal and drum.
Please use nasal decongestant drops along with antiseptic gargles and steam inhalation. If the antibiotics are not working, a throat swab and culture sensitivity will help in giving the specific antibiotic which can be used in consultation with your doctor.
Feel free to ask another query.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Could this be throat or tonsil cancer
Brief Answer:
Unlikely from your symptoms
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the query.
Throat cancer what is commonly perceived is a non healing ulcer in the throat but a unilateral enlargement of tonsil can be a presentation of a specific type of cancer.
But your description points to an infective process and not suggestive of cancer. Your symptoms suggest an infective process.
An examination of the throat, by an ENT can suggest infection by congestion and other signs of inflammation. If these are not there, then a unilateral hypertrophy of tonsil should be investigated with a biopsy and complete neck examination will be done.
Feel free to ask another query.
Regards
Unlikely from your symptoms
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the query.
Throat cancer what is commonly perceived is a non healing ulcer in the throat but a unilateral enlargement of tonsil can be a presentation of a specific type of cancer.
But your description points to an infective process and not suggestive of cancer. Your symptoms suggest an infective process.
An examination of the throat, by an ENT can suggest infection by congestion and other signs of inflammation. If these are not there, then a unilateral hypertrophy of tonsil should be investigated with a biopsy and complete neck examination will be done.
Feel free to ask another query.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
My left tonsil is still swollen and scratchy after a Z Pack and still have cracking in the left ear when I move in certain ways. I am worried because I am getting married next week and don't want the ENT to tell me I need the tonsil out. It doesn't look infected just larger than the other. What r the possible diagnoses for this. I also have allergies. Could this cause this problem for 6 weeks?
Brief Answer:
descriptive
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the query.
Other than swollen the congestion part is important and an ENT can examine and tell that. If it is congested, throat swab and culture sensitivity can point to the specific antibiotics to be used.
If there is no congestion and size is significantly large than the other, investigations are needed with complete blood count and peripheral blood film along with FNAC.
If these piint to some diagnosis or are inconclusive, removal of that tonsil and histopathology is the option.
There are some constitutional symptoms like fever, weight loss, loss of appetite and you have not stated any.
Still a persistent unilateral enlagement of tonsil needs to be investigated.
Feel free to ask another query.
Regards
descriptive
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the query.
Other than swollen the congestion part is important and an ENT can examine and tell that. If it is congested, throat swab and culture sensitivity can point to the specific antibiotics to be used.
If there is no congestion and size is significantly large than the other, investigations are needed with complete blood count and peripheral blood film along with FNAC.
If these piint to some diagnosis or are inconclusive, removal of that tonsil and histopathology is the option.
There are some constitutional symptoms like fever, weight loss, loss of appetite and you have not stated any.
Still a persistent unilateral enlagement of tonsil needs to be investigated.
Feel free to ask another query.
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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