Persistent Tonsil Swelling After Mono Infection: A Concerned Wife's Perspective
I am a 34-year-old male, weighing 140 kg and standing at 5'4", residing in Canada. I have a medical history including celiac disease and hypothyroidism, for which I take 175 mg of Synthroid daily. I do not engage in drug use, alcohol, smoking, or vaping. In late April, I experienced my first episode of mononucleosis that took a severe turn, resulting in hospitalization due to liver complications. While those issues have since resolved, I have been dealing with swollen tonsils ever since. These tonsils continue to be enlarged, and I have noticed they swell even more during physical activity, although they do settle into a consistently swollen state afterward. My wife has also pointed out that I've begun to snore significantly more since falling ill. Because of this, I'm planning to retake a sleep apnea test, having previously had one that returned negative results a couple of years ago. I brought my concerns to my family doctor, who examined my tonsils and assured me they appeared normal. However, my wife remains unconvinced, leaving us unsure about the next steps to take. In Canada, referral processes often necessitate visiting a family doctor first, which adds to the frustration. It would be incredibly helpful if there were some medical professionals who could provide clarity and reassurance about living with this condition, along with a scientific explanation to help ease my wife’s concerns. I will include images of my tonsils in various states for context: one taken when I first felt a tickle (when they appeared normal), another during the acute phase of my mono illness, and a recent photo taken nearly seven months after the mono infection.
Answers (1)
12/17/2025, 7:40:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about persistent tonsil swelling following your episode of mononucleosis. While it can take time to fully recover from such infections, especially when they have been severe, there are some steps you can take to address these concerns and what to monitor moving forward.
Explanation:
Swollen tonsils can remain enlarged for weeks to months after an infection like mononucleosis. This is partly due to inflammation that can persist after the virus has cleared. In some cases, people may experience increased swelling during physical activities or moments of increased heart rate, which can be normal due to blood flow changes. Snoring can also be related to enlarged tonsils, as they can partially obstruct the airway during sleep.
Given your medical history—including celiac disease and hypothyroidism—it's important to stay vigilant about any symptoms that may indicate complications. Normal examinations by your doctor are reassuring, but ongoing concerns, especially when they affect your daily life or sleep, merit attention.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of any changes in your symptoms, especially regarding the size of your tonsils, snoring, or any breathing difficulties. Note when swelling occurs, its severity, and any associated symptoms like throat pain, difficulty swallowing, or changes in sleep quality.
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Sleep Apnea Test: Proceed with the planned sleep apnea test to assess any potential breathing issues during the night. This is a good step to rule out obstructive sleep apnea, especially since snoring has increased.
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Stay Hydrated and Gargle: To help soothe your tonsils, stay hydrated. Gargling with warm salt water may ease inflammation and discomfort. Consider limiting irritants (like spicy foods or allergens) that may worsen your throat's condition.
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Follow Up with Your Doctor: Given the unusual prolonged nature of your symptoms, a follow-up with your family doctor may be necessary. If the swelling persists or worsens, ask about a referral to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for further evaluation.
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Educate and Reassure: Share with your wife that while post-viral symptoms can be prolonged, they are often benign. Normal findings by your doctor tend to support this. To ease her concerns further, consider reviewing reputable resources or studies on mononucleosis recovery and its effects on tonsils.
These steps are focused on managing your concerns and ensuring you’re being proactive in addressing potential issues while reassuring your wife about the normality of your doctor's findings. If new symptoms arise or existing ones significantly worsen, consult your healthcare provider promptly.
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