Advice please - pharmacist noticed I have swollen tonsils but they've been like this for years. Should I be concerned?

Apologies If this post isn’t allowed and if picture no allowed. Happy to remove. I visited pharmacist today regarding ear pressure. Likely middle ear infection and was reccomended using a a decongestant. Whilst there, they checked my throat and mentioned my tonsils swollen. I’ve had no throat pain, just ear. I did mention my tonsils have been like this for a couple of years?? No pain but always swollen. He mentioned I should make a gp appt which I will on Monday but should I be concerned???

  • Just for more context as not able to add a photo…. My right side tonsil is enlarged. Around 50% of my throat. It causes no pain but has been this way for several years. 

  • Hello Terry123, 

    A very warm welcome to our forum and thank you for sharing your story. You are right that we don't allow pictures to be posted on the forum but it's absolutely fine for you to share your story and your worries on here. 

    You did the right thing in visiting the pharmacist when you noticed this ear pressure. It sounds like the pharmacist did a thorough job checking your throat at the same time and try not to worry too much if you can. You are right though to follow the pharmacist's advice and book a GP appointment on Monday as only the GP will be able to give you an accurate explanation as to why your right side tonsil is enlarged. When you see the doctor, make sure you mention that you haven't had any throat pain or issues and that you noticed your tonsils have been like this for a couple of years. You could also take the opportunity to mention the ear pressure if you are still having issues with that so that the GP is aware of this too and can perhaps check both your ears and your throat. 

    I hope that you will manage to get a GP appointment very soon and that it all turns out to be nothing of concern.

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator