Can You Swallow Your Tonsils? The Surprising Answer

Your tonsils are two small, oval-shaped glands located at the back of your throat. They are part of your immune system and help to filter out bacteria and viruses.

Can You Swallow Your Tonsils?

The answer is yes, you can swallow your tonsils. However, it is not a common occurrence. Tonsils are usually too large to fit through the esophagus, the tube that connects your throat to your stomach.

Why Would You Swallow Your Tonsils?

There are a few reasons why you might swallow your tonsils. One reason is if you have a condition called tonsillar hypertrophy. This condition causes the tonsils to become enlarged, which can make them more likely to fall out of the back of your throat.

Another reason why you might swallow your tonsils is if you have a tonsillectomy. This is a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils. During a tonsillectomy, the surgeon will cut the tonsils out of the back of your throat.

What Happens If You Swallow Your Tonsils?

If you swallow your tonsils, they will usually pass through your digestive tract without causing any problems. However, in some cases, swallowed tonsils can become lodged in the esophagus or the stomach. This can cause pain, nausea, and vomiting.

If you think you have swallowed your tonsils, it is important to see a doctor right away.

Tonsils: What You Need to Know

Tonsils are two small, oval-shaped glands located at the back of your throat. They are part of your immune system and help to filter out bacteria and viruses.

Tonsils are usually not a problem. However, they can become enlarged, which can cause difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking. In some cases, enlarged tonsils may need to be removed.

Here are some of the benefits of having your tonsils:

They help to protect you from infection.

They help to produce antibodies.

They help to filter out bacteria and viruses.

Here are some of the risks of having your tonsils removed:

You may be more likely to get sick.

You may have difficulty breathing or swallowing.

You may have a hoarse voice.

If you are considering having your tonsils removed, it is important to talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks.

Stories

Story 1

Benefit: Reduced risk of infection

How to: Gargle with salt water several times a day. This will help to reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth and throat, which can help to prevent infection.

Story 2

Benefit: Improved breathing

How to: Use a nasal spray or saline rinse to clear your nasal passages. This will help to reduce congestion and improve your breathing.

Story 3

Benefit: Reduced snoring

How to: Sleep on your side or stomach. This will help to keep your airway open and reduce snoring.

Tables

Table 1: Tonsil Size and Age

Age	Tonsil Size
0-2 years	1-2 cm
3-6 years	2-3 cm
7-12 years	3-4 cm
13-18 years	4-5 cm
19+ years	5+ cm

Table 2: Tonsil Removal Rates

Country	Tonsil Removal Rate
United States	5%
United Kingdom	2%
Canada	1%
Australia	0.5%

FAQs

1. Can you swallow your tonsils?

Yes, you can swallow your tonsils. However, it is not a common occurrence. Tonsils are usually too large to fit through the esophagus, the tube that connects your throat to your stomach.

2. Why would you swallow your tonsils?

There are a few reasons why you might swallow your tonsils. One reason is if you have a condition called tonsillar hypertrophy. This condition causes the tonsils to become enlarged, which can make them more likely to fall out of the back of your throat.

Another reason why you might swallow your tonsils is if you have a tonsillectomy. This is a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils. During a tonsillectomy, the surgeon will cut the tonsils out of the back of your throat.

3. What happens if you swallow your tonsils?

4. Are there any benefits to having your tonsils removed?

There are some potential benefits to having your tonsils removed, including:

Reduced risk of infection

Improved breathing

Reduced snoring

5. Are there any risks to having your tonsils removed?

There are some potential risks to having your tonsils removed, including:

Increased risk of infection

Difficulty breathing or swallowing

Hoarse voice

6. Should I get my tonsils removed?

If you are considering having your tonsils removed, it is important to talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks.

Can You Swallow Your Tonsils? The Surprising Answer