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Updated: Jun 29, 2026
05:07
CO2-Lasertonsillotomy Under Local Anesthesia in Adults
Published on: November 6, 2019
Chronic cough and tonsillar hypertrophy: a case series.
Richard K Gurgel1, James T Brookes2, Miles M Weinberger3
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.
Pediatric Pulmonology
|October 11, 2008
Summary
Chronic cough can be caused by tonsillar tissue pressing on the epiglottis. Surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) effectively cured the cough in two patients, suggesting a new treatment approach.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Symptomology
Background:
- Intractable chronic cough is a debilitating condition with various potential causes.
- Anatomical abnormalities in the oropharynx can sometimes contribute to persistent cough.
- Previous case reports have suggested a link between uvular contact with the epiglottis and chronic cough.
Observation:
- Two patients presented with severe, persistent cough unresponsive to conventional treatments.
- Physical examination revealed tonsillar hypertrophy causing impingement on the epiglottis in both individuals.
- The anatomical relationship between tonsillar tissue and the epiglottis was identified as a potential etiological factor.
Findings:
- Tonsillectomy, the surgical removal of tonsillar tissue, was performed on both patients.
- Following tonsillectomy, both patients experienced complete resolution of their chronic cough.
- These findings support the hypothesis that tonsillar-epiglottic contact can induce chronic cough.
Implications:
- Tonsillar hypertrophy impinging on the epiglottis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intractable chronic cough.
- Tonsillectomy may be a curative treatment for cough secondary to this specific anatomical issue.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanism and prevalence of tonsil-induced chronic cough.
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