How can a bad case of tonsillitis sometimes affect breathing?

In some cases, a severe infection of the tonsils, known as tonsillitis, can cause significant swelling and inflammation of the tonsils. This swelling can obstruct the airway at the back of the throat, making breathing difficult.

When the tonsils become severely swollen, they can block the passage of air through the mouth and nose, leading to breathing problems. This is especially common during sleep, when the muscles in the throat and tongue relax, allowing the swollen tonsils to obstruct the airway. Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition characterized by repeated episodes of complete or partial airway obstruction during sleep, leading to disrupted sleep patterns and daytime drowsiness.

In severe cases, the obstruction can be so severe that it can lead to a life-threatening condition called airway compromise. Airway compromise occurs when the airway is completely blocked, preventing air from entering the lungs. This can cause a person to lose consciousness and eventually die if not treated promptly.