I have had serious throat infections since 2002, most requiring hospitalizations and a couple times- being intubated. I had my tonsils and adenoids removed in 1983, so I knew it couldn't be that. It all started in late 2002 when I was diagnosed with LINGUAL tonsilitis, which is an infection of the tonsil glands in the base of the tongue way down in the throat. That first time, I know I was seriously sick- my WBC count was 32000 and they were concerned about my airway because it was so swollen. So I was hospitalized for 4 days on IV steroids and antibiotics and then sent home on oral ones. I ended up back in the hospital with the same problem every three weeks for four months until they decided that although rare and risky, I needed to have those glands from the base of my tongue removed. I spent two weeks in the hospital recovering and had good results for almost a year, but then I started getting epiglotits instead, which is just as serious, if not moreso. I have not had that 7 times in the last 6 years and have been intubated once because the swelling was affecting my airway. I have been to ENT's, Allergists, Immunologists, Rheumatologists and Infectious Disease doctors, but nobody has any answers. I was just hospitalized for it again last week and it was suggested that I seek treatment from Mayo Clinic, but they even said that they can't offer me any other tests or treatments! I am so scared and frustrated because nobody has any answers! I am a single mom and I am afraid that something is going to happen to me when my son is there. I NEED HELP! Does anybody have any ideas/information? I would greatly appreciate it.