Tonsils and Adenoids Functions, Common Problems, and Treatments
What Are Tonsils and Adenoids? The tonsils and adenoids are soft lumps of tissue located in the back of the throat. Similar in shape and size to the lymph nodes, these small organs are part of the immune system. If you open your mouth wide, you can see your tonsils at the back of the throat. Your adenoids are located in the upper part of your nasal cavity and cannot be seen without a special instrument.
What Are Their Functions? The tonsils and adenoids are your body’s first line of defense against pathogens, like bacteria and viruses, that enter your body through the mouth or nose. They contain antibodies that detect and kill pathogens before they can spread to other parts of your body. The adenoids also help push nasal mucus down your throat and into the stomach, via hair-like structures called cilia.
What Causes Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids Your nose and throat are inhabited by microflora—bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Most of the time these microorganisms are harmless; in fact, they’re often helpful. Even small numbers of bad bacteria don’t usually cause problems. It’s when they start to multiply that an infection in the tonsils or adenoids can take hold. However, some people—especially children—have enlarged tonsils and adenoids without any identifiable cause. In these cases, there could be a genetic component.
Symptoms of Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids Bacterial or viral infections, such as strep throat or the flu, can cause enlarged tonsils and adenoids. In some cases, there is no identifiable underlying cause. Symptoms can include (but are not limited to): • Sore throat • Trouble swallowing • Stuffy/runny nose
• Swollen glands (neck) • Fever • Ear pain • Trouble breathing through the nose • Loud breathing or snoring
• Voice changes
When Is It Right to Remove the Tonsils and/or Adenoids? In the past, tonsil and adenoid removal was considered routine. Today doctors take a more conservative approach. In general, removing the tonsils (tonsillectomy) and adenoids (adenoidectomy) is reserved as a last resort—only if less-invasive treatments, such as antibiotic therapy and diet changes, have failed. If you or your child has recurring tonsillitis, blockages that cause snoring, breathing difficulty, or sleep apnea, it may be appropriate to remove the tonsils and/or adenoids. Your family care physician will refer you to an otolaryngologist (ENT doctor) to discuss your options, which may include surgery.
But Wait – Don’t Tonsils and Adenoids Disappear on Their Own? The tonsils and adenoids continue to grow until around age 7, after which they start shrinking. By adulthood they may almost disappear completely.
Most people don’t need to have their tonsils or adenoids removed. For others who experience chronic or severe infections with complications, surgery may be the only way to provide lasting relief. The tonsils and adenoids protect against many pathogens, but they aren’t the only organs that provide this type of protection—removing the tonsils or adenoids won’t likely have much of an impact on your immune system or your child’s immune system.
The Latest Ear, Nose, and Throat Technologies Doctors today use several surgical techniques to remove the tonsils and adenoids. These include: • Removal with a scalpel (“cold knife dissection”) • Cauterization, to burn away the tissues • Ultrasonic vibration, which uses sound waves to remove tonsil tissue The procedure to remove the tonsils and/or adenoids usually takes around 30 minutes and is performed under general anesthesia—so you won’t feel anything or have any memory of the surgery itself.
Recovery from Tonsillectomy and/or Adenoidectomy In the days after surgery, you or your child may experience: • Sore throat
• Pain in the jaw, ears, or neck • Fever • Mouth breathing or snoring (from swelling in the throat) • Scabs in the mouth (where tonsils were removed)
Most people can return to their usual activities within a week of surgery. Only you and your doctor can decide whether tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy are right for you or your child. Talk openly with your doctor about any and all concerns you have about surgery, and be sure to ask plenty of questions.
About Crystal Run Healthcare The expert physicians at Crystal Run Healthcare are committed to helping patients of every age find relief from tonsil and adenoid problems, including tonsillitis, adenoiditis, and tonsil stones. Visit us online to learn more about the expert otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat doctors) at Crystal Run Healthcare and easily book an appointment with many of our physicians’ or contact us if you need additional assistance. Our methods are evidence-based. Our treatment is patient-centered. Our doctors are here to help. Visit www.crystalrunhealthcare.com for more information.