What are Tonsils and Adenoids?
Tonsils and adenoids are masses of tissue that are similar to the lymph nodes or “glands” found in the neck, groin, and armpits. Tonsils are the two masses on the back of the throat. Adenoids are high in the throat behind the nose and the roof of the mouth (soft palate) and are not visible through the mouth without special instruments.
Tonsils and adenoids are near the entrance to the breathing passages where they can catch incoming germs, which cause infections. They “sample” bacteria and viruses and can become infected themselves. Scientists believe they work as part of the body’s immune system by filtering germs that attempt to invade the body, and that they help to develop antibodies to germs.
This happens primarily during the first few years of life, becoming less important as we get older. Children who must have their tonsils and adenoids removed suffer no loss in their resistance.
What Affects Tonsils And Adenoids?
The most common problems affecting the tonsils and adenoids are recurrent infections (throat or ear) and significant enlargement or obstruction that causes breathing and swallowing problems.
Abscesses around the tonsils, chronic tonsillitis, and infections of small pockets within the tonsils that produce foul-smelling, cheese-like formations can also affect the tonsils and adenoids, making them sore and swollen. Tumors are rare, but can grow on the tonsils.
When Should I See My Doctor?
You should see your doctor when you or your child suffer the common symptoms of infected or enlarged tonsils or adenoids.
Your Examination
The primary methods used to check tonsils and adenoids are:
- Medical history
- Physical examination
- Throat cultures/Strep tests
- X-rays
- Blood tests
What Should I Expect At the Exam?
Your physician will ask about problems of the ear, nose, and throat and examine the head and neck. He or she will use a small mirror or a flexible lighted instrument to see these areas. Cultures/strep tests are important in diagnosing certain infections in the throat, especially “strep” throat.
Tonsil and Adenoid Diseases Treatments
Bacterial infections of the tonsils, especially those caused by streptococcus, are first treated with antibiotics. Sometimes, removal of the tonsils and/or adenoids may be recommended. The two primary reasons for tonsil and/or adenoid removal are (1) recurrent infection despite antibiotic therapy and (2) difficulty breathing due to enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids.
Such obstruction to breathing causes snoring and disturbed sleep that leads to daytime sleepiness in adults and behavioral problems in children. Some orthodontists believe chronic mouth breathing from large tonsils and adenoids cause malformations of the face and improper alignment of the teeth.
Chronic infection can affect other areas such as the Eustachian Tube – the passage between the back of the nose and the inside of the ear. This can lead to frequent ear infections and potential hearing loss.
Recent studies indicate adenoidectomy may be a beneficial treatment for some children with chronic earaches accompanied by fluid in the middle ear (otitis media with effusion).
In adults, the possibility of cancer or a tumor may be another reason for removing the tonsils and adenoids.
Tonsillitis Symptoms
Tonsillitis is an infection of one or both tonsils. One sign is swelling of the tonsils. Other signs or symptoms are:
- Redder than normal tonsils
- A white or yellow coating on the tonsils
- A slight voice change due to swelling
- Sore throat
- Uncomfortable or painful swallowing
- Swollen lymph nodes (glands) in the neck
- Fever
- Bad breath
Enlarged Adenoids And Their Symptoms
If you or your child’s adenoids are enlarged, it may be hard to breathe through the nose.
Other signs of constant enlargement are:
- Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose most of the time
- Nose sounds “blocked” when the person speaks
- Noisy breathing during the day
- Recurrent ear infections
- Snoring at night
- Breathing stops for a few seconds at night during snoring or loud breathing (sleep apnea)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are adenoids removed with tonsils?
Can enlarged adenoids cause Behavioural problems?
Can homeopathy cure adenoids?
Do adenoids grow back?
Do tonsils affect sleep?
Does removing your tonsils affect your immune system?
How can I shrink my adenoids naturally?
How do adenoids get infected?
How do doctors check adenoids?
How do doctors remove adenoids?
How long does a child stay in hospital after having tonsils out?
Is lemon good for tonsils?
What causes enlarged tonsils and adenoids?
What do swollen tonsils look like in a child?
Why removing tonsils is bad?
Why you shouldnt remove your tonsils?
Can adenoids affect sleep?
Can xray show adenoids?
Can you die from tonsillectomy?
Can you see adenoids through mouth?
Do adenoids affect speech?
Do adenoids cause post nasal drip?
Do adenoids go away with age?
At what age do adenoids shrink?
Can removing tonsils cause cancer?
Can you live without tonsils?
Can your tonsils grow back?
How can I permanently cure my tonsils?
How do you get rid of sore tonsils?
Is adenoid surgery painful?
Is milk good for tonsillitis?
Is tonsillectomy a major surgery?
What are the side effects of having your adenoids removed?
What foods to avoid if you have adenoids?
Do you get sick more without tonsils?
Does removing adenoids help with sleep apnea?
Does your voice change after tonsillectomy?
How do they test for tonsil cancer?
How long can swollen tonsils last?
How long does an adenoid surgery take?
Is it OK to cough after a tonsillectomy?
What is best medicine for tonsils?
Can adenoids be treated without surgery?
Can adults have adenoids removed?
Can dentist remove tonsil stones?
How do you know if you need adenoids removed?
How do you know if your child needs tonsils out?
What are adenoids and why remove them?
What can adults eat after tonsillectomy?
What does adenoids do for the body?
What happens after a 3 year old tonsillectomy?
What is the best treatment for adenoids?
When should a childs tonsils be removed?
Why do they not remove tonsils anymore?
Why is a tonsillectomy more dangerous for adults?
Nicolette A. Picerno, M.D.
Dr. Nicolette Picerno is double-board-certified with the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial and Reconstructive Surgery. She received her medical degree from Hahnemann University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA, and performed her residency at the Medical College of Georgia. She completed a Facial Plastic Surgery Fellowship training in Indianapolis, Indiana. Dr. Picerno is married and has three sons. She enjoys spending time with her family and is an avid tennis player.