Tonsils and adenoids are the body\u2019s first line of defense as part of the immune system. They \u201csample\u201d bacteria and viruses that enter the body through the mouth or nose, but they sometimes become infected. At times, they become more of a liability than an asset and may even cause airway obstruction or repeated bacterial infections. Your ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist can suggest the best treatment options.<\/p>\n\n\n
Tonsils and adenoids are similar to the lymph nodes or \u201cglands\u201d found in the neck, groin, and armpits. Tonsils are the two round lumps in 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 or nose without special instruments.<\/p>\n\n\n
The two most common problems affecting the tonsils and adenoids are recurrent infections of the nose and throat, and significant enlargement that causes nasal obstruction and\/or breathing, swallowing, and sleep problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Abscesses around the tonsils, chronic tonsillitis, and infections of small pockets within the tonsils that produce foul-smelling white deposits can also affect the tonsils and adenoids, making them sore and swollen. Cancers of the tonsil, while uncommon, require early diagnosis and aggressive treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n
You should see your doctor when you or your child experience the common symptoms of infected or enlarged tonsils or adenoids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your physician will ask about problems of the ear, nose, and throat and examine the head and neck. He or she may use a small mirror or a flexible lighted instrument to see these areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other methods used to check tonsils and adenoids are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils. Tonsillitis most often occurs in children, but rarely in those younger than two years old. Tonsillitis caused by bacteria (streptococcus species) Streptococcus species typically occurs in children aged 5 to 15 years, while viral tonsillitis is more common in younger children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One sign is swelling of the tonsils. Other symptoms are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your or your child\u2019s adenoids are enlarged, it may be hard to breathe through the nose. If the tonsils and adenoids are enlarged, breathing during sleep may be disturbed. Other signs of adenoid and or tonsil enlargement are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bacterial infections of the tonsils, especially those caused by streptococcus, are first treated with antibiotics. Removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) and\/or adenoids (adenoidectomy) may be recommended if there are recurrent infections despite antibiotic therapy, and\/or difficulty breathing due to enlarged tonsils and\/or adenoids. Such obstruction to breathing causes snoring and disturbed sleep that leads to daytime sleepiness, and may even cause behavioral or school performance problems in some children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chronic infections of the adenoids can affect other areas such as the eustachian tube\u2013the passage between the back of the nose and the inside of the ear. This can lead to frequent ear infections and buildup of fluid in the middle ear that may cause temporary hearing loss. Studies also find that removal of the adenoids may help some children with chronic earaches accompanied by fluid in the middle ear (otitis media with effusion).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In adults, the possibility of cancer or a tumor may be another reason for removing the tonsils and adenoids. In some patients, especially those with infectious mononucleosis, severe enlargement may obstruct the airway. For those patients, treatment with steroids (e.g., prednisone) is sometimes helpful.<\/p>\n\n\n
For at least two weeks before any surgery, the patient should refrain from taking aspirin or other medications containing aspirin. (WARNING: Children should never be given aspirin because of the risk of developing Reye\u2019s syndrome). Your doctor may ask to you to stop taking other medications that may interfere with clotting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When the patient arrives at the hospital or surgery center, the anesthesiologist and nursing staff may meet with the patient and family to review the patient\u2019s history. The patient will then be taken to the operating room and given an anesthetic. Intravenous fluids are usually given during and after surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After the operation, the patient will be taken to the recovery area. Recovery room staff will observe the patient closely until discharge. Every patient is unique, and recovery time may vary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your ENT specialist will provide you with the details of preoperative and postoperative care and answer your questions.<\/p>\n\n\n
There are several postoperative problems that may arise. These include swallowing problems, vomiting, fever, throat pain, and ear pain. Occasionally, bleeding from the mouth or nose may occur after surgery. If the patient has any bleeding, your surgeon should be notified immediately. It is also important to drink liquids after surgery to avoid dehydration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Any questions or concerns you have should be discussed openly with your surgeon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n