Tonsils and Adenoids: Functions, Common Problems, and Treatments

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Tonsils and Adenoids
Functions, Common Problems, and Treatments
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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.
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What Are Their Functions?
The tonsils and adenoids are your bodys 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.
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What Causes Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids
Your nose and throat are inhabited by
microflorabacteria, viruses, and fungi. Most of
the time these microorganisms are harmless in
fact, theyre often helpful. Even small numbers
of bad bacteria dont usually cause problems.
Its when they start to multiply that an
infection in the tonsils or adenoids can take
hold. However, some peopleespecially
childrenhave enlarged tonsils and adenoids
without any identifiable cause. In these cases,
there could be a genetic component.
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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

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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 resortonly
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.
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But Wait Dont 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 dont 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 arent the only organs that
  provide this type of protectionremoving the
  tonsils or adenoids wont likely have much of an
  impact on your immune system or your childs
  immune system.

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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 anesthesiaso you wont
  feel anything or have any memory of the surgery
  itself.

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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.

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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.