Tonsils and Adenoids

Tonsils and adenoids are the body’'s first line of defense as part of the immune system. They “sample” 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.

What are tonsils and adenoids?

Tonsils and adenoids are similar to the lymph nodes or “glands” 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.

What affects tonsils and adenoids?

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.

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.

When should I see a doctor?

You should see your doctor when you or your child experiences the common symptoms of infected or enlarged tonsils or adenoids.

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.

Other methods used to check tonsils and adenoids are:

• •Medical history
• •Physical examination
• •Throat cultures/Strep tests - helpful in determining infections in the throat
• •X-rays - helpful in determining the size and shape of the adenoids
• •Blood tests - helpful in diagnosing infections such as mononucleosis
• Sleep study, or polysomnogram-helpful in determining whether sleep disturbance is occurring because of large tonsils and adenoids.

Tonsillitis and its symptoms

Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils. One sign is swelling of the tonsils. Other symptoms are:

• •Redder than normal tonsils
• •A white or yellow coating on the tonsils
• •A slight voice change due to swelling
• •Sore throat, sometimes accompanied by ear pain.
• •Uncomfortable or painful swallowing
• •Swollen lymph nodes (glands) in the neck
• •Fever 
• Bad breath

Enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids and their symptoms

If your or your child’'s 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:

• •Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose most of the time
• •Nose sounds “blocked” when the person speaks
• •Chronic runny nose
• •Noisy breathing during the day
• •Recurrent ear infections
• •Snoring at night
• Restlessness during sleep, pauses in breathing for a few seconds at night(may indicate sleep apnea).