Tonsils and adenoids are names that many people are familiar with, especially in children who often have frequent inflammation problems, causing continuous discomfort. This article will introduce you to their functions, common problems, and appropriate treatment or surgical approaches from specialists.
Q : What are tonsils and adenoids?
A : Both glands are lymphoid tissues inside that contain various types of white blood cells. Tonsils can be seen inside the throat on both sides, while adenoids are located behind the nasal cavity above the tonsils and cannot be seen through the mouth.
Q : What are the functions of tonsils and adenoids?
A : Their function is to trap and eliminate various pathogens that enter the respiratory and digestive systems through breathing and eating.
Q : Common problems of tonsils and adenoids
A : These include inflammation and infections caused by viruses and bacteria, which can be acute or chronic. Another common problem is chronic enlargement of the tonsils and adenoids, especially in children, which may cause abnormal breathing, swallowing, and sleeping.
Q : Symptoms of inflammation of tonsils and adenoids
A : Tonsils
- Fever, sore throat on one or both sides, sometimes pain radiating to the ear
- Painful swallowing, difficulty swallowing, reduced food intake
- Enlarged tonsils, redder than usual, or white or yellow patches
- Chronic sore throat, bad breath
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
A : Adenoids
- Runny nose or chronic cough, intermittent
- Nasal voice “blocked” when speaking
- Ear pain, recurrent middle ear infections, or
- Hearing loss due to fluid in the middle ear
- Mostly mouth breathing instead of nasal breathing
- Loud snoring or habitual snoring (more than 3 days per week)
Q : Tonsils and adenoids when infected and chronically inflamed
A : When inflammation or infection occurs, you should see a doctor for proper examination and treatment. Treatment may be conservative (Conservative Treatment) with antipyretics, pain relievers, and fluid replacement when intake is low, along with appropriate antibiotics.
Q : Criteria for tonsil and adenoid surgery
A : Currently, the criteria for tonsil and adenoid surgery are divided into 3 disease groups as follows:
- Frequent or chronic inflammation or infection
- Obstruction of the respiratory and digestive tracts due to enlarged tonsils and adenoids, such as snoring, sleep apnea, and
- Suspected tonsil and adenoid cancer
Q : Does tonsil and adenoid surgery have any effects?
A : Although tonsils and adenoids are organs related to the body’s immune system, studies have found that after removing both glands, the body can still protect against pathogens normally and does not increase infections.
Children in the growth stage tend to have more frequent inflammation of the tonsils and adenoids than other ages, which may cause snoring or sleep apnea and affect physical development, concentration, and learning. If there are abnormal symptoms affecting quality of life, tonsil and adenoid surgery may be an appropriate treatment option without impairing the body’s immune system.
If your child has symptoms as described, it is recommended to have an evaluation by an ear, nose, and throat specialist at Phyathai 2 Hospital to plan appropriate care and treatment.
Dr. Polch Hoangthongdaeng
Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist and Sleep Apnea Treatment
Phyathai 2 Hospital
