Tonsils & Adenoids

at Allergy & ENT Associates of Middle TN

The tonsils and adenoids are part of the lymphatic system and serve as defenders of the immune system, protecting your body by preventing germs and bacteria from entering through your mouth and nose. Occasionally, they will develop problems themselves, requiring the attention of an ENT specialist.

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils that leads to swelling, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing. It is usually the result of a viral or bacterial infection and tends to affect children more frequently than any other age group.

Symptoms & Causes

The tonsils are tissues located in the back of the throat. Their role is to trap germs and bacteria and help prevent infection. Because they are constantly exposed to germs, they are susceptible to infection themselves.

Following puberty, the tonsils’ role as immune system defender declines significantly. This is why tonsil infections are far more common in children than adults.

Tonsillitis is the name given to a tonsil infection—swelling and inflammation of the tonsils caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies, or upper respiratory disorders.

Common symptoms include:

• Red and swollen tonsils
• White or yellow patches on the tonsils
• Sore throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Fever
• Tender lymph nodes
• Bad breath
• Headache
• Stiff neck

Younger children may:

• Be extra irritable
• Drool excessively
• Refuse to eat

Because the streptococcus bacterium is a frequent cause of tonsillitis, doctors will usually test for strep throat when a patient is diagnosed with a tonsil infection.

Treatment

Treatment depends on whether the infection is viral or bacterial.

If the infection is viral, it should clear up in 7–10 days and home remedies are usually effective. Recommended care includes:

• Rest and plenty of fluids (especially warm liquids like broth or tea with honey)
• Gargling with warm saltwater several times a day
• Eating cold treats such as Popsicles
• Lozenges or cough drops for throat irritation
• Avoiding cigarette smoke and other irritants

If a bacterial infection such as strep throat is responsible, antibiotics will be administered.

Your doctor may recommend surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) if the condition recurs frequently.

Adenoiditis

You may be familiar with tonsillitis, but your adenoids can also become infected. The adenoids are a pair of soft tissue masses located behind the nose and roof of the mouth. They trap germs and create antibodies that help the immune system fight infection.

Because the adenoids play such a key role in protection, they often come into contact with germs and become infected. This condition is known as adenoiditis.

Causes

Adenoid infections often affect children but are nearly unheard of in adults. This is because the tissues begin to shrink around age 5 or 6 and disappear completely in most people by the time they reach their teens.

Virtually any virus or bacteria can cause an infection of the adenoids.

Symptoms

Enlarged adenoids can block airflow through the nose, leading to:

• Mouth breathing
• Snoring
• Dry or sore throat

Yellow or green discharge from the nose can also occur.

In addition to swollen adenoids, infected adenoids can lead to:

• Middle ear infections
• Sinusitis
• Chest infection

Treatments

Because adenoiditis symptoms closely mirror other conditions, an in-depth examination is necessary. Your child’s doctor will examine the ears, nose, and throat and check for swollen lymph nodes in the neck. X-rays may be ordered because the adenoids are often difficult to observe visually.

If the cause is viral, it should run its course in a matter of days. Symptoms may be managed with:

• Over-the-counter medications (antihistamines, decongestants, pain relievers)
• Fluids and rest

If a bacterial infection is responsible, antibiotics are usually prescribed.

Chronic ear infections (a frequent cause of adenoiditis) may require surgical treatment. Removal of the adenoids is known as an adenoidectomy. It is a routine outpatient procedure and is often performed along with a tonsillectomy since tonsillitis and adenoiditis frequently occur at the same time.

Recovering from Surgery

If surgery is required to remove the tonsils and/or adenoids, recovery usually takes 7–10 days. To make recovery smoother:

• Drink plenty of fluids

• Eat a soft diet initially

• Increase activity slowly

• Take pain medication as prescribed



Keep in mind that scabs will form where the tonsils and adenoids were removed. These typically fall off 5–10 days after surgery. There should not be bleeding other than minor spotting in the saliva. If bright red blood is seen, contact a physician immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Call Allergy & ENT Associates at (615) 889-8802 to learn more or schedule an appointment.