Tonsils and adenoids
Swollen and enlarged tonsils and adenoids should be removed
The tonsils and adenoids protect the body from infection, both by working with the immune system antibodies to protect the throat and lungs, and by trapping any bacteria that you may breathe in. Unfortunately, the tonsils themselves can become infected and the adenoids, especially in young children, can be enlarged to the point they interfere with breathing and ear drainage.
When tonsils are infected, they swell and can cause problems with breathing and swallowing. Abscesses also can form around the tonsils. Adenoids often are enlarged in young children, shrinking in size as they get older. In these early years, however, enlarged adenoids can cause sleep apnea and even greater problems if an infection causes them to swell more. If the adenoids fail to shrink, these problems can continue into adolescence and even adulthood.
Bouts of tonsillitis and strep throat can be common for children and adolescents, while ear infections in young children can be aggravated further when enlarged adenoids block the eustachian tube and interfere with middle ear drainage.
Tonsillitis symptoms
- Red and swollen tonsils
- Sore throat and painful swallowing
- White or yellowish spots or bags on the tonsils
- Fever
- Thickening of the voice due to swelling
- Possible ear pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Bad breath
Indications of enlarged adenoids and/or tonsils
- Frequent or constant mouth breathing
- Generally loud breathing all the time
- Snoring at night; restless sleep
- Speaking voice sounds like nose is stuffy
- Chronic runny nose
- Frequent or recurring ear infections
- Sleep apnea – pauses in breathing for a few seconds at night
When throat cultures or blood work indicate infection, treatment with antibiotics is usually effective. However, repeated infections along with chronic swelling or consistently enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids can be debilitating, can have a negative impact on sleep patterns, lead to recurring ear infections, and may cause sleep apnea.
Generally, doctors will recommend a tonsillectomy if a child has three or more infections in one year and an adenoidectomy if a child has sleep disorders or shows indications of enlarged adenoids. Adenoids often are removed during a tonsillectomy if they appear to be enlarged.
If your child is having difficulty with tonsils or adenoids, including throat and ear infections or sleep apnea, our doctors can advise you on the best treatments.