Tonsils and Adenoids both have to do with our immune system and help protect the body from viruses and bacteria. So why do many people decide to have surgery to get rid of them? How are we able to live perfectly okay without them?
Tonsils are small, round pieces of tissue (lymph nodes) located in the back of the mouth on both sides of the throat.
Shown above: an illustration of normal tonsils versus inflamed tonsils
Adenoids are a clump of tissue located behind the nasal cavity above the roof of the mouth.
Shown above: an illustration showing normal adenoids vs. swollen adenoids/along with the placement of tonsils and adenoids in the throat.
Tonsils and adenoids fight infection, but when germs and bacteria enter our body, there’s a tendency for our tonsils and/or adenoids to get infected and enlarge/swell.
So removing tonsils and adenoids can help correct airway obstruction so that patients no longer experience sleep apnea or other symptoms.
Symptoms/Implications of Enlarged Tonsils (tonsillitis)/Adenoids (adenoiditis):
Sore throat
Difficulty breathing through the nose.
Bad breath and dry lips from breathing through the mouth.
Sounding as if the nose is pinched or stuffed.
Frequent sinus symptoms.
Snoring
Sleep apnea
Inner ear infection
As many people struggle with infections and allergies, the swelling of tonsils and adenoids is actually very common, especially in children.
Tonsillectomy: a surgery to remove the tonsils because they have become swollen or enlarged because of an infection or allergies.
Adenoidectomy: a surgery to remove the adenoids.
*These are some of the most common surgical procedures in the United States*
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