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Tonsils and adenoids are on the body's first line of defense - our immune system. They "sample" bacteria and viruses that enter the body through the mouth or nose at the risk of their own infection. At times, however, tonsils and adenoids become more of a liability than an asset. They may even trigger airway obstruction or repeated bacterial infections. Your ear, nose, and throat specialist can suggest the best treatment options for your symptoms. What are Tonsils and Adenoids? Tonsils, made of a soft glandular tissue, are part of the immune system. We all have two at the back of our mouths - one at each side, varying in size from person to person. Your tonsils can normally be seen by opening your mouth wide and saying "Ah," while looking in a mirror. The main function of tonsils is to trap bacteria and viruses (germs) that you might breathe in. Antibodies and immune cells in the tonsils help to kill germs and prevent throat and lung infections. Adenoids are similar to tonsils in their appearance, but, instead, hang from the back of the upper nasal cavity. They also work in a very similar way to tonsils as they both help defend the body from infection by trapping bacteria and viruses which you breathe in. While tonsils trap bacteria breathed in through the mouth, adenoids trap them through the nose. Symptoms of Tonsillitis or an Adenoid Infection The most prominent symptom of tonsillitis is a sore throat. Other symptoms of tonsillitis include:
* Redder than normal tonsils
* A white or yellow coating on the tonsils
* A slight voice change due to swelling
* Sore throat
* Uncomfortable or painful swallowing
* Swollen lymph nodes (glands) in the neck
* Fever
* Bad breath If your adenoids are enlarged, it may be hard to breathe through the nose. Other signs of constant enlargement are:
* Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose most of the time
* Nose sounds "blocked" when the person speaks
* Noisy breathing during the day
* Recurrent ear infections
* Snoring at night
* Breathing stops for a few seconds at night during snoring or loud breathing (sleep apnea) Common Problems Affecting the Tonsils and Adenoids The most common problems occurring with the tonsils and adenoids are recurrent or chronic infections and significant enlargement. Acute tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils caused by one of several possible types of bacteria or viruses. It is characterized by either the sudden or gradual onset of a sore throat which is usually associated with a fever. You may stop swallowing saliva, start to drool, complain of ear pain with swallowing, and have bad breath. The surface of the tonsil may be bright red or have a grayish-white coating. The lymph nodes in the neck may also be swollen and a fever can be present. Chronic tonsillitis is a persistent infection of the tonsils. Repeated infections may cause the formation of small pockets in the tonsils which harbor bacteria. Frequently, small foul smelling stones are found within these pockets, and may contain high quantities of sulfa. When crushed, they give off the characteristic of a rotten egg smell which causes bad breath. They may also give a patient the sense of something being caught in the back of their throat. Visit your Westport and Norwalk ENT today if you suffer from common symptoms of infected or enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Your ENT will be able to check your tonsils and adenoids for potential problems and to create an appropriate treatment plan.
Sean Hartmen writes for leading Norwalk hearing aid specialist, Dr. Andrew Parker. Dr. Parker, a board certified otolaryngologist, and his staff of licensed audiologists, a physician associate and another board certified doctor treat all ear, nose and throat maladies including Norwalk and Westport hearing aids.
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