Tonsil
and Adenoid Disease
Tonsil and adenoid disease remains one of the most common
reasons to visit an ENT doctor. The tonsils and adenoids
are comprised of lymphoid tissue and have no true function
in the body. The tonsils are located in the back of the
throat, while the adenoids are located in the very back
of the nose. They were once thought to provide self defense
to the body, lessening infection. We now know that removing
this tissue has no effect on the immune system.
Frequently, the tonsil and adenoids
may become infected. The usual culprits are Strep, Staph
and other bacteria commonly found in the mouth. Most infections
resolve quickly with antibiotics. Some children and adults
will develop recurrent infections, which lead to many missed
school and work days. When an individual has had 4-6 infections
in a single year, consideration may be given to tonsillectomy
and adenoidectomy. Surgery may also be considered if 3-4
infections a year have occurred for several years running.
When tonsils and adenoids
become markedly enlarged, difficulty breathing may be encountered.
This is especially evident at night. Some children develop
inability to breathe through their noses and become chronic
mouth breathers. Loud snoring with breaks in breathing is
characteristic of enlarged tonsils and adenoids in children.
Should you note these symptoms in your child, evaluation
is necessary, as chronic changes in the lungs and heart
may occur from persist obstruction.
Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
is performed on an outpatient basis. The surgery typically
takes 30 to 45 minutes to perform. The recovery period is
7-14 days. Children under the age of 4 are usually observed
overnight in the hospital. Adults will usually miss 10 to
14 days of work following tonsillectomy.
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