The Body’s Crime Fighter
Throughout the human body lays an intricate network called the lymphatic system. Made of organs, tissues, and nodes, the system fights infection by removing unwanted toxins. In the nasal cavity and mouth, two important lymphatic tissues live: the adenoids and tonsils.
Your body’s best-kept secret
Many people have never heard of the hidden lymphatic gem. Just past the tonsils, where the throat meets the nasal cavity, are adenoids. Adenoids are a mass of tissue rich with white blood cells. Unseen with the naked eye, adenoids pack a punch in the fight for a healthy body.
The powerful role of adenoids
When people come into contact with bacteria and potential viruses throughout the day and can sometimes ingest harmful contaminants through the mouth or nose. Adenoids put pesky viruses out of commission by fighting infections. Most noteworthy, adenoids are important for small children with developing immune systems.
What are tonsils?
Before reaching the adenoids, the palatine tonsils are a pair of small masses located at the back of the throat. With one on each side of the tongue, tonsils consist of lymphoid tissue, like adenoids. Tonsils are just one of the many parts of the body’s immune fighting system.
Tonsils are more important than you think
Some people might say tonsils aren’t necessary. Yet, tonsils are one of the first lines of defense for germs entering the mouth. Tonsils trap and kill unwanted germs and signal the immune system to get to work. Tonsils can prevent throat infections, the common cold, and similar ailments.
Fun Fact: Adenoids are also called the pharyngeal tonsils. Adenoids are one of three sets of tonsils in the mouth and throat.
Adenoids and tonsils have limits
As kids grow, adenoids and tonsils shrink, becoming almost non-existent by adulthood. But adenoids and tonsils can also be problematic. Both masses are always at work, so infections and inflammation can occur. When this happens, an ENT may consider removing the tissues. Removing the adenoids is typically a minimally invasive surgery with little downtime.
Bye, bye adenoid
An infected or inflamed adenoid can grow to the size of a small ball. Infections cause difficulty breathing, swallowing, snoring, and sleep apnea. Adenoids are self-healing, but sometimes antibiotics are needed to heal an infection. When the pain is unbearable or the antibiotics ineffective, a doctor may recommend an adenoidectomy.
Taking out the tonsils
The tonsils are prone to several infections and conditions. Strep throat infections, tonsillitis, and mono impact the tonsils. Infected tonsils cause troublesome symptoms like sore throat, fever, bad breath, and difficulty swallowing. Patients, particularly children, with repeated tonsil infections may be good candidates for a tonsillectomy.
Is surgery the best option?
Tonsils and adenoids are important for the safe growth of children into healthy adults. However if the two masses cause constant distress, the best time for surgery is now. With over 500,000 tonsillectomies done yearly, a physician can advise about the best time for surgery. Patients should speak with a physician about the treatment options for inflamed or infected tonsils or adenoids.
Recent Posts
Knee Arthroscopy: What Conditions Can This Procedure Treat?
Knee arthroscopy is a procedure with multiple applications. Learn how this surgery helps different knee conditions.
Debunking Joint Surgery Myths: Can You Really Go Home The Same Day?
Joint surgery no longer requires long hospital stays. Learn how same-day discharge works, who qualifies, and why recovery at home is often possible.
The ASC Advantage: Why Choosing An Outpatient Center Saves Time
Performing elective or minimally invasive procedures at an outpaitne center has many benefits. Enjoy these amazing time saving features.
Modern Joint Replacement: Why Outpatient Surgery Is Now The Standard
Joint replacement turns modern. With outpatient surgery, patients get improved joint health and a host of recovery benefits.
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
Recent Posts
Debunking Joint Surgery Myths: Can You Really Go Home The Same Day?
Joint surgery no longer requires long hospital stays. Learn how same-day discharge works, who qualifies, and why recovery at home is often possible.
The ASC Advantage: Why Choosing An Outpatient Center Saves Time
Performing elective or minimally invasive procedures at an outpaitne center has many benefits. Enjoy these amazing time saving features.
Modern Joint Replacement: Why Outpatient Surgery Is Now The Standard
Joint replacement turns modern. With outpatient surgery, patients get improved joint health and a host of recovery benefits.
Navigating Sinus Surgery: Relief From Chronic Congestion & Pain
Occasional sinus discomfort happens, but when it’s persistent, you might need to consider surgery for relief.
