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
Will My Orthopedic Surgeon Set A Lifting Restriction For Bicep Tenodesis?
Bicep tears can cause serious pain and discomfort. After bicep tenodesis, an orthopedic surgeon may set a lifting limit to reduce complications.
Nasal & Sinus Surgery: What Are The Benefits Of FESS For Chronic Sinusitis?
Long-lasting relief for chronic sinusitis is possible with FESS, a minimally invasive procedure that removes blockages through the nasal cavity.
Getting Active Again: 4 Simple Stretches To Improve ROM After A Total Knee Replacement
After a total knee replacement, improving range of motion is essential. Simple stretches can reduce pain and improve flexibility.
Knee Surgery: 4 Questions To Ask Your Doc Before ACL Reconstruction
Some people with an ACL tear require knee reconstruction surgery. Knowing what to ask the orthopedic surgeon can help speed recovery.
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“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 very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“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!”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“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 ”
“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.”
“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.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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 ”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
Recent Posts
Nasal & Sinus Surgery: What Are The Benefits Of FESS For Chronic Sinusitis?
Long-lasting relief for chronic sinusitis is possible with FESS, a minimally invasive procedure that removes blockages through the nasal cavity.
Getting Active Again: 4 Simple Stretches To Improve ROM After A Total Knee Replacement
After a total knee replacement, improving range of motion is essential. Simple stretches can reduce pain and improve flexibility.
Knee Surgery: 4 Questions To Ask Your Doc Before ACL Reconstruction
Some people with an ACL tear require knee reconstruction surgery. Knowing what to ask the orthopedic surgeon can help speed recovery.
FESS & Chronic Sinusitis: Who Are Ideal Candidates For Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?
FESS treats serious sinus conditions. Candidates include chronic sinus infection or inflammation, nasal obstruction, nasal polyp or tumor, and deviated septum.
