What are tonsils and adenoids?
Tonsils and adenoids are masses of tissue located near the back of the throat. They work as part of the body’s immune system by filtering germs and helping to develop antibodies.
Does removal affect the body’s immune system?
Tonsil and adenoid removal does not affect the body’s ability to fight off infection. The importance of tonsils and adenoids is greater during the first few years of life. They become less important as we get older.
Why are tonsils and adenoids removed?
There are two main reasons that tonsils and adenoids are removed; chronic infections and breathing complications. Each year, over 400,000 people have their tonsils and adenoids removed to help relieve chronic tonsillitis, ear infections and sleep apnea.
Seven or more sore throats a year and chronic ear infections can be treated with tonsil and adenoid removal. However, not all children experiencing ear infections need to have their tonsils and adenoids removed.
Another reason for removal would be if your child is experiencing symptoms of enlarged adenoids.
Symptoms include:
- Not being able to breathe through the nose
- Nose sounds “blocked” when speaking
- Noisy breathing
- Recurrent ear infections
- Snoring at night
- Breathing stops for a few seconds at night during snoring or loud breathing
If your child has recurrent sore throats, difficulty breathing normally or chronic ear infections, please talk with your doctor.
To learn more about Tonsils & Adenoids, visit our A to Z Health Library. |
