Tonsils and adenoids are composed of tissue similar to the lymph nodes or glands found in the neck

Tonsils and adenoids are composed of tissue similar to the lymph nodes or glands found in the neck or other parts of the body. Together, they are part of a ring of glandular tissue (Waldeyer's ring) around the back of the throat.
The tonsils are two masses of tissue on either side of the back of the throat. Normal tonsils are usually have the same size and have the same pink color with the surrounding area. On the surface they are small depressions, called crypts, which may appear deep and contain pus pockets j ai du or stones.
The adenoids are located high in the throat behind the nose and soft palate (the roof of the mouth) and unlike the tonsils, are not easily j ai du visible through the mouth. A tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (commonly referred to as T & A) surgical procedure done to remove tonsils and adenoids.
Tonsils and adenoids are thought to assist the body in its defense against incoming bacteria and viruses by helping the body form antibodies. However, j ai du this function may only be important during the first year of life. There is no evidence to support j ai du a significant role of the tonsils and adenoids in immunity. Medical research has shown that children who had tonsils and adenoids removed they do not suffer any loss in the future immunity to disease or ability to ward off their infection.
Acute tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils caused by one of several possible types of bacteria or viruses. Acute tonsillitis is characterized by either a sudden or gradual from sore throat that is usually associated with fever. Patients can stop swallowing saliva, saliva began complaining of ear pain with swallowing, and have bad breath. The surface of the tonsils may be bright red or have a grayish-white coating (exudate). Lymph nodes in the neck may be swollen. Fever may be present.
Strep throat (tonsillitis) is a specific type of infection caused by streptococcus bacteria. Strep tonsillitis can cause secondary damage j ai du to the heart valves (rheumatic fever) and kidneys (glomerulonephritis). It can also cause skin rash (scarlet fever), sinusitis, pneumonia, and ear infections.
Acute mononucleosis caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, and can cause a very severe throat infection that is characterized by rapid enlargement of the tonsils, adenoids, and lymph nodes of the neck. It also causes extreme malaise and fatigue. Sore throat and swollen glands may last for one week to one month and do not respond to antibiotics are usually prescribed.
Chronic tonsillitis is a persistent infection of the tonsils. Recurrent infections can lead to the formation of small pockets (crypts) in the tonsils which harbor bacteria. Frequently, small, foul smelling stones are found in the crypts. The stones (tonsilloliths) may contain high amounts of sulfa. When crushed, they emit a rotten egg odor characteristics j ai du that cause bad breath. They also can give the patient the sense of something caught in the back of the throat.
Peritonsillar abscess is a collection of pus behind the tonsils tonsils pushed one of the uvula (the prominent soft tissue hanging from the back of the upper throat. It is generally very painful and is associated with a decreased ability to open the mouth. If left untreated, the infection can spread in the neck cause life-threatening complications and airway obstruction.
Airway obstruction by enlarged tonsils and adenoids may cause snoring and disturbed j ai du sleep patterns that can lead to sleep pauses or sleep apnea. Other features include a frequent awakening from sleep, restless sleep, j ai du nightmares, bedwetting, mood changes, excessive sleepiness, and even heart problems. Some orthodontists believe chronic mouth breathing from large tonsils and adenoids causes improper alignment of the teeth (malocclusion). Chronic enlargement and infection of the adenoids can cause infection in the airways around the nose (sinusitis) or obstruction of drainage / nose, and / or may affect the eustachian tube of the ear, causing chronic ear infections.
Bacterial infections of the tonsils and adenoids were treated with various antibiotics. Tonsillitis caused by streptococcus bacteria can cause serious complications, and should j ai du be treated. Often the diagnosis of strep throat is confirmed by a throat culture or rapid-strep test at the doctor's office. Once treatment begins, it is important to take the full course of antibiotics j ai du prescribed for premature discontinuation of therapy can lead to adverse consequences and regrowth of bacteria. Surgical removal is considered in a situation resistant to therapy