Tonsil and Adenoid Disorders Q & A
Tonsil and adenoid disorders can cause frequent interruptions in your daily life and be very bothersome. Although tonsil and adenoid issues are more common in children, adults can also experience tonsillitis, adenoiditis, or other complications. In adults, enlarged tonsils can contribute to snoring or obstructive sleep apnea, and chronic infections may lead to surgical removal. At Houston Ear Allergy and Rhinology Surgical Associates, an evaluation can be performed to address the issue and come up with a plan. Board-certified physician Said Sana, DO, provides treatment options including surgical management in adults and children.
Call the Conroe or Spring, Texas office to schedule tonsil and adenoid disorder evaluation or book a consultation online today.
Q & A
What are common tonsil and adenoid disorders and what causes them?
Tonsils are two oval-shaped pads of tissue located at the back of the throat, one on each side. Adenoids are small glands located higher up, behind the nose and the roof of the mouth. Both are part of the immune system and help protect the body from infection by trapping germs that enter through the mouth and nose.
The most common disorders include:
• Tonsillitis: Inflammation of the tonsils, often due to infections.
• Adenoiditis: Inflammation of the adenoids.
• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids: Can block airways, causing sleep and breathing problems.
• Chronic or recurrent infections: Frequent inflammation or infection of the tonsils or adenoids.
• Tonsil stones (tonsilloliths): Small, hardened formations in the crevices of the tonsils.
The causes include:
• Infections: The most common cause of tonsil and adenoid disorders is infections, either viral (such as colds, influenza, or Epstein-Barr virus) or bacterial (such as streptococcus bacteria).
• Allergies: Some cases of inflammation are triggered by allergies, which can lead to chronic problems.
• Genetic predisposition: Some people have naturally larger tonsils or adenoids, which can lead to breathing or sleep issues.
Dr. Sana offers in-office evaluations to help determine the cause of the tonsil and adenoid disorders and formulate a treatment plan. He can also meet with you virtually through telehealth to complete your initial symptom evaluation, if necessary.
When should I seek medical attention for tonsil and adenoid issues?
You should get medical care if you are having the following symptoms:
• Tonsillitis: Symptoms include sore throat, red and swollen tonsils, white or yellow coating on the tonsils, difficulty swallowing, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and bad breath.
• Adenoiditis: Symptoms include stuffy nose, nasal-sounding voice, ear infections, difficulty breathing through the nose, snoring, and restless sleep.
A healthcare provider will:
• Perform a physical examination of the throat and nose.
• In some cases, a nasal endoscopy (small camera inserted through the nose) may be used to visualize the adenoids and throat.
You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Houston Ear Allergy and Rhinology Surgical Associates if you have persistent tonsillitis or adenoiditis that doesn’t go away with conservative measures. Dr. Sana completes a physical exam of your nose, mouth, and throat and may perform other diagnostic tests to confirm your diagnosis.
How are tonsil and adenoid disorders treated?
Treatment options include:
• Antibiotics: For bacterial infections like strep throat, antibiotics are commonly prescribed.
• Rest and hydration: Fluids and rest help manage viral infections, which don’t respond to antibiotics.
• Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, help relieve pain and fever.
• Surgery: If infections are recurrent or the tonsils/adenoids are enlarged and cause breathing problems, surgery (tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy) may be recommended.
Surgery is usually recommended when:
• A person has frequent or chronic infections (3-7 per year or more).
• The tonsils or adenoids are significantly enlarged, causing obstructive sleep apnea or difficulty breathing.
• Conservative treatments (medication and rest) have failed to alleviate the symptoms.
Based on your evaluation, Dr. Sana may prescribe antibiotics or other medications to relieve symptoms of tonsillitis and adenoiditis. If the issue is chronic and recurring, he may offer surgical intervention for a long-term solution if it is appropriate.
Surgery involves:
• Tonsillectomy: The surgical removal of the tonsils.
• Adenoidectomy: The surgical removal of the adenoids. Both procedures are usually performed under general anesthesia and are common in children but may also be performed in adults with persistent issues.
Recovery from tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy typically takes 1-2 weeks. Key aspects of recovery include:
• Sore throat: Pain is common for several days, and medications are provided to manage it.
• Soft diet: Soft foods, like soups, mashed potatoes, and yogurt, are recommended to avoid irritation.
• Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids is important to avoid dehydration.
• Rest: Physical activity should be limited during recovery.
• Follow-up: A follow-up appointment with the doctor will be scheduled to check the healing process.