Need to Know about Symptoms and Causes of Tonsils and Adenoids

Both tonsils and adenoids are the two ENT conditions that are raised due to infection from different organisms. These two are treated as the first line of our body’s defense system and helps to trap viruses and bacteria from entering our body. They also produce required antibodies and protect our body from different infections. While protecting our body, sometimes these two also get infected and become enlarged. If left untreated these enlarged tonsils and adenoids lead to complications like hearing loss, sinusitis, obstructive sleep apnea, and so on. In severe cases, these tonsils and adenoids are removed using invasive procedures.

Overview

As discussed earlier both tonsils and adenoids play a crucial role in protecting our bodies. Let us in detail discuss them along with their causes

Tonsils– These are the two lymph nodes present at the back of your throat. Tonsils mainly produce leukocytes (WBCs) which assist in fighting infections caused due to viruses and bacteria. Tonsils when get infected leads to a condition called tonsillitis. Infection due to viruses or bacteria is the main cause of tonsillitis. This condition is most commonly seen among children as they are more prone to viruses and bacteria in schools and other play areas. When get infected these tonsils enlarge and interfere with swallowing and breathing. Tonsillitis can be both recurrent and chronic.

Adenoids– these are the pads of tissues present at the back of your throat. Adenoids also produce antibodies to fight infections. These mainly help to trap the organisms from entering our body through the mouth and nose. Just as tonsils, adenoids also get affected by viruses and bacteria. Adenoids are very common among children. Children with adenoids mainly face difficulty breathing through the nose and hence start breathing with a mouth.

Common symptoms of tonsils and adenoids

Though both tonsils and adenoids are lymphoid tissues, they affect our body in different ways. Here are few common adenoid and tonsillitis symptoms

Symptoms of tonsils

Fever and chills
Sore throat
Difficulty swallowing
Bad breath
Stiff neck
Headache
Tiredness

Symptoms of adenoids

Enlarged adenoids are associated with several signs. Here are few common adenoid symptoms

Facing difficulty breathing
Breathing loudly through the mouth
Runny and blocked nose
Fever
Altered speech
Frequent sinus infections

People with adenoids face dry mouth problems as they breathe through the mouth. Due to this people also face other symptoms like bad breath and cracked lips. Most people with adenoids also face recurrent ear infections, this is due to nasal blockage and excess collection of ear wax.

How to identify Tonsils and Adenoids?

Learning the difference between tonsils and adenoids is very crucial. One can easily see through enlarged tonsils but cannot see through adenoids as they are located at the back of your throat and need small instruments to see. Consult a specialist if you experience any of the above symptoms like blocked nose, sore throat, fever, and so on. Your doctor can easily identify your condition and differentiate between tonsils and adenoids thorough physical examination and may also ask few questions regarding your symptoms.

Tonsillitis is the infection of the tonsils, tonsils are two lymph nodes present at the back of your throat. Tonsils stops germs entering your airways and secure your body from infections. Tonsils act as defence mechanism, they produce white blood cells to fight against infections. In Tonsillitis tonsils get infected by bacteria or virus and they become swollen and inflamed. Tonsillitis is mostly seen in children and teenagers. Children going to school come in contact with various bacteria and viruses and this makes them vulnerable to Tonsillitis. Tonsillitis can be contagious and spread from person to another person. Tonsillitis is easily diagnosed within 10 days. Sore throat and fever are the common symptoms of Tonsillitis.

Symptoms of Tonsillitis :

Main symptom of Tonsillitis is swelling in the tonsils, which leads to blockage of the airways. Children feel difficulty in breathing and breathe through their mouth. Common symptoms of Tonsillitis include

Sore throat
High fever
Coughing
Feeling sick and tired
Swollen and painfull lymph glands
Headache and ear pain
Difficulty in swallowing
Breathing through mouth
Vomiting and nausea
Chills
Change in the voice.

What causes Tonsillitis?

Bacteria and viruses are the most common cause of Tonsillitis. Some common causes of Tonsillitis are

Influenza virus(flu virus)
Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria
Epstein barr virus
Enteroviruses
Rhinoviruses
Rubeola virus (measles virus)
Adenovirus.

In some cases sinusitis and high fever can also cause Tonsillitis.

How to identify it?

People suffering with high fever, have difficulty in breathing, chills, difficulty in swallowing food may have Tonsillitis and needs to consult a doctor. Doctors by physical examination may perform a throat swab test with a cotton swab, inspect the exterior throat for enlarged lymph glands. With early and proper treatment Tonsillitis can be treated easily. Doctors prescribe antibiotics if the Tonsillitis is due to bacterial infection.
Some simple tips can help to get relief from pain and discomfort. Following are some simple tips to avoid discomfort and pain

Gargling with warm salt water helps to treat discomfort
Drinking plenty of fluids helps throat from drying out
Get lots of rest
Eat smooth foods to avoid difficulty swallowing.

By following good hygiene habits, we can help to treat infections spreading. By washing hands frequently, using a tissue while coughing or sneezing, avoid sharing accessories and bottles. We can stop infections spreading.

Homeopathy for Tonsillitis :

Homeopathy offers many safe remedies to treat Tonsillitis. Homeopathy treatment for Tonsillitis aims to provide safe and side effects free treatment to boost our immune system. Homeopathy follow personalized treatment for Tonsillitis. Tonsillitis treatment in Homeopathy is different for each individual as it is based on the patients health history, symptoms and their severity. Homeopathy aims to improve body’s immune system to fight infections. Homeopathy to treat Tonsillitis is belladonna, hepar sulph, cantharis, kali muriaticum, lycopodium.