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Tonsils and Adenoids – Types of Symptoms and Causes

Causes of Tonsils and Adenoids

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.

Causes of Tonsils and AdenoidsOverview

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

Tonsils and Adenoids

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.

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5 Common Signs of Tonsils

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Want to identify regarding Tonsils

Overview of Tonsils

Tonsils are the two masses of tissues called lymph nodes located at the back of your throat. Tonsils are said to be the first line part of the immune system, they protect your body by trapping germs and bacteria from entering your body. These also help in producing antibodies by activating immunity. But sometimes these tonsils get infected by bacteria and virus and leads to a condition called tonsillitis. People with tonsillitis experience signs and symptoms like sore throat, fever, difficulty swallowing, stiff neck, and others. It is a contagious disease mostly seen in children and teenagers. It is mainly caused due to influenza virus, Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria, measles virus, and others. It is said that in few cases, both sinusitis and high fever can also lead to tonsillitis. Tonsils when caused due to streptococcal bacteria or strep throat, then it can lead to several complications and needs to be treated immediately. Tonsillitis is easily treated within 10 days but can be dangerous if left untreated. There are different types of tonsillitis, depending on the frequency and causes of episodes. They are acute tonsillitis, recurrent tonsillitis, chronic tonsillitis, and others.

Signs of Tonsils

Signs of Tonsils

People experience different signs and symptoms based on the different types of tonsillitis. The most commonly seen in people with tonsillitis is red and swollen tonsils. Here are few common and mostly seen signs of tonsils or tonsillitis

  • Sore throat– It is a common symptom seen in people with tonsillitis. In this condition, people face pain, itchiness, and irritation in the throat. Though it is not serious, it can be disturbing and may also cause difficulty in breathing.
  • Pain and difficulty in swallowing– Another major symptom seen in people with tonsillitis is painful swallowing. This difficulty in swallowing is called dysphagia. People face difficulty in swallowing different foods and liquids due to tenderness and infection of the throat.
  • Fever with chills– People with tonsillitis have high temperatures along with shivering and shaking due to severe cold. This can be due to viral or bacterial infection.
  • Snoring or breathing through mouth– Another symptom seen is snoring, this is caused due to swollen glands in the throat. Snoring and breathing through the mouth can also affect your sleep and lead to problems with sleeping.
  • Bad breath– Bad breath is a condition where people face bad odor from the mouth and also have bad taste. This can be due to poor dental hygiene and also due to infections.

People with tonsillitis also face other symptoms like ear pain, headache, abdominal pain, coughing, stiffness and pain in the neck, etc.

Food Causes Tonsils

Intake of chilled drinks and foods that you are allergic to can also lead to tonsillitis. People should avoid jellies, ice creams, chilled cold drinks, and others as these can trigger tonsillitis. Avoid intake of sore, spicy and rough foods. As people with tonsillitis already face difficulties in swallowing foods and eating rough foods can worsen the pain. Eat smooth textured and easily swallowed foods as these controls stress and soothes pain. Drink plenty of water and be hydrated. You can enjoy honey, as it gives relief from pain and discomfort. Eat smooth and easily swallowed foods, as these help to control pain in the throat.