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Tonsils and the Adenoid

My child has tonsillitis. Will he need to have his tonsils removed?

In years past, it was very common for children to have their tonsils and the adenoid taken out. Today, doctors know much more about tonsils and the adenoid and are more careful about recommending removal.

The tonsils are oval-shaped, pink masses of tissue on both sides of the throat. The adenoid is similar to the tonsils and is located in the very upper part of the throat, above the uvula and behind the nose. Both the tonsils and the adenoid are part of your body's defense against infections.

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils usually due to infection. There are several signs of tonsillitis, including:

  • Red and swollen tonsils
  • White or yellow coating over the tonsils
  • A "throaty" voice
  • Sore throat
  • Uncomfortable or painful swallowing
  • Swollen lymph nodes ("glands") in the neck
  • Fever

Symptoms of enlarged adenoid

It is not always easy to tell when your child's adenoid is enlarged. Some children are born with a larger adenoid. Others may have temporary enlargement of their adenoid due to colds or other infections. This is especially common among young children. Constant swelling or enlargement can cause other health problems such as ear and sinus infections. Some signs of adenoid enlargement are:

  • Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose most of the time
  • Nose sounds "blocked" when the child talks
  • Noisy breathing during the day
  • Snoring at night

Both the tonsils and the adenoid may be enlarged if your child has the symptoms mentioned above, along with any of the following:

  • Breathing stops for a short period of time at night during snoring or loud breathing (this is called "sleep apnea").
  • Choking or gasping during sleep.
  • Difficulty swallowing, especially solid foods.
  • A constant "throaty voice," even when there is no tonsillitis.

Treatment

If your child shows any of these signs or symptoms of enlargement of the tonsils or the adenoid, and doesn't seem to be getting better over a period of weeks, talk to your pediatrician. In many children, the tonsils and adenoid become enlarged without obvious infection. They often shrink without treatment.

According to the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics, your pediatrician may recommend surgery for the following conditions:

  • Tonsil or adenoid swelling that makes normal breathing difficult (this may or may not include sleep apnea).
  • Tonsils that are so swollen that your child has a problem swallowing.
  • An enlarged adenoid that makes breathing uncomfortable, severely alters speech and possibly affects normal growth of the face. In this case, surgery to remove only the adenoid may be recommended.
  • Your child has repeated ear or sinus infections despite treatment. In this case, surgery to remove only the adenoid may be recommended.
  • Your child has an excessive number of severe sore throats each year.
  • Your child's lymph nodes beneath the lower jaw are swollen or tender for at least six months, even with antibiotic treatment.

Though it is not as common as it once was, some children need to have their tonsils and/or adenoid taken out. If your child needs surgery, make sure he or she knows what will happen before, during, and after surgery. Your pediatrician can help you and your child understand the operation and make it less frightening in the process.

 

Published online: 3/07
Source: Tonsils and the Adenoid (Copyright © 1997 American Academy of Pediatrics, Updated 3/99)

Parents can find more information on this topic in Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5. To order a copy of this book visit the AAP Bookstore.

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The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.



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