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Tonsils
Tonsils Videos
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Tonsils and Adenoids
Tonsils and Adenoids are on the body’s first line of defense-our immune system. They “sample” bacteria and viruses that the body though the mouth or nose at the risk of their own infection. But at times, they become more of a liability than an asset and may even trigger airway obstruction or repeated bacterial infections. Your ear, nose and throat specialist can suggest the best treatment options.
What are tonsils and adenoids?
Two masses of tissue that are similar to the lymph nodes or “glands” found in the neck, groin, and armpits. Tonsils are the two masses on the back of the throat. Adenoids are high in the throat behind the nose and the roof of the mouth (soft palate) and are not visible thorough the mouth without special instruments.
When should I see a doctor?
You should see your doctor when you or your child suffer the common symptoms of infected or enlarged tonsils or adenoids.
Your physician will ask about problems of the ear, nose and throat and examine the head and neck. He or she will use a small mirror or a flexible lighted instrument to see these other areas.
Other methods used to check tonsils and adenoids are:
- Medical History
- Physical Examination
- Throat cultures/Strep test- helpful in determining infections in the throat
- X-rays – helpful in determining the size and shape of the adenoids
- Blood tests – helpful in determining infections such as mononucleosis
How are tonsil and adenoid diseases treated?
Bacterial infections of the tonsils, especially those caused by streptococcus are first treated by antibiotics. Sometimes, removal of the tonsils and/or adenoids may be recommended if there are recurrent infections despite antibiotic therapy, and/or difficulty breathing due to enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids. Such obstruction to breathing causes snoring and disturbed sleep that leads to daytime sleepiness in adults and behavioral problems in children.
Chronic infection can affect other areas such as the Eustachian tube – the passage between the back of the nose and the inside of the ear. This can lead to frequent ear infections and potential hearing loss. Recent studies indicate adenoidectomy may be a beneficial treatment for some children with chronic earaches accompanied by fluid in the middle ear (otitis media with effusion).
In adults,the possibility of cancer or a tumor may be another reason for removing the tonsils and adenoids. In some patients, especially those with infectious mononucleosis, severe enlargement may obstruct the airway. For those patients, treatment with steroids (e.g. cortisone) is sometimes helpful.
Tonsillitis and its symptoms
Tonsillitis is an infection in one or both tonsils. One sign is swelling of the tonsils. Other signs or symptoms are:
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Redder than normal tonsils
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A white or yellow coating on the tonsils
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A slight voice change due to swelling
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Sore throat
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Uncomfortable or painful swallowing
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Swollen lymph nodes (glands) in the neck
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Fever
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Bad breath
Enlarged adenoids and their symptoms
If your or your child’s adenoids are enlarged, it may be hard to breathe through the nose. Other signs of constant enlargement are:
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Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose most of the time
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Nose sounds “blocked” when the person speaks
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Noisy breathing during the day
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Recurrent ear infections
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Snoring at night
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Breathing stops for a few seconds at night during snoring or loud breathing (sleep apnea)
Learn More about Tonsils...
SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS
Coastal Ear, Nose and Throat offers specialized care including board certified/fellowship-trained physicians/surgeons treating adult and pediatric ear, nose and throat disorders. Our state-of-the-art equipment and facilities in Neptune, NJ allow us to expertly plan your medical and/or surgical care. Services include sinus surgery, Balloon Sinuplasty, minimally invasive skull base surgery, tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, ear tubes, tracheal reconstruction, mastoidectomy, stapedectomy, thyroidectomy, parathyroid exploration, head and neck cancer surgery, parotidectomy, sleep apnea surgery, hearing tests, hearing aids, and VNG (videonystagmography).
COASTAL EAR, NOSE AND THROAT, LLC , 3700 Route 33 Suite 101, Neptune, NJ 07753 * Phone (732) 280-7855 * Fax (732) 280-7815