Tonsillitis/Adenoiditis
Tonsils and adenoids are both part of the lymphatic system and serve as defenders of your immune system, protecting your body by preventing bacteria and germs from entering through your nose or mouth. This constant exposure to germs makes them susceptible to developing problems themselves, requiring the attention of an ENT specialist.
What is Tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils that leads to swelling, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing. While it tends to affect children more frequently, it can affect all age groups and is usually the result of a present viral or bacterial infection. Symptoms include:
Swollen tonsils
Difficulty swallowing
White or yellow patches on tonsils
Sore throat
Tender lymph nodes
Fever
Bad breath
Headache
Stiff neck
In younger children, they may drool excessively, be irritable and refuse to eat (because of the pain)
Are Tonsillitis and Strep Throat the same thing?
Tonsillitis and strep throat are very similar illnesses that often present with similar symptoms. Tonsillitis involves inflammation of the tonsils, while strep throat involves a specific bacterium that infects the throat. The bacteria that is affecting the throat could also affect the tonsils which is why a patient may have strep throat and tonsillitis at the same time.
What is the treatment for Tonsillitis?
Treatment for tonsillitis depends on whether the infection is viral or bacterial. Viral infections should clear up between 7-10 days with adequate home care. Your healthcare provider will suggest lots of rest, lots of fluids (especially warm liquids like tea or broth), and gargling warm salt water to soothe sore throat. Be mindful to avoid irritants like cigarette smoke and enjoy a cold popsicle and/or lozenges to provide comfort.
If a bacterial infection is present, often associated with strep throat, an antibiotic will be prescribed by your doctor.
If conditions recur frequently, your doctor may recommend tonsillectomy, the surgical removal of your tonsils.
When should you get your tonsils removed?
If you experience repeat infections, you might need to speak with your provider about having your tonsils removed. Typically, physicians recommend removing tonsils if:
Infections continue to come back
You’re experiencing other problems such as sleep apnea or other breathing conditions
What is Adenoiditis?
Adenoids are a pair of soft tissue masses behind the nose and roof of the mouth whose job is to trap germs and create antibodies to help your immune system fight off infections. By playing a vital role in protection, adenoids come into contact with many germs, and if infected, it is called adenoiditis.
Adenoiditis almost always affects young children since the adenoid tissues begin to shrink around the age of 5 or 6, and disappear totally (in most cases) by the time a child reaches their teens. Practically any virus or bacteria can cause adenoiditis, and symptoms include:
Breathing through mouth instead of nose most of time
Nose sounds clogged while speaking
Chronic runny nose with yellow or green discharge
Snoring at night
Restlessness during sleep
Noisy breathing
Recurrent ear infections
What are the symptoms of Adenoiditis?
Symptoms of adenoiditis so closely mirror other conditions–therefore, a thorough examination is necessary to provide the proper diagnosis. Your child’s doctor will examine their nose, ears, and throat as well as check for swollen lymph nodes. Since adenoids are often difficult to observe without one, an X-ray may be ordered. Our team provides on-site imaging at our Little Rock Kanis location when it’s convenient for the patient.
What is the treatment for Adenoidtis?
Treatment for viral adenoiditis is similar to viral tonsillitis. With proper home care instructed by your physician, it will run its course within a week. OTC medications like antihistamines, pain relievers, and decongestants are recommended for managing your symptoms. If a bacterial infection is to blame, antibiotics will be prescribed.
Surgical treatment may be required if your child is experiencing frequent ear infections, often the cause of adenoiditis. The procedure to remove the adenoids is known as adenoidectomy, a routine surgery typically performed on an outpatient basis. Often times, tonsillectomy is recommended to be performed at the same time since tonsillitis and adenoiditis often occur together. If surgery is needed, we have an outpatient surgery center conveniently located at our clinic in Little Rock where we can perform the procedure. Learn more about our surgery center in the video below.