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Tonsils & Adenoids
Millions of children are evaluated every year for enlarged tonsils and adenoids. Read on to learn about tonsillitis and the surgical procedures used to remove enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids.
Your tonsils are located in the back of your throat, are a part of your immune system, and are very similar to lymph nodes. Tonsillitis, or infection of the tonsils, occurs when these structures become infected.
Procedure: Surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and the procedure takes 10-15 minutes.
After Surgery: Pain after surgery is minimal; if necessary, acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used.
Are you concerned about your child’s tonsils or adenoids?
Tonsils and Adenoids Explained
Tonsillitis
Your tonsils are located in the back of your throat, are a part of your immune system, and are very similar to lymph nodes. Tonsillitis, or infection of the tonsils, occurs when these structures become infected.
Symptoms of Tonsillitis
Symptoms can vary from patient to patient but typically include:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Red, swollen tonsils
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck area
- Tonsils with white or yellow coating
Treatment of Tonsillitis
Over-the-counter treatments, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and lozenges, are often recommended for immediate pain relief.
Those who suffer from recurrent infections of the tonsils may require a tonsillectomy -- a common ENT surgical procedure.
Tonsillectomy
A tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of the tonsils. This procedure is often recommended for children who suffer from recurrent sore throats or strep infections.
A tonsillectomy may also be performed for sleep-related breathing disorders that involve enlarged tonsils and adenoids, such as sleep apnea.
Procedure
Surgery is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately 30 minutes. In most cases, patients are released a few hours after surgery to recover at home.
After Surgery
Recovery from a tonsillectomy is different for each child. Typically, patients can expect mild to moderate pain in the throat, ears, and jaw during the recovery period, which takes anywhere from 3 to 10 days before a child returns to a normal diet and activity level.
Adenoidectomy
An adenoidectomy is the surgical removal of one or both adenoids, which are soft tissue masses similar to the tonsils but located behind the nose.
An ENT doctor may recommend an adenoidectomy if a patient suffers from breathing disorders, chronic nasal congestion, or repeated ear infections.
Procedure
Surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes about 10-15 minutes. In most cases, children return to school the next day. However, if adenoidectomy is combined with tonsillectomy, recovery may take 10 to 14 days.
After Surgery
Pain after surgery is minimal and can be managed with acetaminophen or ibuprofen if necessary. Children usually resume their regular diet within one day of surgery.