Unless you were a very healthy child, there’s a good chance that you’ve missed a few days of school when you were little because of tonsilitis or adenoiditis. These conditions are fairly common in young kids as these body parts tend to shrink and disappear as a child get older. They’re pretty much the baby versions of sore throat that need immediate action.

What is a Tonsil or Adenoid Inflammation or Infection?

Tonsillitis or the inflammation or infection of the tonsils is the condition where the soft tissue mass in the throat becomes inflamed and infected. It’s characterized by some swelling and redness.

Adenoiditis, on the other hand, is the inflammation or infection of the adenoids or the lymphocyte-containing tissue at the back of your nasal cavity. It’s also characterized by swelling and redness.

Both the tonsils and adenoids serve protective purposes. As they both contain lymphocytes or the white blood cells that fight off bacterial and viral infections, they can really help keep the body in top shape. However, they’re not completely bulletproof which is why they also get infected. Both conditions are more common in children but can also be experienced by adults, especially tonsillitis.

Adenoiditis, however, is said to be more noticeable in children. Aside from being more common in children than adults, it can also block nasal passages, making its urgent treatment necessary.

Common Causes of Tonsillitis and Adenoiditis

As mentioned above, both conditions are caused by bacterial and viral infections. What causes these infections, on the other hand, is the patient’s exposure to allergens and pollutants.

Risk Factors of Tonsillitis and Adenoiditis

Because these conditions are brought by bacterial and viral infections, it can also cause more complications if not treated effectively. In many cases, it leads to sleep apnea or breathing difficulties in one’s sleep. It also causes snoring which can be disruptive to the patient and their bed partner’s sleep.

In some occasions, both conditions can also lead to upper respiratory tract infection. The bacteria or virus that caused the ailments can travel down the throat and wreak havoc elsewhere. This can then lead to more serious problems later on.

Signs and Symptoms

How can you tell if you or your little one has any of these conditions? Here are a few of its symptoms:

• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Red and swollen tonsils
• Swollen and tender lymph nodes under the jaw
• Head and ear ache
• Fever
• Chills
• Bad breath
• Snoring

Treating Tonsil or Adenoid Inflammation or Infection

Treating both conditions are pretty straightforward. In most cases, you only really need to treat it with antibiotics. It’s important to complete the cycle, however, to prevent the recurrence of the infection.

In chronic cases, however, your ENT doctor might recommend the removal of the said body parts altogether. Tonsillectomies and adenoidectomies are considered as minor procedures, however, so you don’t have to worry much about them. They might not even require hospitalization but in some cases, an overnight stay might be needed.

As ENT problem is quite different from case to case, it is suggested to consult an ENT Specialist for the appropriate ENT services.

Source:

HK ENT Specialist Ltd.

Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre

For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,

Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,

Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services

https://www.hkentspecialist.hk