Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
The tonsils are small, round pieces of tissue that are located in the back of the mouth on the side of the throat. Tonsils are thought to help fight infections by producing antibodies. The tonsils can usually be seen in the throat of your child by using a light. Tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils become inflamed from infection.
What are adenoids?
Adenoids are similar to the tonsils. The adenoids are made up of lymph tissue and are located in the space above the soft roof of the mouth (nasopharynx) and cannot be seen by looking in your child's nose or throat. Adenoids also help to fight infections. Adenoids may cause problems if they become enlarged or infected. Adenoiditis is when the adenoids become inflamed from infection.
Symptoms of tonsillitis
The symptoms of tonsillitis vary greatly depending on the cause of the infection, and can occur either suddenly or gradually. The following are the most common symptoms of tonsillitis. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- Sore throat
- Fever (either low-grade or high-grade)
- Headache
- Decrease in appetite
- Not feeling well
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach aches
- Painful swallowing
- Visual redness or drainage in the throat
The symptoms of tonsillitis may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.
Symptoms of adenoiditis, or enlarged adenoids
The symptoms of adenoiditis vary greatly depending on the cause of the infection, and can occur either suddenly or gradually. The following are the most common symptoms of adenoiditis. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- Breathing through the mouth
- Noisy breathing
- Snoring
- Nasal speech
- Periods at night when breathing stops for a few seconds
The symptoms of adenoiditis may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.