Tonsils

What are tonsils and adenoids? 

The tonsils are two clumps of tissue, on either side of the throat, embedded in a pocket at the side of the palate (roof of the mouth).  The lower edge of each tonsil is beside the tongue...way in the back of the throat.  The adenoids are a single clump of tissue in the back of the nose (nasopharynx).  They are located (in the adult) on the back wall of the throat (pharynx)...about one inch above the uvula (the little teardrop shaped piece of tissue that hangs down in the middle of the soft palate).

What function do they serve?  

The tonsils and the adenoids are mostly composed of lymphoid tissue, which is found throughout the gastrointestinal tract and on the base of the tongue.  Lymphoid tissue is composed of lymphocytes...which are mostly involved in antibody production .Since we generally consider antibody production to be a good thing, many studies have been performed to try to clarify the importance of the tonsils.   There seems to be no adverse effect on the immune status or health of patients who have had them removed.  Any noticeable effect has generally been positive. It appears that the tonsils and adenoids were not "designed" to effectively handle the multitude of viral infections that occur in children in an urban population.  Rather, the immune system, including the tonsils and adenoids, developed during a era where the child was rarely exposed to a large number of other people and the germs they carried.  It may also be that these organs are relatively more important in dealing with certain types of infections, such as worms or other parasites, that are relatively uncommon in today's society.  It is clear that in many cases, the tonsils and/or the adenoids become "dysfunctional" and are more of a liability than an asset.

Should the adenoids be removed also? 

At least in young children, enlargement or infection frequently affects the adenoids as well as the tonsils...so they are often removed together.  Compared to a tonsillectomy, an adenoidectomy is less traumatic and painful.

Will he/she outgrow the problem? In general, yes.  We rarely see patients over 40 years old with significant enlargement or infections of the tonsils.   However, we have also seen 35 year old patients in severe heart failure due to sleep apnea and severely enlarged tonsils...about to undergo a heart transplant...and their doctor had said they did not need the tonsils out because they would outgrow the problem.  (A tonsillectomy would have prevented the heart failure and years of sleep deprivation.) In short, the potential gain of a tonsillectomy (or any other procedure) has to be weighed against the likelihood of resolution, the risks of the procedure, the discomfort, and the expense.  For many patients, tonsillectomy is still an appropriate decision. How to Cure Tonsil with Home remedies for tonsillitis: 1. Take aspirin if you are an adult, acetaminophen if you are a child that assists to dead the throat. 2. Stay hydrated. Drink iced beverages or suck on popsicles. Frozen liquids help insensitive the throat. Try hot teas with honey, and clear soups. 3. Get plenty of rest. 4. Keep away from cigarette smoke and other irritants. 5. Fenugreek Seeds: A gargle made from fenugreek seeds is very capable in harsh cases of tonsillitis.