Tonsils and Adenoids

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Tonsils and Adenoids

A tonsillectomy may be indicated when the patient presents with:

  • Chronic and recurrent tonsillitis
  • Peritonsillar abscess
  • Loud snoring and Sleep apnea (stop breathing while asleep due to enlarged tonsils or adenoids)
  • Difficulty eating or swallowing due to enlarged tonsils
  • Stunted growth
  • Tonsilloliths (tonsil stones) and bad breath
  • Tonsil cancer or mass

The Adenoids are lymphoid tissue located behind the nose and soft palate. An Adenoidectomy is often done with a tonsillectomy. Adenoids may also be removed in children with nasal congestion, snoring, recurrent sinusitis, and frequent ear infections. Recovery from an adenoidectomy is quick and relatively painless. Children can go back to school within a few days.