Tonsils, which have no known function, are two groups of fleshy tissue on either side of the throat. Tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils become inflamed. Symptoms include throat pain, difficulty swallowing and fever. Lymph glands in the neck tend to swell and become tender. In some cases, children can suffer from a headache or a middle ear or sinus infection.
Adenoids are lymph tissues found at the back of the nasal passage above the tonsils.
Abnormally enlarged adenoids can cause nasal obstruction, postnasal drainage or sinus infections. Currently, there is an ongoing debate on whether to treat tonsil and adenoid disease medically or surgically. Controversy exists over the guidelines that determine the need for surgery.