Open toolbar LOCATIONS SKILLED, CARING PROFESSIONALS Tonsils and Adenoids CONTACT US Anatomy The tonsils are oval-shaped lymphoid (immune) tissue on both sides of the back of the throat. The adenoids are lymphoid tissue located in the nasopharynx, the passageway that connects the throat to the back of the nasal cavity. Tonsil and adenoid tissue helps young children form important antibodies as they are exposed to various viruses and bacteria. The tonsils and adenoids are often enlarged early in life and typically regress as children age. Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids Often, tonsils and adenoids can become so large that they can interfere with your child’s breathing at night, causing pediatric obstructive sleep apnea. Other symptoms include difficulty swallowing, “nasal” voice, nasal obstruction, and difficulty swallowing. Recurrent pharyngitis Although viral sore throats are common, some children will develop recurrent pharyngitis, which is characterized by recurrent strep infections involving the tonsils. Infrequent infections are treated with antibiotics, but if the infections become too frequent, a tonsillectomy may be required. Chronic tonsillitis Patients with chronic inflammation of the tonsils can develop persistent sore throat, painful or difficulty swallowing, white “stones” from the tonsils (tonsilloliths), muffled voice, and bad breath. Treatment Bacterial tonsillitis is usually treated with a course of antibiotics, while viral tonsillitis is treated with over the counter pain medication, salt gargles, and increased fluids. When tonsillitis occurs regularly or isn’t responding to other treatments, a tonsillectomy may be advised. Tonsillectomy is a surgical removal of the tonsils performed on an outpatient basis. If your child has symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, removal of the tonsils and adenoids is often curative. Depending on your child’s situation, a sleep study may be required prior to surgery. Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy is typically performed as an outpatient surgery, but your child may stay the night at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, depending on his or her age and other factors. If your child is experiencing the above symptoms and you would like to discuss treatment options with a member of our pediatric team, please call (860) 493-1950 or visit our patient portal to request an appointment. Hear better. Breathe better. Sleep better. Look better. Feel better. CONTACT US WETHERSFIELD 988 Silas Deane Highway Wethersfield, CT 06109 860-493-1950 | 860-493-1961 Fax FARMINGTON 499 Farmington Ave, Suite 210 Farmington, CT 06032 860-676-2472 | 860-678-9119 Fax GLASTONBURY 300 Hebron Ave, Suite 202 Glastonbury, CT 06033 860-659-2759 | 860-657-9692 Fax HARTFORD 85 Seymour Street Suite 318 Hartford, CT 06106 860-493-1950 | 860-493-1961 Fax SOUTH WINDSOR 2800 Tamarack Avenue. Suite 108 South Windsor, CT 06074 860-659-2759 | 860-657-9692 Fax ENFIELD 15 Palomba Drive, First Floor, Enfield, CT 06082 860-493-1950 | 860-493-1961 Fax SOUTHINGTON 462 Queen Street, Suite 204, Southington CT 06489 860-493-1950 | 860-493-1961 Fax AVON 100 Simsbury Road, Suite 203, Avon, CT 06001 860-676-2472 | 860-678-9119 Fax MADE WITH LOVE BY O360 ENT SPECIALISTS