What are adenoids and tonsils

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Why are adenoids and tonsils not the same thing?

Many parents believe that there is no difference between adenoids and tonsils. Having heard from a doctor that their child has enlarged adenoids and needs to be removed, adults get scared, remembering scary stories about how someone “ripped out” someone else’s tonsils.

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Let's figure out what adenoids and tonsils have in common and what their differences are.

Similarities between adenoids and tonsils

Adenoids are the name given to hypertrophy (enlargement) of the pharyngeal tonsil; tonsils are the common “popular” name for the palatine tonsils. Thus, both tonsils and adenoids are tonsillar organs. How are adenoid vegetations and tonsils similar:

  • Structure.
  • Functions.
  • Location.

Structure of the tonsils

Tonsils, in the general sense of the word, are the peripheral part of the lymphatic system. In addition to them, the lymphatic system includes lymph nodes and lymphatic collections. The tonsils and adenoids develop from one embryonic tissue rudiment. Tonsils are formed by lymphoid follicles, which contain lymphocytes of varying degrees of maturity. Lymphoid follicles are separated from each other by layers of connective tissue. Blood vessels of a fairly large diameter pass through the thickness of the tonsillar tissue, for example, a separate branch from the carotid artery basin - the tonsillar artery.

Function

In the tonsillar organs, differentiation into T- and B-lymphocytes occurs, they acquire antigenic determination - receptors for certain antigens appear on their surface. In addition, all amygdaloid organs participate in local immune reactions. On the surface of the tonsils, pathogens are captured and destroyed, which prevents inflammation from spreading into the lower respiratory tract. In children, the determinant function is more important; in adults, it gradually fades away and the tonsillar immune function—reactions of local cellular and humoral immunity—comes to the fore.

Location

In addition to the adenoids and tonsils, the tonsillar organs include lymphatic formations located in the upper respiratory tract and forming the Waldeyer-Pirogov lymphoepithelial pharyngeal ring. What organs are included in it:

  • Tonsils (palatine tonsils). If you open the child’s mouth and press the tongue with a spatula, on the sides of the root of the tongue, in the palatine arches, there are palatine tonsils. They come in different sizes: they can be completely hidden in the arms or protrude significantly beyond them. With tonsillitis, diphtheria, oropharyngomycosis, plaque appears on the surface of the organ; with chronic tonsillitis, caseous plugs form in the depths of the lacunae.
  • Lingual tonsil. If you open your mouth and stick your tongue out as much as possible, you can see it on the root of the tongue in the form of a pronounced tuberosity. It can also become inflamed, and there are also plaques on it. By the way, any inflammation of the tonsil organs is called tonsillitis or tonsillitis.
  • Pharyngeal tonsil (adenoids). On the arch of the nasopharynx, in the place where the nasal cavity connects with the oral cavity, there is a pharyngeal tonsil. Severe proliferation of adenoid vegetations leads to impaired nasal breathing, hearing impairment, changes in the child’s facial skull and bite deformation. Inflammation of the adenoid tissue is called adenoiditis (rear runny nose). With adenoiditis, plaque does not form, as with a common sore throat, but a large amount of infected discharge forms on the surface of the organ, which flows down the wall of the nasopharynx, causing coughing and inflammation of the underlying sections.
  • Tubar tonsils are located in the nasopharynx, around the opening of the auditory tube. By themselves, they rarely enlarge, but enlarged adenoids cover the mouths of the auditory tubes and disrupt the ventilation of the tympanic cavity. Because of this, the discharge stagnates in the tympanic cavity, it gradually thickens, grows with connective tissue and calcifies, thus forming adhesions, scars, and then calcifications in the tympanic cavity. After the formation of calcifications, the child’s hearing irreversibly deteriorates.
  • The laryngeal tonsils are located in the larynx. When they become inflamed, laryngeal tonsillitis develops - an extremely unpleasant condition that is dangerous by the development of laryngeal edema or laryngospasm.

Differences between tonsils and adenoids

Since both the tonsils and adenoids are organs of the same system, there are few differences between them.

  • Duration of existence.
  • Features of structure and localization.

Duration of existence

Most adults do not have adenoids. Not because they were removed in early childhood, but because adenoids undergo reverse development during adolescence. An adult does not need adenoid vegetations, just like, for example, the thymus (thymus gland). The protective function of the pharyngeal tonsil in adults is performed by lymphoid accumulations in the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity and other elements of the lymphoid ring. The tonsils remain with a person throughout his life. They partially atrophy as the body ages, but remain in place even in very old people. This difference is due to the slight functional difference between the tonsils and adenoids. The tonsils are more involved in immune reactions, the adenoids are more involved in protective reactions.

Features of structure and localization

Despite the common origin, at the macroscopic level there are differences between the tonsils and adenoids. It is almost impossible to see where the adenoids are located with the naked eye. Adenoid vegetations are widely attached to the wall of the nasopharynx and have the appearance of “ridges” facing the lumen of the respiratory tract. Only with a large degree of hypertrophy can the adenoids be visible through the mouth. The tonsils are located in the palatine arches: the anterior and posterior arches reliably fix the palatine tonsils; the tonsils are attached to the wall of the pharynx by a thin connective tissue stalk containing the tonsillar artery and vein. The tonsils have the appearance of balls, cut with grooves and depressions - lacunae and crypts. Adenoids have a smoother surface.

Adenoids and tonsils are not the same thing. Adenoid vegetations and palatine tonsils are united by a common origin, function, and partly localization. Like the rest of the tonsils, they are located in the nasopharynx, are formed from one embryonic rudiment, and perform determinant and protective functions. Despite the histological similarity to the tonsils, adenoids atrophy on their own after puberty; the tonsils remain throughout life. There are also slight morphological differences between the pharyngeal and palatine tonsils at the macroscopic level. Thus, the answer to the question: “Adenoids and tonsils are the same thing?” can be answered unequivocally “no”.

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It’s complicated like everyone else) Our daughter has a problem with her adenoids; she snored at night, but it’s easier during the day. We completed a course of treatment with rinsing, drops, and Tuya Edas 801 oil, and my child seemed to have recovered. I didn't want to resort to surgery.

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Adenoids and tonsils in children: treatment cannot be removed

Many parents know the problem: as soon as the baby begins to attend children's groups, mainly kindergartens, out of nowhere, a runny nose appears that does not go away for a long time. Or the child begins to suffer from prolonged inflammatory processes in the pharynx with constant relapses. ProstoBaby will tell you how to properly deal with the problem, how to treat it and whether it is necessary to remove tonsils and adenoids in the nose in children.

Adenoids: friends or enemies?

Adenoids are lymphoid tissue that surrounds the nose and throat. Its direct purpose is to protect the child from infections, being a “shield” in its path. In a healthy child, adenoids are presented as small formations in the nasopharynx. This is a specific immune tissue capable of producing immunoglobulins necessary for the child. The cause of their growth and inflammation is repeated colds, infections, and allergies.

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If a baby has been diagnosed with an overgrowth of lymphoid tissue (adenoids), this is the first signal about the failure of the body’s immune system, and may also indicate a serious degree of allergization of the child. Abundant mucous discharge from the nose is the result of the adenoids fighting an infection or allergen. Therefore, very often the baby’s nose becomes blocked, making nasal breathing difficult. This condition lasts until recovery, and more often later. Therefore, pediatricians recommend that after recovery you do not attend children’s groups for 3-7 days so that the adenoids shrink.

Most often, adenoids bother children 3-10 years old, especially those who suffer from acute respiratory infections more than 4 times a year. Starting at the age of 12, the adenoids gradually decrease in size, and by the age of 17 they completely disappear.

There are 3 degrees of adenoid proliferation:

  1. I degree: during the day the child breathes freely through his nose, his mouth is tightly closed. In a horizontal position during sleep, the adenoids enlarge, making breathing difficult, which causes snoring and heavy breathing.
  2. II degree: enlarged tonsils half block the nasal passages (choanae), which forces the baby to breathe through the mouth very often, even during the day.
  3. III degree: the adenoids have almost completely closed the nasal passages, the child keeps his mouth open around the clock, and hardly sleeps at night due to snoring. This is the most difficult stage, ignoring which can lead to dire consequences.

What are the dangers of adenoids?

Due to the proliferation of lymphoid tissue of the adenoids, the volume of the nasal mucosa increases, which leads to closure (partially or completely) of the nasal passages and the mouth of the auditory tubes. The child often repeats what he heard; as a rule, any acute respiratory infection turns into otitis media.

Often, with inflamed adenoids, adenoiditis develops, constantly secreted pus rolling down the back wall of the nasopharynx, which the child swallows, causing a cough. This moment is also called “snot cough.” Against the background of oxygen starvation of the brain, a lag in mental and mental development is possible.

Diagnosis of adenoids

There are several signs by which enlarged adenoids can be recognized. Firstly, there is constant nasal congestion and abundant secretion from the nasal passages. Secondly, this is snoring, whistling or snoring at night; suffocation can also occur due to a recessed tongue or an hanging purulent clot in the nasopharynx. Thirdly, a change in the tone of the voice, the child begins to nasal and swallow the endings of words. Fourthly, a symptom of adenoids can be urinary incontinence. The baby’s mouth is constantly open, the lower jaw droops, the bite and teeth deteriorate, forming an “adenoid” face in the future

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If your child’s hearing has decreased and he constantly asks again, we can assume that the baby has a serious (2-3) degree of enlargement of the adenoids. For diagnosis, doctors recommend tympinometry and an audiogram, which is performed on children aged 4-5 years. In Kyiv, the organization “Infoton” does this; the cost of tympinometry is UAH, audiograms - from 150 UAH.

What are tonsils?

The palatine tonsils (tonsils) are, in fact, analogues of the adenoids, only they are located on the border of the nasal and oral cavities on the sides of the tongue.

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They also play the role of the body's natural defenses by producing immunoglobulins. This is loose connective tissue speckled with lymphocytes and macrophages. The main purpose of the tonsils is to prevent pathogens from entering the body. The tonsils also perform a hematopoietic function. With enlarged adenoids, the proliferation of the palatine tonsils very often manifests itself, which are in full “combat readiness” with constant breathing through the mouth.

“Harmful” microbes, entering the tonsils along with the inhaled air, are recognized by the cells of the immune system as pathogenic and are instantly destroyed by macrophages. But if the immune system is weak, and there are possible infections around, as is the case in the kindergarten, the lymphoid tissue of the tonsils becomes inflamed and grows, covering the throat.

Inflammation of the tonsils leads to the development of tonsillitis. This process is “triggered” by streptococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, and pneumococcus. Tonsillitis is distinguished between acute and chronic. In turn, acute tonsillitis can be catarrhal, follicular, lacunar (the most severe). Such forms of acute tonsillitis require a doctor’s opinion and the use of special antibiotics depending on the pathogen. Chronic tonsillitis is dangerous because the skin is affected and rheumatism can develop.

Remove or treat?

Currently, doctors are postponing the issue of removing the adenoids (adenotomy) and tonsils (tonsillectomy), since with proper treatment the adenoids and tonsils can “go away.” Andrey Lopatin, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Head. Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases of the First Moscow State Medical University named after. Sechenova believes that it is better not to touch the tonsils until 5-6 years of age, since this is a very important organ that is involved in the fight against microbes by producing immunoglobulins. It is necessary to carry out conservative treatment to the maximum, aimed at reducing the volume of adenoids or inhibiting their growth.

It’s another matter if the adenoids and tonsils do not fulfill their function, but create conditions for the development of purulent inflammatory processes in the mucous membrane of the oropharynx and respiratory tract, hearing loss and deformation of the skull bones.

Due to the peculiar structure of the nasopharynx and eustachian tube in children (it is shorter and wider than in adults), when microbes enter the mucous membrane, it sometimes swells so much that it obscures the ear canal. As a result, the air exchange of the nasopharynx and ear canal is disrupted, and if you add accumulated fluid from the nasal mucosa, then this becomes an excellent environment for the proliferation of microbes and the development of tubo-otitis.

If the baby suffers from constant sore throats and a prolonged runny nose with decreased hearing, this is an absolute indication for the removal of enlarged tonsils. Basically, for grade 2-3 adenoids, adenotomy is performed.

However, surgery is not always the solution. This is especially true for children with allergies and asthmatics, for whom surgery to remove tonsils is contraindicated due to a possible worsening of the condition. In some cases, it is sufficient to exclude the allergen from the child’s environment, as well as a course of treatment with antihistamines.

There are several opinions that delay parents from having surgery:

  • By removing adenoids before 6 years of age, we deprive the child of natural protection, which can be fraught with lightning-fast development of inflammation of the throat and respiratory tract (bronchitis, tonsillitis)
  • The younger the child, the greater the likelihood that the adenoids will grow again.
  • The baby will not stop getting sick. After all, we have deprived him of his natural protection. However, it is possible that the baby will recover faster.
  • Difficulty in nasal breathing does not always indicate enlarged adenoids. The cause may be an allergic runny nose, a deviated nasal septum, prolonged inflammation of the nasopharynx, or the presence of worms in the body.

In any case, no matter what you choose: treat or remove, first you need to cure the inflammation of the adenoids and glands. To prescribe adequate and correct treatment for tonsils, consult an otolaryngologist; do not self-medicate, because the situation can worsen very quickly.

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Published on the website: 08/29/2013

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Adenoids and tonsils: what is the difference between them

Tonsils are large collections of lymphatic tissue in the oropharynx. The main function of which is to protect humans from pathogenic microflora in the air. They also perform hematopoietic and immune functions.

Anatomical structure

There are such types of tonsils: palatine, tubal, pharyngeal and lingual. They all form a lymphoid ring, or Pirogov-Waldeyer ring. It is located in the oropharynx, creating a protective barrier before entering the digestive and respiratory tract. The terms tonsils and adenoids are often used in everyday life, and these are the same collections of lymphatic tissue.

Glands

The tonsils are paired tonsils located on the border of the oropharynx, covered by the palatine arches; they are also called the palatine tonsils. They have an oval shape, a soft consistency, and on their surface there are crypts and dimples in which bacteria collect and multiply. They have a special place in the mouth – the tonsillar fossa.

Adenoids

Adenoids are a pathological growth of the pharyngeal tonsil, caused by hyperplasia of its lymphoid tissue due to inflammation. They are located in the upper-posterior part of the nasal throat and cannot be seen with the naked eye. They are irregular in shape and divided into 5-6 parts by grooves. Due to their structural features and localization, they protect the respiratory tract from foreign agents.

Inflammation of the adenoids and tonsils is more common in children from 3 to 7 years of age, but is also possible in newborns. They decrease and disappear by the time of puberty (in children over 14 years old they no longer exist).

Causes of inflammation of the adenoids and tonsils

Adenoids and tonsils often become enlarged and inflamed. The causes of these pathologies are:

  • Individual characteristics of the child;
  • Metabolic state;
  • Diseases of carbohydrate and protein metabolism;
  • State of the endocrine system;
  • Diseases of the thymus gland;
  • Living conditions, food;
  • State of the environment;
  • Features of immunity;
  • Frequent viral and bacterial diseases;
  • Carrying out preventive vaccinations;
  • The presence of chronic foci of infection.

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Difference in Symptoms

Since tonsils and adenoids are the same lymphoid tissue, viral diseases affect all tonsils, but the symptoms of their inflammation differ significantly.

Symptoms of inflammation of the adenoids

Inflammation of the adenoids is called adenoiditis. It occurs for various reasons, most often it is a viral or bacterial infection. Adenoiditis is characterized by symptoms of intoxication, complaints of headache, fever, difficulty in nasal breathing, and itching in the nose. The discharge is mucopurulent, green in color, and can flow down the back wall of the throat. During sleep, snoring is observed, the patient begins to speak through his nose. Due to swelling of the adenoids, ear congestion and hearing loss are noted.

More often, this disease progresses to a subacute or chronic stage. Against the background of frequent diseases, their growth and hypertrophy occurs. Due to nasal congestion, the child constantly breathes through his mouth, as a result of which the face acquires a special “adenoid type.” Due to low oxygen saturation of the brain, there are constant headaches, developmental and learning delays, and a decrease in oxygen supply to the body. Adenoid vegetations have 3 degrees of growth, which can only be determined by an ENT doctor.

What are the symptoms of inflammation of the tonsils?

Inflammation of the tonsils is called tonsillitis or tonsillitis. The cause of this disease is bacteria of various kinds, but herpetic or fungal infections are no exception. Most often, children under three years of age suffer from viral sore throat, and bacterial sore throat – after five years.

There are several types of tonsillitis: catarrhal, lacunar and follicular. There are also three degrees of enlargement of the tonsils. The first is characterized by their increase to 1/3 of the midline of the throat, with the second they occupy 2/3, and with the third degree the tonsils close, leading to difficulty breathing.

Catarrhal tonsillitis is characterized by mild symptoms of intoxication, headache, and low fever. A slight sore throat and sore throat are noted. The tonsils are hypertrophied, the mucous membrane is bright red and loose. The lymph nodes are enlarged and painful, most often the submandibular and anterior cervical ones.

Symptoms of lacunar tonsillitis are a rise in temperature to 39°, headache, severe pain when swallowing. The tonsils are enlarged, the mucous membrane is hyperemic, gray-white formations are observed in the crypts, which are easily removed. The submandibular lymph nodes are swollen and painful.

Follicular tonsillitis is characterized by a severe course with febrile temperature up to 39-40°, chills, weakness, muscle aches, pain when swallowing and opening the mouth. In this case, the tonsils are swollen, enlarged, yellow pustules are visible on their surface - these are inflamed follicles that can rupture, releasing the contents outward.

With frequent tonsillitis and lack of adequate treatment, the tonsils hypertrophy, turning into chronic tonsillitis.

What is the difference between treatment of adenoids and tonsils?

Enlarged adenoids in a child due to inflammation are subject to treatment:

  • For a viral infection, antiviral drugs are prescribed (Viferon, Grippferon, Kagocel);
  • For bacterial infections - antibiotics in an age-appropriate dose (semi-synthetic penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides);
  • Antihistamines - Suprastin, Loratadine, Diazolin;
  • Vitamins B, C;
  • Vasoconstrictor nasal drops: Nazivin, Vibrocil;
  • Local antiseptics: Biosporin, Isofra.

When inflammation passes into a chronic course with adenoid hypertrophy, surgical intervention is recommended - adenomectomy, adenotomy.

Treatment of angina is carried out more often at home, but in severe cases, hospitalization in an infectious diseases hospital or ENT department is necessary. Therapy for inflammation of the adenoids and tonsils is almost the same. To treat acute tonsillitis, it is necessary to take broad-spectrum antibiotics (penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides); antihistamines; vitamins and immunomodulators. The differences in the treatment of adenoids and palatine tonsils consist in local therapy: for sore throat, rinse with furatsilin solution, a weak soda-saline solution, or a decoction of herbs is used. Local antiseptics are used: Bioparox, Yox, Miramistin. In case of enlargement of the tonsils to 2-3 degrees, tonsillectomy is indicated.

When is surgery needed?

The operation to remove the pharyngeal tonsil is called adenomectomy (adenotomy). It is indicated for their hypertrophy of 2-3 degrees. For patients with grade 1, surgery is indicated for chronic or recurring inflammatory diseases of the ear and nose (otitis media, rhinitis, sinusitis).

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  • the appearance of inflammation in the neck and armpits. in the groin.
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Tonsils and adenoids - what's the difference?

Each of us has at least once heard from friends and relatives the phrases “my tonsils hurt” or “have your child’s adenoids enlarged? What are tonsils and adenoids? And what is the difference between them?

Both tonsils and adenoids are tonsils, structures consisting of lymphoid tissue. They are part of the so-called pharyngeal lymphoid ring. Otherwise it is also called the Pirogov-Waldeyer ring.

Lymphoid tissue is a collection of lymphocytes, the protective cells of our body. They fight both bacteria and viruses equally effectively.

Therefore, the main function of any tonsils is to protect the body from the penetration of foreign agents.

The tonsils are the paired palatine tonsils of the pharyngeal ring. They are located in the oropharynx, one on each side.

If a person is susceptible to colds, then they begin to work more intensely, increasing in size.

This increase is called “hypertrophy of the palatine tonsils”; the accompanying inflammatory process in them is called tonsillitis.

Acute specific inflammation of the tonsils caused by hemolytic streptococcus is known to us as “angina”.

Adenoids are an unpaired pharyngeal tonsil located in the nasopharynx.

With persistent infectious diseases, the pharyngeal tonsil also hypertrophies. This process is called “adenoid vegetations”.

The function of the adenoids is to protect the body from pathogens that enter through the nasal passages.

With direct inflammation of the pharyngeal tonsil, the disease adenoiditis develops.

Difference in Symptoms

Clinical manifestations of inflammation of the tonsils

Inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis or tonsillitis) will manifest itself with the following symptoms:

  • — pain syndrome (from moderate with tonsillitis to extremely severe with tonsillitis);
  • - sore throat;
  • - sensation of a lump or foreign body in the throat;
  • - pain when swallowing;
  • - inability to eat solid food;
  • - with severe inflammation with significant hypertrophy, there may even be breathing problems.

Adenoiditis is characterized by other symptoms:

  • - nasal discharge (usually thick, yellow-green);
  • - nasal congestion;
  • - change in voice type nasality;
  • - headache;
  • - violation of nasal breathing, up to its absence;
  • - snoring;
  • - sometimes hearing loss.

Inflammation or hypertrophy of the glands in the mouth is visible to the doctor with the naked eye.

To visualize the adenoids, you will need auxiliary equipment - an endoscope.

Difference in treatment

With tonsillitis, the first place is taken by antibacterial therapy - general and local, if necessary, painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.

For adenoiditis, preference is given to local antibacterial and anti-inflammatory treatment, including nasal rinsing. In addition, an important component is vasoconstrictor therapy - as a prevention of eustachitis and otitis.

For hypertrophy of both the tonsils and adenoids, the tactics are similar. Conservative therapy is used, and only if it is completely ineffective, surgical intervention is used - tonsillectomy or adenectomy.

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What is the difference between tonsils and adenoids

For many people, tonsils and adenoids are not at all different from each other. Very often these concepts are used to generalize the names of throat diseases. However, this is not at all the same thing. Confusion arises due to their similar functions and adjacent locations in the body. Tonsils and adenoids: what is the difference, let's try to figure it out.

General information

Adenoids and tonsils, in their anatomical structure, are parts of one ring, which forms the nasopharynx. They differ only in location. The structure of the tonsils is very similar to lymphatic tissues.

Glands

In medicine, paired tonsils are called tonsils, and they are located in the pharynx, on different sides. They are clearly visible to the naked eye. It is they who receive the first blows of various infections. They come into regular contact with food and drink. Depending on the conditions, the tonsils can change their size and color and are actively involved in the function of hematopoiesis. They remain in humans throughout life.

Adenoids

The third pharyngeal tonsil is called adenoids. It is located behind the soft palate, which is why it is very difficult to see without special equipment. During adolescence, the adenoids atrophy. In an adult, adenoids are completely absent.

Important! Even based on this, it is not worth asserting that adenoids and tonsils are the same thing.

What unites both tonsils is the function they perform - protecting the body from viruses and infections. However, they are not always able to cope with their responsibilities, and sometimes they themselves can become a problem and a threat to health. This happens more with children. Parents should pay special attention if their child has frequent colds that regularly develop into sore throats. They lead to changes in tissues, and the tonsils begin to grow.

Adenoids, tonsils, tonsils: what's the difference?

An even greater misconception is that adenoids, tonsils, and tonsils are often perceived as one organ.

Based on the anatomical structure of a person, it can be seen that the adenoids are a single pharyngeal tonsil, and the tonsils are a paired palatine tonsil. They are closely related to each other and often inflammation of one of them spreads to the others.

Important! Treatment occurs using different methods. With regular repetition of inflammatory processes on the pharyngeal and palatine tonsils, doctors recommend removing them.

Difference in inflammatory processes

With inflammation of the tonsils in both adults and children, several common symptoms are observed:

  1. Regular sore throat.
  2. Systematic sneezing.
  3. Nasal voice.

Often, over time, fever, otitis media, disruption of normal sleep, and drooling are added here. Other symptoms for inflamed adenoids and tonsils vary, many of which are highly individual.

Inflammation of the adenoids is observed only in children. Its main features are:

  • long lasting runny nose;
  • significant difficulties with nasal breathing.

Later, yellow discharge from the nose appears, and the mouth begins to smell unpleasant. The child becomes lethargic, drowsy, complains of headaches, and begins to hear poorly. Over time, redness and then irritation appear around the mouth and nose.

Important! Snoring can also be the first sign of concern. In this case, it is worth observing the child’s sleep; if he sleeps with his mouth open, sniffles heavily, it is better to consult a specialist.

With inflammation of the tonsils, slightly different symptoms are observed. Their manifestation is sharp and painful:

  • severe sore throat;
  • significant increase in body temperature;
  • general malaise.

Swallowing, both for a child and an adult, is very painful, sometimes children even refuse food because of such sensations.

Further, the swelling in the throat area only intensifies. The lymph nodes are significantly enlarged. With further development of the disease, white films appear on the tonsils, and then an abscess is possible. You will not see external signs on the skin.

Important! The most common name for inflammatory processes in the tonsils is tonsillitis and tonsillitis.

Removal

Removing tonsils and adenoids is a rather serious step that cannot be carried out without weighing the pros and cons. Such an operation, in essence, deprives the body of a natural protective barrier that effectively stops and neutralizes numerous infections.

  1. Doctors take such extreme measures only in cases where the tonsils not only do not properly perform their main function, but also harm the immune system.
  2. The main indication for surgical intervention is the complete ineffectiveness of drug treatment.
  3. In case of exacerbation of chronic diseases of the tonsils and adenoids, when there is a risk of serious complications, doctors may suggest removal.

If the tonsils are constantly enlarged, or there is significant swelling on them for a long time, then it is also advisable to remove them.

Adenoids in children are removed for the following problems:

  • impaired nasal breathing that cannot be treated with medication;
  • the tonsil itself has increased significantly in size;
  • chronic inflammation of the nasal sinuses with frequent exacerbation;
  • hearing acuity has seriously decreased;
  • regular otitis, with a severe course of the disease;
  • distortion of facial expressions;
  • Frequent colds in children, complications of which include sore throat and laryngitis.

The only contraindications for removing both tonsils and adenoids are problems with the cardiovascular system and complex blood diseases.

Adenoids and tonsils are the tonsils of the nasopharynx. They are united by a common origin, location in the body, and functions performed. Despite the fact that they are formed from one embryonic rudiment, with puberty the adenoids simply atrophy, and the tonsils continue to accompany the human body. Based on this, to the question: “Adenoids are tonsils or not?” You can definitely answer: “No!”

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Tonsils and tonsils, adenoids - what are the differences?

The anatomical structure of a person suggests the presence of 6 tonsils - lymphoid formations that perform a barrier, hematopoietic, and immunostimulating function. They are located on the border of the oral and pharyngeal cavities, at the entrance to the respiratory and digestive tracts. What is the difference between tonsils and tonsils? These organs make up the lymphatic ring:

  • Paired palatine tonsils. They are most often called tonsils. They are clearly visible, inflammation in these formations can be controlled visually. The tonsils are located in the fold between the soft palate and the surface of the tongue. In the medical literature they are numbered - in this case we are looking at the first and second tonsils.
  • The third, the unpaired tonsil, is small in size in a healthy person. It is located in the nasopharynx area. Such pathologically enlarged formations are called adenoids.
  • Below the surface of the posterior region of the tongue is the fourth tonsil. In the normal state, the formation is not visualized. Occasionally, hypertrophic processes caused by intoxication or local physiological disorders are observed. This one lymphatic organ is divided into two parts by a groove.
  • The tubal tonsils are also paired organs numbered five and six. Located in front of the entrance to the auditory tube. They are formed from diffuse tissue with the inclusion of lymphoid nodules. Prevents viruses and bacteria from entering the middle ear.

But according to physiological characteristics, to the question: “what is the difference between tonsils and tonsils?” the answer will follow: the organs simply have a double name. The word “tonsils” has ancient Greek roots, and the designation “tonsils” comes from Latin. There is no difference between the tonsils and tonsils, they are one and the same.

Palatine tonsils as a tonsillar organ

Although in the medical literature these paired palatal organs are called tonsils, in common parlance the short term “tonsils” is more commonly used. Formations of lymphoid tissue are very porous; each of these tonsils has up to 20 lacunae. Thanks to these capsule depressions, the immune system has time to recognize the threat that has entered the body.

The follicles located inside the glands play a significant role in the formation of leukocyte cells that perform a phagocytic role, that is, capturing and destroying pathogens. Tonsils and tonsils promote the differentiation of phagocytes; on their surface, ARVI pathogens entering from the outside are captured and destroyed, which avoids the penetration of infection into the upper respiratory tract.

A child without a fully formed protective system is very vulnerable; the determinant function, which is performed by the amygdala, is especially important for him. If the body is attacked by pathogens, and the tonsils, or tonsils, are not able to neutralize the infection, then an inflammatory process begins.

The tissues become reddened, plaque or plugs of pus appear. The hypertrophied organ tries to restore its usual activity due to tissue proliferation. But such a compensatory-adaptive increase does not give the desired effect. Tonsils, also known as tonsils, are considered the periphery of the lymphatic system.

Without proper conservative treatment or when the immune system is too weakened, lymphatic formations turn from reliable defenders into internal carriers of bacteria. Then complete or partial removal of the tonsils is indicated. Symptoms of a typical sore throat are:

  • A sharp increase in temperature above 38°C accompanied by a sore throat that gets worse when swallowing.
  • Hypertrophy of the tonsils, causing difficulty breathing.
  • Superficial and deep lymphatic tissues become inflamed, plaque or numerous multi-level ulcers may form.
  • Characterized by general lethargy, weakness, and headache.

The tonsils and tonsils are somewhat different in structure in an adult and a child, so the prerequisites and consequences of inflammatory processes also differ. What is the difference between the condition of organs in acute and chronic forms of the disease? In the first case, the inflammation goes away without a trace after conservative therapy; after recovery, the tissues do not change their structure. In the second, relapses constantly occur, lymphoid formations degenerate, become loose and often hide formations filled with purulent exudate in their thickness.

It is reasonable to treat such conditions with the use of antibiotics of the penicillin or azithromycin group, as well as with the help of local antiseptics and rinsing with disinfectant solutions. Physiotherapy is an effective addition.

Adenoids - what are they? Presence of tonsils and adenoids in the nasopharynx

Ordinary patients are well aware of the concept of “adenoids” and the question rarely arises about the essence of such a formation. Doctors explain that adenoids are the pharyngeal glands made from lymphatic tissue. When a person is healthy, the organ has a very modest size, but with inflammation, especially in children and adolescents under 14 years of age, hypertrophy of the tonsils occurs. This disease is called adenoiditis.

Previously, it was mistakenly considered only for children, but otolaryngologists have proven that a similar disease affects some adults: simply due to changes in anatomical characteristics, the volume of lymphoid formations decreases or the gland atrophies. But with the help of an endoscope, residual adenoids can be seen at a more mature age in selected patients.

Adenoids and tonsils in children of preschool or primary school age are actively involved in protecting the body from viruses and bacteria. They guarantee the rapid production of the required number of lymphocytes capable of destroying pathogenic flora. When the immune system is already formed, the role of the palatine tonsils remains significant, while the adenoids lose their function.

Adenoids are not called tonsils, but in fact they are related formations and need to be treated with care. After puberty, the organ may disappear altogether.

Pathogenic microbes, once on the surface of the adenoid, provoke inflammation with hypertrophy of the organ. An enlarged gland makes breathing difficult. The habit of breathing through the mouth appears, which is dangerous for the pharyngeal mucosa. Damage to the adenoids is accompanied by sore throat, nasal congestion, and sneezing. Otitis media often appears as a complication. Insomnia and increased salivation are possible.

Adenoid vegetation is divided into 3 degrees:

  • A slight enlargement of the gland without any particular inconvenience: slight discomfort is felt, the baby may snore. At this stage, conservative treatment is very effective.
  • Enlarged adenoid, which causes difficulty breathing. The organ covers about half of the respiratory lumen. There is a tendency towards further growth. At this stage, surgery is often used.
  • Serious damage to the organ with maximum increase in size. Air flows do not enter the Eustachian tube, the pressure in the middle ear changes, and diseases of the upper respiratory tract constantly occur. With this course of the disease, urgent removal of the adenoid is clearly indicated.

Adenotomy today is considered a non-traumatic, minimally invasive operation. But doctors insist on following a gentle regime for two weeks after such an intervention, as well as following all recommendations for the speedy healing of wounds.

If a combined inflammatory process is observed, conservative therapy of which does not produce tangible results, then doctors recommend removal of the adenoids and trimming of the tonsils. In this case, the main source of infection is eliminated, but the lymphoid tissues of the tonsils continue to perform a barrier function, stopping the attack of infections on the body.

The decision to use techniques in the treatment of tonsils and tonsils is the prerogative of the doctor, who prescribes a comprehensive examination. Otolaryngologists warn that self-medication is unacceptable: each organism is unique, therefore, with a similar diagnosis, different drugs may be indicated. The palatine tonsils and other tonsils can be preserved today thanks to the availability of innovative effective drugs, and surgery is a radical solution to the problem if the main methods do not bring the desired result.

Source: http://gorlonos.ru/throat/glandy/glandy-i-mindaliny-adenoidy-v-chem-razlichiya.html

What is the difference between adenoids, tonsils and tonsils

Unknowing people often have confusion between adenoids and tonsils, and this is not surprising, because both belong to the tonsils. Not everyone understands what the difference is between tonsils and tonsils, but there is no difference here. You need to know that tonsils are paired tonsils that are located in the sky, and adenoids are an unpaired tonsil that is located in the pharynx. All these tonsils perform a very important function. They prevent infections from entering the body, in many cases taking the blow on themselves. The difference between adenoids and tonsils is very noticeable - from the location features to the symptoms of inflammation and treatment methods.

Anatomical difference

Confusion often arises due to the proximity of the tonsils and adenoids to each other. Both consist of the same lymphoid tissue, but based on this parameter alone it is not logical to say that they are practically the same thing.

Glands

The tonsils are paired palatine tonsils that can be seen on both sides of the pharynx. These formations can change their appearance due to certain conditions. The tonsils regularly come into contact with the food and drinks that a person consumes; they are reliable protection against pathogenic microorganisms, since they are the first to be encountered on their path. Such tonsils are easy to see without any devices.

In addition to protecting the body from infectious diseases, the tonsils perform a hematopoietic function.

Adenoids

Adenoids are the name given to the third tonsil in the pharynx; this formation atrophies as the child grows up and completely ceases to function after about a year. Adenoids are located in the upper part of the throat, they are covered by the soft palate, so it is almost impossible to see them with the naked eye. This amygdala also has a protective function. It protects the body from infectious diseases at the entire stage of development of the child’s immunity.

Adenoid growths are nothing more than an excessive increase in the size of the pharyngeal tonsil.

Causes of inflammation of the tonsils

There are several causes of inflammation of the tonsils and adenoids; only an experienced doctor can determine what triggered the inflammation. The main reasons can be identified as follows:

  • Contact with people who are carriers of various pathogens.
  • Chronic inflammatory diseases in the mouth or nose. Inflammation of the tonsils can be caused by long-term untreated caries or various types of sinusitis.
  • Significant hypothermia of the body.
  • Harmful working conditions or poor ecology in the area of ​​residence.
  • Poor nutrition.
  • Lack of vitamins and minerals in the body.

The impetus for the inflammatory process can be a weakened immune system. This happens if a child or adult often suffers from respiratory infections.

What are the symptoms of inflammation of the tonsils?

Most often tonsils are called tonsils, so it is accepted that tonsils and tonsils are one and the same. Inflammation of these paired tonsils leads to the following unpleasant and painful symptoms:

  • An acute pain in the throat appears, which increases significantly when swallowing food or drinks.
  • The patient complains of general weakness and weakness.
  • Body temperature rises significantly.
  • Swelling of the throat tissue is observed.
  • The cervical lymph nodes are noticeably enlarged.

Inflammation of the tonsils is a sore throat or acute tonsillitis. If these diseases are severe, then whitish films can be seen on the mucous membrane of the throat, which can block the airways.

With inflamed tonsils, there are no external manifestations of this disease.

Symptoms of inflammation of the adenoids

If the adenoids are inflamed, this is accompanied by the following health problems:

  • the child has impaired nasal breathing, he often breathes through his mouth, especially during sleep;
  • the child feels tired, general weakness and apathy are noticeable;
  • periodically there are complaints of severe headache and hearing loss;
  • The timbre of the voice changes, it becomes nasal. The child seems to speak through his nose.

In addition, when the adenoids are inflamed, yellowish discharge is observed from the nose, and a very unpleasant odor appears from the oral cavity.

The main difference from inflammation of the tonsils is that with adenoid growths around the lips and nose there may be redness of the skin.

Despite the fact that these organs are located nearby and are interconnected, the symptoms of their inflammation differ significantly.

Treatment of adenoids

When the first characteristic symptoms of adenoid tissue proliferation appear, you should immediately consult a doctor. It must be remembered that the earlier treatment is started, the greater the chance of avoiding surgery. After the examination, the doctor may prescribe the following conservative treatment:

  • Nasal drops based on natural ingredients and essential oils.
  • Tinctures and decoctions of medicinal herbs for rinsing and instilling the nose.
  • Gargling and rinsing the nose with sea water or a weak solution of table salt.

In addition, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory drugs are indicated. The doctor selects them individually, based on the severity of the patient’s condition and his age. If hearing is impaired, ear drops may be added to treatment.

Conservative treatment of adenoid growths must be comprehensive; only in this case can one count on a good result.

Treatment of sore throat

In case of acute tonsillitis, therapy should be started as early as possible, and the child should be treated under the supervision of a doctor. To treat sore throat, a number of medications are prescribed, and traditional medicine recipes are also used. The doctor prescribes treatment individually, but most often it is as follows:
  • broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs;
  • antipyretics;
  • antimicrobials;
  • multivitamin complexes;
  • immunomodulators. You can use medicines of natural origin, for example, based on Echinacea purpurea;
  • Gargling. To do this, use decoctions and tinctures of medicinal herbs, salt water, a solution of baking soda, a solution of propolis tincture in water, or special antiseptics purchased at the pharmacy.

In addition, for successful treatment of sore throat, the patient must remain in bed and drink a lot so that toxic substances that are necessarily formed during infectious diseases are eliminated from the body due to the breakdown of bacteria.

For a mild form of sore throat, the doctor can only recommend gargling, compresses and drugs to boost immunity. If the sore throat is severe, you cannot do without broad-spectrum antibiotics. Most often, penicillin drugs are prescribed, but if the patient has intolerance to this drug group, then macrolides can be prescribed.

Poorly treated sore throat can lead to serious complications. Thus, inflammation of the tonsils often provokes severe heart disease.

Antibiotics for the treatment of tonsillitis should be selected by a doctor. Ideally, these medications are prescribed after throat swab results are obtained. This allows you to accurately determine the pathogen and the drug to which it is sensitive.

When is surgery needed?

The decision that a patient needs surgery to remove tonsils or adenoids is made only by the attending physician. Such a surgical intervention is a serious step, because the body is left without the main filters that exist in the path of pathogenic microflora. Indications for surgery look like this:

  • Ineffectiveness of conservative treatment over a long period of time.
  • With a high risk of developing complications from constantly inflamed tonsils.
  • If the adenoids have grown too large and it has become chronic.
  • For frequent sore throats.
  • If the adenoids have grown greatly and affected the hearing organs.

In addition, removal of the tonsils and adenoids is indicated in cases of severe diseases that are associated with inflammation of these organs.

The operation can be performed under either local or general anesthesia. Both abdominal surgery and tonsil removal using a laser can be performed.

The tonsils and adenoids are related to the tonsils. But if you consider that tonsils are more often called tonsils, then there are differences between them. The difference between adenoids and tonsils is in the symptoms that manifest inflammation, as well as in the methods of treating pathologies.

Source: http://pulmono.ru/gorlo/adenoidy/v-chyom-raznitsa-mezhdu-adenoidami-mindalinami-i-glandami