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Difference Between Adenoids and Tonsils
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Adenoids vs Tonsils- Locations and Functions
‘Adenoids’ and ‘Tonsils’ are generic terms that are essential parts of the immune system. These are made of the lymphatic tissues that are located inside the oral cavity.
Adenoids play an important role in fighting off infections in babies and young children. As a child’s immune system builds with age, the adenoids start to shrink.
According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, tonsils (also known as lymph nodes) are visible as two lumps at the back of the throat. Adenoids are glands that are found behind the nose and soft palate. (Also Read: Possible Adenoids Treatment Options Without Surgery )
As mentioned earlier, tonsils and adenoids are made of lymphatic cells but the adenoids are covered by a mucous layer and hairlike structures called cilia.
When you open your mouth and look inside, you can easily locate the tonsils at the back of your throat but you won’t be able to find the adenoids easily.
Both of these structures help to trap pathogens that enter the mouth or nose. As these are part of the immune system, the main function of tonsils and adenoids is to produce antibodies that kill the pathogens that enter through the nose or mouth.
However, sometimes these can get infected and become enlarged that can give rise to other problems.
| Adenoids | Tonsils |
| These glands cannot be located easily. | When you open the mouth, it can be easily seen. |
| These start to shrink once a child crosses 5 years. | These stay throughout the lifetime of a person. |
| Located at the upper throat behind the nose and soft palate. | Two lumps located at the back of the throat. |
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Adenoiditis and Tonsillitis
Symptoms and Complications of Adenoiditis
Adenoiditis is the enlargement of the adenoids. This occurs when the adenoids get infected while brushing out the germs. If a child is suffering from an enlarged adenoid, he/she should be taken to the nearest ENT doctor.
Some of the symptoms that people experience are breathing through the mouth, stuffiness in the nose, problems in the ears or frequent episodes of sinusitis.
When adenoiditis is left untreated for a while, it can lead to infections inside the chest or the ear. For adenoiditis, doctors recommend an adenoidectomy.
Symptoms and Complications of Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils. These generally inflame due to a viral/bacterial attack. This condition is more prevalent among school-going children and mid-teens.
Some of the symptoms that ENT doctors look out for to diagnose tonsillitis are fever, sore throat, white or yellow patches on the tonsils, redness and swelling of the tonsils, difficulty while swallowing, etc.
The possible complications of tonsillitis include a peritonsillar abscess or chronic sinus infections. If the condition has become severe, then the removal of tonsils is the only treatment option.
| Adenoiditis | Tonsillitis |
| Enlargement of the adenoid is known as adenoiditis. | Enlargement of the tonsils is known as tonsillitis. |
| Adenoiditis is more common in children. | Tonsillitis is more common in children. But, so is adenoiditis. |
| Symptoms of the adenoids are- stuffy nose, problems in the ear, breathing through the mouth. | Symptoms of the tonsillitis are- fever, sore throat, white or yellow spots, swelling and redness. |
| Complications of adenoiditis are ear infections or infections inside the chest. | Complications of tonsillitis are peritonsillar abscess or chronic sinus infections. |
Adenoidectomy and Tonsillectomy
Adenoidectomy
In simple words, adenoidectomy is simply the removal of the adenoid glands. This procedure is performed on an out-patient basis. Moreover, this is minimally-invasive as the whole surgery is performed under the influence of general anesthesia. (Also Read: The long term scenario of Adenoidectomy )
Tonsillectomy
When doctors diagnose that the enlarged tonsils are causing difficulty while breathing or can lead to chronic throat infections, then doctors suggest tonsillectomy. This is the removal of the tonsils under the influence of general anesthesia.
The recovery period of both the surgeries lasts from 2 to 5 days.
Summary
To sum it up, there are various differences between adenoids and tonsils and the infections that can occur in them.
In spite of their differences, both these structures make a part of the immune system and produce antibodies to prevent any infections.
Sometimes, tonsillectomy can be performed with an adenoidectomy. This won’t affect the immunity of the body. The reason being that the body builds its own immunity mechanism reducing the dependency on adenoids or tonsils.
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