Tonsils & Adenoids

Tonsils

The tonsils are situated in the throat, one on each side. They are part of the lymph system and help fight infection when you are a young child. After the age of about two years, the tonsils become less important in fighting infection and usually shrink. Your body can still fight infection without them. The two most common reasons for removing the tonsils are:
- Recurrent infection (tonsillitis)
- Tonsil enlargement causing snoring and breathing difficulties while sleeping (sleep apnoea)

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Adenoids

The adenoids are made up of the same type of tissue as the tonsils and serve the same purpose. They are situated in the back of the nose and therefore lie above the level of the tonsils. They usually decrease in size during childhood. If enlarged, they can cause blockage of breathing through the nose and increased rates of ear infections due to glue ear.