Disclaimer [ENGLISH]
Disclaimer: This material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, nor does it replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. Reference to a specific commercial product or service does not imply endorsement or recommendation of that product or service by CPCMG.
What are tonsils and adenoids?
- Tonsils and adenoids help fight infections.
- They have part of your child’s immune system in them.
- Your child’s tonsils and adenoids may get bigger while your child has an infection like a cold or sore throat.
- Some children have larger tonsils and adenoids than others, even when they do not have an infection.
- The enlargement may cause problems for some children.
- Tonsils are red/pink looking lumps in the back of your child’s throat.
- They continue to grow until early childhood.
- The Adenoid is in the back of the throat behind the nose.
- This area can only be seen with equipment used by specialists (like Ear Nose and Throat Physicians) or with imaging.
How do I know if my child is having problems with their tonsils or adenoids?
- Tonsil symptoms:
- Tonsillitis – a common inflammation of the tonsils
- Usually caused by an infection, like a virus or a bacteria.
- Tonsils look red and swollen.
- May have white or yellow on them.
- Your child may have a fever.
- Your child may complain of a sore throat or pain when swallowing.
- Your child may eat or drink less due to the discomfort.
- Your child’s voice may sound “froggy” or funny.
- Tonsillitis – a common inflammation of the tonsils
- Adenoid symptoms:
- Persistent nasal sounding voice.
- Your child breathes most often through their mouth.
- Your child snores most nights.
- Your child always sounds congested.
- If both the tonsils and adenoids are enlarged your child may have these symptoms:
- A persistent “throaty” voice without tonsillitis.
- Frequent complaints of trouble swallowing especially solid foods.
- Sleep apnea - pauses in breathing, choking, or gasping for air while breathing loudly or snoring when asleep (sleep apnea).
- Children who have sleep apnea might seem very sleepy or even hyperactive during the day.
What can I do to help prevent my child from having trouble with their tonsils and adenoids?
- If a medication has been prescribed for your child, give it according to the directions.
- Wash hands and clean high touch surfaces regularly.
- Avoid sharing drinks or eating utensils.
- Avoid sick contacts.
- Practice proper allergy precautions if advised by your child’s provider.
How are problems with the tonsils and adenoids treated?
- If your child suffers from allergies, controlling their allergy symptoms with medication might help.
- If your child has tonsillitis due to a bacterial infection like strep throat, your child will be treated with an antibiotic.
- If your child continues to struggle with symptoms discussed above your child will likely be referred to an Ear Nose and Throat Specialist.
- If there is any concern for sleep apnea, your child will likely need a sleep study and be referred to an Ear Nose and Throat Specialist.
- Sleep studies are a common procedure and further information will be provided to you by your child’s provider if this is needed.
- Some children do need surgery by an Ear Nose and Throat Specialist to improve or resolve any health concerns.
- The surgery would be to remove the tonsils and/or adenoid called a tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy.
- Any procedures or treatments recommended by any specialist will always be thoroughly discussed and reviewed with the caregivers and patient.
When to call your child’s provider?
- You think your child needs to be seen.
- Your child snores regularly, gasps for air, or chokes while sleeping.
- You are concerned your child is not staying hydrated.
- Your child has trouble swallowing solid foods.
- Your child’s voice never has a clear sound even when they are not sick.
- You think your child’s struggle with daytime behavior may be related to trouble with sleeping.
- Your child always seems congested or has recurrent issues with sore throats.
This publication was adapted from information within American Academy of Pediatrics Patient Education Handouts, UpToDate Guidelines and Healthychildren.org
Reviewed by: TT D.O, AR D.O. | 01/2024