Germán Sandoval, M.D.

Otorhinolaryngologist Surgeon

Tonsils and adenoids are part of the lymphatic system, consist on lymphoid tissue, similar to that of nodules and lymph nodes placed in neck, axilla and ingle. The most widely known are the palatine tonsils, which are located at the back of the throat, protected by a capsule, in palate pillars. Adenoids are formed by the same lymphatic tissue, and are located at the upper part of the throat, behind the nose and above the soft palate.  

Do they serve a defense purpose?

Their role is not as important as that of the other lymphatic system organs. At a very early age, they are active in producing lymphocytes, in small amounts, for organism defense.

Tonsils and adenoids become less and less functional as time goes by. When the immune system is fully working, in grown children, their role is small or even non-existent.  

Which conditions affect tonsils and adenoids?

They are located very close to the respiratory ways, so, they usually capture germs, bacteria, viruses, which, of course, may cause different kinds of throat infections. 

Which are the principal symptoms and medical consequences of tonsil and adenoid infections? 

One of the bigger problems caused by disturbances in tonsils and adenoids is a disproportionate growth in size, that affects some children and adults, obstructing respiration and food deglutition, which contributes to palate deformities, wrong teeth positioning, mild or severe facial mal-formation, snoring, mouth breathing. A normal cardiovascular oxygenation may be affected, there could be some lung overcharge and cerebral alterations, which lead to a diminished attention and concentration, bad school performance. This problem is usually linked to Otitis and Sinusitis, due to hypoventilation and overcharge in these structures. 

In cases of chronic tonsillitis, it is frequent to find, on the other hand, small and asymmetric tonsils, and formation of crypts or caves where a creamy, stinky substance (“caseum”) accumulates; this could cause a predisposition to spontaneous peripheral abscesses. 

Is there an adequate medical treatment? 

Anti-bacteria treatments are always prescribed to treat tonsil infections, once a particular bacteria is identified (the most common is the streptococcus B Hemolytic, group A, that is usually feared, because of its sequelas and implications for cardiac and renal systems. Less aggressive virus treatments are just symptomatic. 

Is it possible a non-extractive tonsil surgery? 

Surgery is prescribed just in aggressive cases that don’t respond to other treatments. It is mandatory in cases of obstruction, oral breathing (through the mouth), snoring and deglutition of solid foods problems. 

Tonsils and adenoids are not essential for health. Current Laser CO2 treatment can vaporize them, without any extraction. Doctors leave a minimum amount, normally necessary. Pediatrician-Otorhinolaryngologists are practicing this laser treatment, that allow your children to grow healthy, reach a normal weight, and avoid catastrophic consequences of not doing an adequate treatment. 

Obstruction due to tonsils and adenoids produces oral breathing (through the mouth), snoring, sleep apnea, cardiopulmonary overcharge, oxygenation problems, and some cerebral alterations, which lead to bad school performance.

Oral breathing alters face and palate shapes. A high, narrow palate leads to overcrowded teeth, and is a major cause of odontology orthopedics and orthodontia treatments, which could be avoided.

Otitis and fluid leakage into the middle ear is usually associated to obstruction, due to disproportionate growth of adenoidal tissue. Recent studies point to the fact that gastric and esophageal reflux could be implicated in this abnormal tissue growth.

It is not true that tonsil removal could cause defense problems and infections as frequent gripes or laryngitis.

Obstruction problems are fully solved by laser CO2 treatment, without extracting tonsils. Doctors vaporize them, leaving a small, normal amount of tissue.

Pediatrics studies in Europe and North America prove the existence of a relation between weight gain and size growth and surgery to remove obstruction due to tonsils and adenoids. (Traditional extraction or laser vaporization)

Disproportionate growth of one or both tonsils may be linked to tumors (cancer, lymphomas, leucomas, etc…) that require early detection, and diagnosis. 

Oral contact with contaminated saliva is one of the most common causes of transmission of the streptococcus B Hemolytic. 

Recovery after non-extractive laser surgery is always fast, painless. There is no post-operative bleeding. Laser surgery provides the option of keeping some small amount of tissue, just the necessary to organism needs.

***

HOME  |  ABOUT US  |  SERVICES  |  MEDICAL SPECIALTIES  |  TESTIMONIALS  |  FAQ  |  CONTACT US 

Copyright @-2006 TrueDoctors.com * All rights reserved 

Design & Maintenance: TrueDoctors.com