We are all familiar with the words tonsils and adenoids, but did you know that they are part of the immune system and they responsible for protecting the body from diseases?

Tonsils are two round lumps situated at the back of your throat, while adenoids are high at the back of the nose and the roof of the mouth. They are only visible through the mouth and nose with the use of special instruments. When bacteria and viruses enter through the mouth and nose, tonsils and adenoids sample and trap them.

Tonsils and adenoids can be enlarged or inflamed when they are fighting bacteria and viruses. However, some children have naturally enlarged tonsils and adenoids without an underlying cause. The reason why this occurs is not known, but a genetic link is suspected.

Why should you remove tonsils and adenoids?

While tonsils and adenoids are the body’s first line of defence against pathogens, they should be removed if:

• You have recurring tonsillitis
• You have blockages that cause snoring or sleep apnea
• You have tonsil cancer
• Frequent infections of the adenoids

Frequent infections of the adenoids can affect other areas such as the ear’s passage at the back of the nose and the inside of the ear, called the eustachian tube. This may result in frequent ear infections and collection of fluid in the middle ear, which can then cause temporary hearing loss.