Tonsils and adenoids are the body’s first line of defense as part of the immune system. They sample bacteria and viruses that enter the body through the mouth or nose, but they sometimes become infected. At times, they become more of a liability than an asset and may even cause airway obstruction or repeated bacterial infections.
The two most common problems affecting the tonsils and adenoids are recurrent infections of the nose and throat, and significant enlargement that cause nasal obstruction and/or breathing, swallowing, and sleep problems.
The adenoids produce antibodies, or white blood cells, that help fight infections. Typically, the adenoids shrink during adolescence and may disappear by adulthood.
Adenoid removal, also called an adenoidectomy, is a common surgery to remove the adenoids. The adenoids are glands located in the roof of the mouth, behind the soft palate where the nose connects to the throat.
Doctors often perform adenoid removals and tonsillectomies — removal of the tonsils — together. Chronic throat and respiratory infections often cause inflammation and infection in both glands.
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