Technically, there are three groups of tonsils in the human body: pharyngeal tonsil, commonly known as adenoids, palatal tonsils and lingual tonsils. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, they are lymphoid tissues on the surface of the tongue root. However, when people talk about tonsils, they are usually talking about palatal tonsils. Tonsils are oval pea-sized lymphocytes located at the openings on both sides of the throat. Although children's tonsils look large, when a person becomes an adult, the size of tonsils tends to decrease.
Although the function is very small, it seems useless, but tonsils have many uses. Tonsils prevent foreign bodies from entering the lungs. Think of them as goalkeepers by the throat. They also filter bacteria and viruses. Most importantly, according to the Mayo Clinic, they produce white blood cells and antibodies.
According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, these lumps at the back of the throat are "the first line of defense as part of the immune system". For example, bacteria and viruses in tonsil samples enter the human body through the mouth or nose and are washed by lymph. Lymph is a clear and colorless liquid; According to the national lymphedema network, the name comes from the Latin word lymphoa, which means "connected with water".
Problems, diseases and treatments Often, the most common problem of tonsils is inflammation, which is called tonsillitis. Inflammation can be treated at home, such as throat lozenges, mouthwash, drinking plenty of water or taking over-the-counter painkillers. According to the National Library of Medicine, tonsillitis is the most common among children over two years old. Bacterial tonsillitis can be treated with antibiotics from medical experts.
Streptococcal pharyngitis occurs when tonsils are infected by bacteria called streptococcus. Streptococci are usually classified according to two different strains: A and B. Streptococcal pharyngitis is usually a problem affecting children, although adults may also suffer from this infection. Tonsils are usually very inflamed, and people may develop white pustules on the tonsils and collect white and filamentous pus in the throat. According to the data of National Institutes of Health, if streptococcus is not treated, it will cause scarlet fever, pustulitis, cellulitis, toxic shock syndrome and necrotizing fasciitis (carnivorous disease). Rheumatic fever may also be caused by untreated streptococcal infection.
After streptococcal infection, the inflammatory process may occur quickly or last for several weeks. Many patients don't remember the initial sore throat. Dr Stacey Silvers of Madison Skin and Laser Center in new york told Life Science that rheumatic fever can be mild or severe, which will cause permanent damage to the heart. Usually, doctors prescribe antibiotics, such as enhancers, to remove bacteria from the body.
Tonsillar stones are also typical sore throat areas. This happens in the fossa of tonsil. Then, the white blood cells attack the fragments and form rock-like stones. Usually, tonsil stones can be removed by brushing teeth, carrying water or dentists.
"The last resort to treat this problem is tonsillectomy. However, there are risks of anesthesia, pain and bleeding, as well as other risks, so this type of decision must be balanced through risk/benefit discussion. Voigt, Associate Professor of Otolaryngology, Langone Medical Center, new york University.
Additional resources
American Academy of Otolaryngology: Mayo Tonsillitis Medical Education and Research Foundation: Naimur Tonsillitis Foundation: Children Tonsillitis: American Academy of Pediatrics: Throat Pain, Streptococcus and Tonsillitis.