Tonsil: Types, Functions, Symptoms & Treatment

Tonsils are two round-shaped masses of flesh located at the back of the throat. They are composed of lymphatic tissues, situated on the walls of the pharynx, right behind the mouth cavity. Tonsils act as protective gear for the human body from dirt and germs entering the mouth and nose. Due to its primary function, tonsils are easily subjected to infections and other conditions. The removal of the tonsils does not increase the susceptibility to infection. Tonsils vary in size and swell in response to an infection. There are three types of tonsils present in the human body namely Palatine Tonsils, Adenoids, and Lingual tonsils.

Key Terms: Tonsils, Tonsillitis, Throat, Palatine Tonsils, Lymphatic Tissues, Infection, Adenoids, Nose, Tonsillectomy

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What are Tonsils?

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Tonsils are a pair of soft tissue masses located at the back of the throat that help to filter out germs that enter through our nose or mouth to protect the body from infection. 

• Tonsils are oval in shape and located near the back of the throat. 
• They are visible if we open our mouths in front of a mirror. 
• Tonsils appear pinkish in color when they are healthy and would appear red or swollen when infected. 
• Each tonsil is composed of a tissue that is very similar to lymph nodes found in the body’s immune system. 
• Tonsils are covered by a pink mucus membrane or ‘Mucosa’. The mucosa contains pit-like structures called ‘Crypts’.
• The size of the tonsils can vary for every person. The average size is around 2.6 inches. 

Tonsils

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Functions of Tonsils

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The functions of tonsils are as follows: 

• The primary function of the tonsils is to fight infections. 
• They perform the function of protecting the body against microbes or antigens in the body through the mouth. 
• Tonsils also produce the necessary antibodies to kill the microbes entering the body.
• In the case of children, the tonsils fail to protect the body against infections and hence, result in enlarged tonsils. 

Read More: Mouth Anatomy

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Types of Tonsils

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There are three types of tonsils that can be seen in our body namely

1. Palatine Tonsils (tonsilla palatina)
2. Adenoids (pharyngeal tonsil or tonsilla pharyngealis) 
3. Lingual Tonsils (tonsilla lingualis)

Palatine Tonsils

• Palatine Tonsils, also known as Faucial Tonsils are located at either side of the back of the throat. 
• These sets of tonsils protect the body against antigens and bacteria in the digestive and respiratory systems. 
• These tonsils also produce antibodies to kill the bacteria. 
• These tonsils in children cannot protect the body against antigens and thus, enlarges when infected.

Read More: Trachea

Adenoids

• Pharyngeal tonsils are a mass of lymphatic tissue located at the root of the nasopharynx, behind the nasal cavity. 
• These sets of tonsils help filter the air we breathe. 
• When they are infected, they become enlarged, blocking the entry of air into your respiratory tract.
•  It can also affect sinus drainage, causing ear infections or sinus. This results in the person breathing through the mouth. 
• In children, it may even hinder the development of facial bone development. 
• A surgical procedure can be done in children to revolve the glands.

Lingual Tonsils

• Lingual tonsils are a set of lymphatic tissues located at the root of the tongue. 
• These tonsils are composed of B and T lymphocytes, which activate themselves when antigens enter the body. 
• The chances of lingual tonsils being infected are comparatively less.

Read More: Structure of Tongue

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Conditions Affecting Tonsils

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There are different conditions that affect tonsils which are discussed as follows:

• Tonsillitis: Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils. It is caused by bacteria and viruses and it can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic). 
• Strep Throat: It is a condition caused by a bacteria named Streptococcus which can cause neck stiffness, fever, and a sore throat.
• Tonsil Stones: Tonsil Stones, also known as Tonsilloliths are basically white and yellow lumps that can cause bad breath, taste, and sore throat.
• Enlarged Tonsils: Also known as Hypertrophic tonsils, this condition causes your tonsils to enlarge causing difficulty in breathing or sleep apnea.
• Tonsil Cancer: Tonsil Cancer is the most common type of Oropharyngeal cancer caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Some symptoms include sore throat, Tonsil pain, lump on the neck, or even blood in the saliva.

Read More: Structure of Nose

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How to Keep a Check on the Health of Tonsils?

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There are various tests that are provided by a healthcare professional to check the health of the tonsils:

1. Blood Tests: Certain conditions can be detected via a blood test, which detects certain antibodies in the blood. For instance, if the test turns out negative, check for Epstein-Barr antibodies in the blood.
2. Bacterial Culture Test: This test is carried out to identify bacterial infections. A long swab is used to collect samples of secretions from the tonsils and the back of the throat which is sent for analysis to determine if the tonsils are affected or not.

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Treatment for Tonsils

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For treating tonsils, the doctor would need to examine the tonsils first to figure out what the tonsils are diagnosed with. Some of the procedures usually prescribed for the treatment of tonsils are

• A physician may prescribe antibiotics depending on how severely your tonsils have been affected.
• A tonsillectomy may have to be performed if the tonsils have been affected very badly.
• Laser resurfacing can be done if the tonsils have been affected by tonsil stones.

Other than these procedures, basic care for the tonsils can be given by:

• Avoiding smoking.
• Drinking plenty of fluids.
• Practicing good oral hygiene.
• Preparing a saltwater gargle.

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What is Tonsillitis?

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Tonsilitis is a medical condition where the tonsils are infected with any microbes, antigens, or bacteria which leads to the swelling of the tonsils. Children get easily affected by tonsils due to weaker immune systems. Although adults have shrunken tonsils, they still can be affected by Tonsillitis.

Tonsillitis

Types of Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis can be cured easily if found at an early stage and might require surgical procedures, if critical. There are three types of Tonsillitis:

1. Acute Tonsillitis
2. Chronic Tonsillitis
3. Recurrent Tonsillitis

Symptoms of Tonsillitis

Some of the common symptoms that help one to identify tonsillitis are:

• Sore throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Yellow/White spots over tonsils
• Fever
• Difficulty in breathing
• Muscular stiffness
• Weak voice
• Neck stiffness
• Poor appetite

The recovery time is longer for adults, compared to that of children.

Read More: Sinusitis

Diagnosis and Treatment for Tonsillitis 

In order to treat tonsillitis, the doctor will examine the tonsil and absorb the variations of tonsils. They may pick samples from tonsils and send them to the laboratory for identifying the cause of enlarged Tonsils.

One can take antibodies to treat tonsillitis in its initial stage. However, at an advanced stage, the doctors will suggest a tonsillectomy. This surgical process may require 1-2 weeks for perfect recovery. 

Home Remedies for Tonsillitis 

The home remedies to treat tonsillitis are

• Drinking plenty of fluid.
• Complete rest for a long time.
• Should avoid smoking. 
• Avoid eating frozen foods
• Can use the humidifier to moisturize the air. 
• Mild hot water gargling.

Read More: Difference between Pharynx and Larynx

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Things to Remember

• Tonsils are small structures located at the back of the throat, near the pharynx.
• Tonsils protect our body from infections by preventing the entry of bacteria and microbes through the nose and mouth.
• There are three types of tonsils namely Palatine Tonsils, Adenoids, and Lingual tonsils
• Tonsillitis is an infection, commonly affecting your tonsils.
• Depending on the severity of the infection caused, tonsillitis may be cured by antibiotics or through Tonsillectomy.
• Maintaining oral hygiene is the most important measure to keep tonsils healthy.