Tag Archives: tonsillitis

Tonsillectomy May Not Be Cost Effective

A Dutch study has found that surgery to remove the tonsils may not be the most cost-effective treatment option for children. The University Medical Center Utrecht observed three hundred between 2000 and 2003. These children were between the ages of two and eight and were suffering from moderate throat infections. Half of the children were chosen to have their tonsils and/or adenoids removed. The other half were assigned to “watchful waiting” — close monitoring of symptoms and interventions where necessary. Researchers checked on the children and families at three month intervals for two years. In the watchful waiting group, annual … Continue reading →

A Look at Tonsil and Adenoid Problems

There are many different things that can affect the tonsils and adenoids. The following are a few of the more common issues. Difficulty breathing due to enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids — these obstructions can cause snoring and disturbed sleep. Some orthodontists believe that mouth breathing (thanks to large tonsils and adenoids) can cause malformations of the face and poor teeth alignment. Symptoms include breathing through the mouth instead of the nose, noisy breathing, recurring ear infections, snoring, and sleep apnea. Chronic infection that affects the ear — infection can enter the Eustachian tube (the passage between the back of the … Continue reading →

Tonsils and Adenoids

Between my allergy problems and my sinus issues, I had more than my fair share of upper respiratory infections when I was little. There was a period of time when I had one case of tonsillitis after another, and there was talk of taking my tonsils out. (In case you’re wondering how it all ended up — I still have them.) Tonsils and adenoids are masses of tissue similar to the glands in your neck, groin, and armpits — your lymph nodes. Tonsils are two masses of tissue on the back of the throat. Adenoids are higher in the throat … Continue reading →