The tonsils and adenoids are part of the immune system and work to protect us from germs and bacteria. The tonsils are two soft tissue masses that are located in the back of the throat. Adenoids are found behind the nose, near the roof of the mouth. While both aim to protect the body, they also can become chronically infected. If this happens, they will require treatment. 

Chronic Infection Treatment

With chronic infections of the tonsils and adenoids, surgery is often the best form of treatment. These procedures include a partial or complete removal, leading to lasting relief from chronic infections.

The surgery options include:

Tonsillectomy

During this procedure, the tonsils are removed by a surgeon. The procedure is performed using a scalpel or another surgical instrument that heats the tissue and stops bleeding.

This is an outpatient procedure that allows you to recover at home following the surgery. A tonsillectomy can help end repeated infections including tonsillitis, and can also improve breathing. 

Tonsillectomy

Adenoidectomy

This procedure removes the adenoids, which stops chronic infections. The procedure is most often performed on children under the age of seven. Prior to surgery, a provider will examine the adenoids using an x-ray or guided camera inserted through the nose to look for swelling or enlargement of the adenoids. This outpatient surgery requires general anesthesia and is performed by entering through the mouth.

Adenoidectomy

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More About Chronic Infections

The goal of both the tonsils and adenoids is to filter out germs and bacteria in order to protect the body. Unfortunately, they can sometimes become infected themselves. Infections can cause them to become inflamed, which leads them to increase in size and may impact your ability to breathe and sleep properly. Chronic infections often require surgical treatment to ensure continued relief. 

Symptoms of Tonsil Infection

  • Headache
  • Sore throat 
  • Fever
  • Difficulty or pain while swallowing
  • Redness in the throat 
  • Swollen lymph nodes

Symptoms of Adenoid Infections

  • Snoring
  • Difficulty breathing through the nose
  • Nasal speech 
  • Noisy breathing
  • Runny nose
  • Chronic ear infections

Who Chronic Infections Affect

Chronic infections of the tonsils and adenoids can affect anyone, but are more common in children. With these infections, there are no factors that make some patients more at risk than others. 

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Your Treatment with SFENTA

At SFENTA, it“s our goal to provide comprehensive care for patients across South Florida. With over 30 locations and a network of highly trained providers, we’re making quality ENT care more accessible than ever. When you visit SFENTA, you’ll experience:

Patient-Centered Care

During your appointment, your provider will listen to your concerns, ensuring each issue gets the attention it deserves. He or she will formulate a customized treatment plan to address each problem.

Continuity of Care

We provide comprehensive care that addresses each of your symptoms with solutions that provide lasting relief.

A Network of Highly Trained Physicians

With over 50 board-certified physicians, we’ve built a network that breeds collaboration, leading to the best patient outcomes.

The Security of a Community Staple

After helping patients in the South Florida community for over 30 years, you rest assured you’re receiving the best possible care at SFENTA.

Chronic Tonsils & Adenoid Infections FAQ

Are there other treatment methods besides surgery?

For certain patients, medication may also be an option if they are not yet experiencing chronic infections. Chronic infections typically do not respond to medication, which makes surgery the best form of treatment.

With 37 convenient locations across the South Florida area, we’re never far away.

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