The tonsils are located on each side
of the mouth cavity behind the tongue. They are easily seen
especially if enlarged. The tonsils are sometimes removed (tonsilectomy)
because they are large and interfere with breathing or swallowing.
More often they are removed because of infections of the tonsils.
The adenoids are in the back of the nasal
passages near the eustachian tube opening. They are hidden
from view by the palate. Adenoidectomy or the removal of
the adenoids is usually done for frequent ear infections
and obstructions to breathing caused by enlarged or infected
adenoids.
Recurrent ear infections may produce fluid
in the middle ear with subsequent hearing loss. This can
cause speech delays and learning deficits that can be devastating
to children.
If these infections are not responsive
to antibiotics then a tympanostomy (tube insertion) may be
recommended which removes fluid behind the ear drum and reverses
hearing loss.
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