What Are Enlarged Tonsils And Adenoids

Enlarged tonsils, also called tonsillar hypertrophy, and enlarged adenoids, known as adenoid hypertrophy, can be a chronic or temporary condition caused by a number of different factors including infection.

Tonsil and adenoid hypertrophy can sometimes interfere with normal breathing, sleeping, and speaking.

These interferences may lead to issues at school or work.

Children and adults should see a doctor if they're having symptoms of enlarged tonsils and adenoids.

The doctor will most likely look down the throat and may also take a culture to test for strep throat or other infection.

The doctor will also ask general questions about medical history and diagnostic indicators of tonsil and adenoid enlargement such as:

Majority of breathing taking place through the mouth (as opposed to the nose)...

'Stuffy nose' sound in the voice when talking…

Runny nose, but no cold or allergy…

Loud breathing when awake…

And persistent snoring when asleep.

Your doctor may suggest surgical removal of the tonsils and/or adenoids if your tonsils and adenoids are chronically enlarged and cause persistent problems with breathing, speaking, or sleeping.

One type of surgery, known as COBLATION◊ tonsillectomy, uses plasma energy, not heat, to precisely dissolve and remove tonsil tissue. Because of this, the COBLATION minimizes damage to the surrounding healthy tissue.