The tonsils are soft tissues found at the back of the human throat to help fight infection. Tonsils should have moderate size and if they overgrow they need to be removed. Sometimes they become infected and white pus start forming on them making the patient experience difficulties in swallowing and sore throat. There are different types of Tonsil Disorders, all of them characterized by swollen throat and difficulty in swallowing food, and they are:
Adenoid hypertrophy
This disorder is characterized by unusual growth of the adenoid tonsils. The disorder causes the obstruction of the nasal airways. Blocked nasal airways lead to long face syndrome where the patient experiences Dentofacial growth anomaly. Patients with this disorder experience difficulty in breathing through the nose such that breathing will require an uncomfortable amount of work. The inhalation occurs instead through an open mouth. Enlarged adenoids can also affect the voice without stopping the nasal airflow altogether.
Peritonsillar abscess (PTA)
This disorder is also known as quinsy. It is a recognized complication of tonsillitis and is characterized by a collection of pus beside the tonsil. Although this disorder is age spread from children to adult, it is more common in pediatric age group. The symptoms start manifesting themselves 8 days after the abscess has formed.
As days go by, other symptoms like pain during swallowing, sore throat are experienced at the early stage of development. As the abscess develops, other symptoms will start manifesting, such as fever, headache, malaise and persistent pain in the peritonsillar area.
PTA is a result of untreated or partially treated acute tonsillitis. Pritonsillar area comprises of loose connective tissues which make it susceptible to formation of an abscess. This disorder can be caused by both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.
Tonsillitis
This is inflammation of the tonsils caused by bacterial or viral infection. It is characterized by fever and sore throat. Other signs and symptoms include pain when swallowing, tiredness, weight loss, pain in the ears or neck among others. Many people with this disorder normally recover within three days to one week, whether there was medication or not.
If you are suffering from one of the above Tonsil Disorders, contact Allen Ear Nose & Throat Association for proper treatment. They offer treatment for ear, nose and throat related problems. Visit us for more information. Or click here.
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