Accumulations of lymphoepithelial tissue that are located in the oral cavity and nasopharynx are called tonsils, colloquially - tonsils. It is difficult to meet such a person who at least once did not encounter their inflammation. Let us consider in more detail what tonsils are and why a person needs them.
- Steam: palatine, tubal.
- Unpaired: lingual, pharyngeal.
Location of tonsils
In addition to this classification in medicine, it is customary to number the tonsils as follows:
- palatine - 1 and 2;
- pharyngeal (adenoids) - 3;
- lingual - 4;
- pipe - 5 and 6.
In addition, there are small accumulations of lymphoepithelial tissue on the back of the throat, they are called follicles. Together, these formations of the throat are called the Waldeer-Pirogov ring or the lymphoid ring.
What are tonsils for?
Man is born with tonsils. In the first years of life, they reach their maximum development. Since the appearance of sex hormones (15-16 years), the reverse process occurs, and they gradually atrophy and decrease.
All functions of the glands in the human body are still not fully understood. Their main role is to protect and create local immunity against pathogenic microorganisms that enter the human body by airborne droplets.
In addition, the tonsils perform a hematopoietic function in young children and secrete enzymes that are involved in oral digestion.
Important! The tonsils can give a characteristic shade of speech and voice timbre. This point must be taken into account when removing them in patients whose work is related to the vocal apparatus (singers, announcers, etc.). The so-called "French pronunciation" can sometimes be the result of enlarged adenoids or hypertrophy of the palatine tonsils.
Appearance and location
Patients are often concerned about the location of the tonsils, many want to see them in themselves or in their child. Unfortunately, you can only see the palatine tonsils or an overly enlarged pharyngeal tonsil on your own. Others are available only to a specialist using special tools.
To see all the structures with your own eyes, you can undergo a diagnostic examination using endoscopic equipment connected to a computer monitor. In this case, the doctor can easily see all the tonsils and show the patient on the screen where they are and what they look like.
palatine tonsils
palatine tonsils
These lymphoid formations are located in the tonsillar niches between the two palatine arches. These are the only tonsils that the patient can see on their own by simply opening their mouth wide.
The structure of the palatine glands is as follows: the free surface faces the pharynx and is covered with stratified epithelium. Each palatine tonsil has about 10-15 deep fissures called lacunae (crypts). Patients may perceive these gaps as a kind of "holes". Its other surface, with the help of a capsule, is tightly fused with the lateral surface of the pharynx.
Connective tissue jumpers extend deep from the capsule. The lacunae branch and form a tree-like network in the thickness of the tissue. In the lumen of these lacunae, the epithelium, the waste products of microbes, is rejected, which serves as a substrate for the formation of almond plugs.
Nasopharyngeal or pharyngeal tonsil
It is better known as adenoids or adenoid vegetations (growths). This formation is located on the posterior fornix of the nasopharynx. It will not be possible to independently see where they are located and how they look, unless they increase to such a size that they hang behind the tongue.
Location of adenoids
The pharyngeal tonsil poses the biggest problem for children and their parents. Enlarged adenoids interfere with normal breathing, contribute to hearing loss and the development of otitis media. They are observed and treated with conservative and surgical methods.
Tubal tonsils
The tubal and pharyngeal tonsils are almost in the same place.
Steam tonsil. It is very small in size and is located at the mouth of the auditory tube in the nasal cavity. Their schematic representation is shown in the photo.
An enlarged tubal tonsil can cause hearing problems and frequent otitis media, as it blocks the communication between the nasal cavity and the middle ear when hypertrophied.
Lingual tonsil
Location of the lingual tonsil
This formation is located at the root of the tongue. Outwardly, it is bumpy and rough. Inflammation of the lingual tonsil causes sharp pain during conversations and when eating.
Types of inflammation and disease
The function of the tonsils is to protect the body from germs coming from the air. With a decrease in immunity and a violation of their work, the following diseases can occur:
- Inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis). Angina usually means inflammation of the palatine tonsils, since this disease is more common than others. If another tonsil becomes inflamed, then the diagnosis will sound like this: tonsillitis of the lingual tonsil or adenoiditis, etc.
- Hypertrophy (increase in size) of the tonsils. In itself, tissue growth is not a disease, but enlarged adenoids disrupt breathing and hearing, and hypertrophied palatine tonsils can interfere with normal eating and talking. Whether it is a disease or not depends on the degree of hypertrophy and the presence of concomitant complications.
- Chronic tonsillitis. This is a complex autoimmune inflammatory restructuring of the tissues of the palatine tonsil, which can cause the development of diseases of other organs and systems (glomerulonephritis, rheumatism, endocarditis, etc.).
- Benign and malignant neoplasms.
Questions to the doctor
Are tonsils and tonsils of the throat the same thing or are they different concepts?
Tonsil and tonsil are the same concept, these words have different origins: the word tonsil means “gland”, and the word tonsil comes from the ancient Greek “almond”. In medicine, the first term is more often used, although "tonsils" is also correct.
What is the amygdala and where is it located?
The amygdala or cerebellar amygdala is a collection of nerve cells in the temporal lobe of the brain. It is the center of fear and pleasure. It has nothing to do with the usual tonsils located in the oropharynx, except for a similar name.
Why does a person need such a complex structure of the throat?
The main function of the tonsils is to protect against infection, in addition, they play a role in the development of immunity and hematopoiesis. This structure allows them to perform their role well and protect the body.
I found holes in my tonsils. Is it a disease or are they needed for something?
The so-called "holes" are the lacunae of the glands, in some people they are more pronounced, in others they are weaker. Pathological contents (plugs) can accumulate in the lacunae, in these cases it is removed by washing.
Hypertrophy (enlargement) can affect other organs: cause otitis media, reduce hearing, or cause inflammation. In these cases, it is recommended to get rid of the tonsils.
In practice, the patient begins to be interested in questions about what tonsils are in the throat, what they look like, what they are for, when the tonsils are involved in the inflammatory process. The pathology of the tonsillar organs is accompanied by pain and sore throat, dysphagia, febrile fever, signs of intoxication. In order to correctly assess subjective sensations, determine the specifics and location of pain, it is necessary to know the structure of the whole organism, each organ separately.
Anatomy
Tonsils - accumulations of lymphoid tissue with localization in the projection of the oropharynx and nasal cavity. There are 6 of them in total: two paired and two unpaired, which, together with other elements of the lymphatic system, form the Pirogov-Waldeyer pharyngeal ring.
If we compare the photo of the tonsils in the throat in the norm and with inflammation, we can see how the structural elements of the pharyngeal ring change their appearance: they become hypertrophied, swollen and painful, purple-purple in color with ulcerative necrotic lesions of the mucosa.
The tonsils begin to form even in the embryonic period of intrauterine development.. At 4-5 weeks of gestation, components of lymphoid organs are found, which acquire the final structure closer to 7-8 weeks. In newborns, tonsillar organs are poorly developed and do not function. At 2-3 months of a child's life, when the colonization of the respiratory tract by microbial communities begins, the tonsils acquire the function of a barrier and a component of the immune system of the respiratory sections.
For reference! The pharyngeal tonsils are formed the fastest of all, which reach their maximum size by the age of 4-5, after which, by the age of 7-10, their age-related reduction occurs with a decrease in parameters to the normal variant.
The classification forms of the tonsillar organ are united by a number of features.:
- All vegetations are formed by lymphoid follicles separated by layers of connective tissue. Lymphoid follicles consist of combinations of T and B lymphocytes necessary for the lysis of damaged body structures at the cellular level.
- The tissue structures of the tonsil organs are supplied with large blood vessels. innervated by the glossopharyngeal, lingual, and vagus nerves.
- Involved in the production of immunoglobulin E, which is responsible for permanent immunity.
- Glands persist throughout life, however, in the process of biological aging of the organism, they atrophy.
What is behind the tonsils in the throat? Since accumulations of lymphoid tissue are localized in the projection of the cavity behind the nose, passing into the projection of the pharynx, then behind the tonsils is a canal that connects the mouth to the esophagus.
The tonsillar organ is a kind of "outpost", which ensures the capture and destruction of genetically alien information (viruses, fungi, bacteria), thereby preventing the spread of infection to the lower respiratory tract.
Functional Features
In addition to being the first line defense mechanism of the respiratory system, the natural purpose of the tonsils is to generate immunity, providing a humoral and cellular immune response.
The immunomodulatory role of the elements of the lymphoid ring has not been fully studied. On the one hand, they prevent irradiation by a primary infection, on the other hand, the porous structure acts as a potential nutrient medium for microbial associations, and the tonsils themselves in chronic tonsillitis play a key role in internal intoxication.
Nuance! Healthy tonsils in the throat, in addition to the barrier, immunogenic and hematopoietic functions, take part in the process of voice production. This fact must be taken into account by people whose professional activities are related to voice and speech data (actors, journalists, presenters, announcers, vocalists).
Location of the tonsillar organ
The location of the tonsils in the throat is different depending on the classification:
- First and second- palatine lymphoid formations, they are assigned a place in the projection of the tonsillar niche between the sky and the tongue.
- Third- pharyngeal, occupies part of the projection of the arch of the nasopharynx.
- Fourth- lingual, concentrated in the mucous capsule of the lingual root.
- Fifth and sixth- tubal, focused in the cartilaginous part of the Eustachian tube and pharyngeal passage.
It is not always possible to demonstrate to the patient where the tonsils are located in the throat. For self-examination with a wide open oral cavity, only palatine tonsils or an inflamed hypertrophied pharyngeal tonsil are opened. To visualize the remaining elements of the lymphoid pharyngeal ring, endoscopic equipment is required.
For reference! How well the palatine tonsils are visible depends on their size and depth of location, the depth of the tonsillar bays.
How many tonsils does a person have in his throat
In total, there are six elements of the Waldeyer lymphatic ring (two palatine, two tubal, one lingual, one nasopharyngeal). The structure of each has anatomical and functional features:
- Palatal. Binary vegetations of lymphoid tissue have variable sizes, ovoid external outlines, but there are oblong, round, lobed shapes. For visual viewing, a convex inner surface opens, the outer one faces the pharynx. A feature of the structure is the presence of special channels - lacunae - over the entire area of the tonsils. They have a branched shape, the number varies from 15 to 20 in each tonsil. The activation of immune protection begins with them, namely, the involvement of pathogenic representatives of microbiocenosis in the ducts, the determination of their negative impact on the body.
- Pipe. Pair formation, the main purpose of which is to provide the first line of protection of the larynx from the penetration of microbial communities, increasing the dynamics of immunological parameters. In the case of hypertrophy of the tubal lobes, a decrease in hearing acuity, otitis media are observed, the functional activity of the excretory, cardiovascular and nervous systems is impaired.
- Pharyngeal (unpaired). The identical name is nasopharyngeal, Lushka's tonsil. The largest education It is represented by transverse folds of the mucous membrane, covered with ciliated epithelium, outwardly similar to a cock's comb. Adenoid vegetations with a pathological increase cause difficulty in nasal breathing, hearing loss and other disorders. On normal examination, the pharyngeal tonsil is not visible..
- lingual. An unpaired structural element of the lymphadenoid pharyngeal ring in the form of two halves with a transverse strip, in appearance resembles a coffee bean. Due to the small size, it is barely visible visually. Controls important body functions: cleans the inhaled air from pathogenic microorganisms, produces mucus that ensures painless passage of food, initiates the immune system to effects aimed at neutralizing antigenic foreign information. Hypertrophy causes symptomatic manifestations: pain when swallowing, spasmodic dry cough, nasality, snoring.
For reference! In adolescents, the lingual tonsil is enlarged. In the period from 15 to 18 years, its age involution begins. If the parameters of the organ have not reached the variant of the norm, then the person is worried about the feeling of aspiration of a foreign object in the mouth.
With the development of pathological processes of accumulations of lymphoid tissue(inflammation, hypertrophy) conservative treatment is indicated. The lack of positive dynamics requires prompt intervention. The main goal of the operation is to stop the inflammatory process, to prevent complications in relation to the whole organism.
Complete removal of the tonsils or partial excision of the pathological focus should be carried out according to the doctor's indications after the dynamic diagnosis of the patient. A throat without tonsils heals within 15-20 days, after which the body's defenses will be restored, and acute infections will proceed easier and faster.
Conclusion
The structural elements of the pharyngeal ring play the role of an immunocompetent organ, do not allow the penetration and active reproduction of pathogenic flora in the respiratory tract. The work of the whole organism depends on the state and functional activity of the tonsils, therefore, it is necessary to be attentive to your health, not to supercool the tonsils.
People usually learn about what tonsils are when they become inflamed. True, the second question immediately arises: “Why do we need tonsils?”
To get an accurate and competent answer, you need to find out for yourself the following: where are the tonsils; the structure of the tonsils; functions of the tonsils.
How to see and where are
Tonsils are small specific formations of lymphoid tissue. There are 6 in total: two paired and two unpaired. Together they form the pharyngeal ring. The tonsils are located in the place where the nasopharynx passes into the pharynx. In terms of size, they can be compared to an average walnut. By the way, they got the name "tonsils" due to their external resemblance to it. It's just that they are pink. Note that it is wrong to say “tonsils and tonsils”. This is the same. If inflammation occurs, they change their appearance. Why are tonsils needed? Basically, to protect the body.
When the lymph nodes in the neck become inflamed, they are often confused with tonsils. To clearly understand what specifically worries a person, you need to know where the tonsils are located.
To examine the tonsils in both the throat and mouth, a person is examined with endoscopic equipment that is connected to a computer monitor. With the help of a special apparatus, the doctor easily examines each tonsil. He can even show the image to the patient, along the way explaining where they are located and what their appearance says.
What are
Glands are usually classified according to the place where they can be located. Thus, they are:
- palatine (paired);
- pharyngeal or nasopharyngeal (unpaired);
- pipe (paired);
- lingual (unpaired).
Let's take a closer look:
- Palatine. These tonsils in humans are located between a pair of palatine arches - in the tonsillar niches. As already mentioned, they are the only ones that are available for self-examination. To see them, it is enough to open your mouth wider.
- Pharyngeal (nasopharyngeal). Many people know about its existence under a different name. Very often you can hear that this tonsil is called adenoids. Its location is the posterior fornix of the nasopharynx. It is impossible to see where these adenoids are located and what they look like. They become visible with excessive growth and overhanging behind the tongue. The tonsil of the pharynx is often a significant problem for children as well as their parents. Overgrown adenoids do not allow full breathing, because of them hearing is reduced, and otitis media begin to develop. These babies are under medical supervision. Enlarged pharyngeal tonsil today is treated with conservative methods. If they are unsuccessful, they resort to surgery.
- Pipe. This steam amygdala is small in size. It should be located at the mouth of the Eustachian tube, in the nasal cavity. If the tubal tonsil grows in size, it can cause hearing problems and cause chronic otitis media. After all, the excessive growth of this accumulation of lymphoid tissue closes the communication between the middle ear and the nasal cavity.
- Lingual. It can be found near the root of the tongue. It has a rough and bumpy appearance. If the lingual gland is inflamed, a person will feel a sharp pain in the process of eating and talking.
Tonsil device
All tonsils, and the structure and structure of which are almost the same, still have a number of features:
- Palatines differ in that they are pierced by special depressions (lacunae or crypts). In both tonsils, there are approximately 10-15 such lacunae. Such recesses can be visually perceived as holes. By means of the capsule, the palatine tonsils are firmly fused with the side of the pharynx by the second surface. The crypts form many branches that form a whole tree-like network within the amygdala. Pieces of the epithelium, the waste products of microorganisms, fall into the gaps of the lacunae. Thus, gaps are a kind of traps for pathogenic bacteria and viruses, as well as a place for the immune system to "get acquainted" with harmful microbes.
- Pharyngeal (nasopharyngeal) is represented by several transversely located folds of the mucosa. The epithelium with cilia, located on the outer part of the tonsil, forms its entire surface.
- A specific surface in the form of tubercles of the lingual gland is provided by a squamous epithelium. It is divided in half by means of a partition and a groove passing through its center. Near it is a recess where the ducts of the salivary glands exit.
- Pipe tonsils are the smallest. Their main task is to protect the organ of hearing from infection. The structure of the glands is a continuous lymphoid diffuse tissue interspersed with nodules.
Each tonsil, both in the throat and in the mouth, has follicles all over its surface, as well as inside. When the tonsils are healthy, the required amount of plasma cells, macrophages and lymphocytes is actively produced in them and in the lacunae.
These cells fight infections that affect the upper respiratory tract. If a person falls ill with a sore throat, then they, together with foreign microorganisms, are part of the pus contained in the lacunae and follicles.
What are tonsils for?
All people are born with a full set of 6 tonsils. The peak of tonsil development is reached in the first years of a child's life. But when sex hormones begin to appear (at about 15-16 years of age), their regression is observed - there is a gradual atrophy and a decrease in the size of the tonsils.
Tonsils and their functions in the human body have not been fully studied to this day. However, their main role is defined. It consists in protecting and creating local immunity, which resists pathogenic microbes that enter the body through the airborne route.
Nature has assigned several functions to the tonsils, with which they, being healthy, successfully cope:
- Barrier. Viruses and bacteria that enter the body or are already in it, will certainly come into contact with the tonsils. Tonsils are necessary, first of all, in order to timely eliminate many harmful microorganisms. They are destroyed by cells produced by lymphoid tissue (the tonsils are made up of it).
- Immunogenic. The tonsils are a mini-factory for the production of B-lymphocytes, as well as T-lymphocytes. It is this body that is responsible for such an important process. These cells are responsible for the functioning of the immune system.
- Hematopoietic. It is observed only in small children.
- Enzyme-producing. In babies, the tonsils secrete specific enzymes that take part in the process of oral digestion.
We emphasize that the tonsils perform all the listed functions in full only when they are in order. When their tissues are affected by inflammation, the entire body suffers. His ability to defend himself is greatly reduced. Because of this, the risk of developing various complications increases, which can adversely affect any organs and even their systems.
Interestingly, the tonsils sometimes give a certain tone to speech in general and to the timbre of the voice in particular. This nuance must be taken into account if their removal is shown in patients working by voice (television announcers, pop performers, teachers, and so on).
By the way, "French pronunciation" in some cases may be the result of overgrown adenoids or an increase in palatine tonsils.
Is it necessary to remove
On the topic “Why do people need tonsils?” debated for decades. Today, most doctors nevertheless concluded that the removal of the tonsils should be resorted to only when their chronic, sluggish inflammation causes significant harm to the body and because of them, the lymph nodes in the neck periodically become inflamed. In addition, such an operation is justified if the patient is diagnosed with chronic tonsillitis, which is not amenable to conservative methods of treatment. With the pathological growth of the tissue of the tonsils in a person, it becomes difficult to move food, it becomes difficult for him to swallow. In this case, of course, there is no other way out.
At an early age, it is undesirable to remove the tonsils also because, apparently, they do not allow food allergies to manifest. According to statistics, 70% of children who have had their tonsils removed suffer from dysbacteriosis and manifestations of food allergies.
If purulent plugs do not form on the tonsils, if they do not become inflamed at the first symptoms of a cold, and if they do not cause discomfort, and the lymph nodes in the neck are in order, there is no need to remove them. If the tonsils are in perfect order, they bring only one benefit to the body.
Let's summarize
Tonsils are an important part of the immune system. Their presence allows you to fully protect the body from the adverse effects of external factors. After all, it is the tonsils that take the first blow of pathogens. This is a kind of outpost of immunity.
In order for the tonsils to perform their functions qualitatively, everything must be done to maintain their health. Unfortunately, many do not even think about why our body needs them and what their role is. Therefore, it is so easy to agree to removal, despite the fact that the operation is absolutely unjustified. It is very important to try to save the tonsils. You can delete them only in the most extreme case.
Diagram showing palatine tonsils
Tonsils(lat. tonsillae) - accumulations of lymphoid tissue located in the nasopharynx and oral cavity. Tonsils perform protective and hematopoietic functions, participate in the formation of immunity - they are the first line defense mechanism against inhaled foreign pathogens. The full immunological role of the tonsils is still unclear.
Together with other lymphoid formations of the nasopharynx, the tonsils form the pharyngeal lymphatic ring.
Etymology
The first name "tonsils" comes from other Greek. ἀμυγδᾰλίς, ἀμύγδᾰλον - "almond". The second name "tonsils" comes from lat. glandula - "gland".
Classification
Location of the pharyngeal tonsil.
Tonsils are divided into:
- paired
- palatine- in the depression between the soft palate and the tongue (the first and second tonsils).
- pipe- in the region of the pharyngeal opening of the auditory tube (fifth and sixth tonsils)
- unpaired
- pharyngeal(nasopharyngeal) - in the area of the arch and the back of the pharyngeal wall (third tonsil, Lushka's tonsil). Pathological enlargement of this particular tonsil is called adenoids.
- lingual- under the surface of the back of the tongue (fourth tonsil)
The following numbering of the tonsils is accepted:
- the first and second are palatine;
- the third is pharyngeal (nasopharyngeal);
- fourth - lingual;
- fifth and sixth - tubal tonsils.
palatine tonsils
Innervated by branches of the glossopharyngeal nerve.
Pathology
Faults: additional lobules, bifurcation
Injuries (injuries): burns, wounds, introduction of foreign bodies.
Hypertrophy. As a rule, it occurs in childhood and affects the palatine and pharyngeal tonsils. In the absence of functional disorders, treatment is not required. If necessary, treatment begins with a conservative one, if it is ineffective, surgical intervention is required - tonsillotomy (removal of part of the palatine tonsils) or tonsillectomy (removal of the palatine tonsils along with the adjacent connective tissue). This anomaly is usually found in representatives of the black race.
inflammation
Acute tonsillitis - inflammation of the palatine tonsils; a substance that accumulates on the surface of the tonsils.
see also
- Plugs in the tonsils
Links
- Doctors remove world's largest tonsils
Inflammation of the tonsils is a very common situation that requires competent treatment.
Since, in the absence of adequate therapy, it tends to become chronic and it will be extremely difficult, and sometimes impossible, to cope with it completely.
At the same time, inflammation of the tonsils is especially often observed in children, since they are more defenseless against numerous viral and bacterial attacks than adults with developed immunity. This requires an immediate response, because the risk of complications in children is much higher.
Functions, structure and purpose of the tonsils in humans
The tonsils are among the organs of the immune system. Their primary task is to protect the body and especially the respiratory tract from the penetration of pathogenic microflora.By their nature, they represent lymphoid tissue, which is a source of lymphocytes - blood cells that fight against various infectious agents. These organs have a loose structure, which favors the retention of microbes in them.
There are several types:
Palatines, which are often called tonsils. They are located between the palatine arches in special tonsillar niches.
Tubal, localized in the pharynx. With a normal visual inspection, it is impossible to see them, but the inflammatory process also affects them quite rarely.
Pharyngeal, located at the arch of the pharynx and called the adenoids. Accordingly, when inflammation affects these tonsils, adenoiditis is diagnosed.
This pathology is mainly diagnosed in preschool children, but it often acquires a chronic course, so sometimes it is fought up to adolescence.
Lingual, located at the root of the tongue. Its defeat, as a rule, is observed exclusively in adults and then extremely rarely.
Tonsils are inflamed: causes
The main causes of tonsil inflammation lie in infectious diseases caused by viruses or bacteria.
Tonsils inflamed photo These microorganisms penetrate the nasopharynx or oral cavity by the most common airborne route and can linger on the surface of the mucous membrane, affecting it.
The most common reason why these organs become inflamed is:
- staphylococci;
- streptococci;
- adenoviruses;
- herpes virus;
- hemophilic bacillus;
- mycoplasmas, etc.
And although representatives of pathogenic microflora are always present in the ambient air in greater or lesser numbers, a person may not always get sick.
This is facilitated by a combination of circumstances, such as contact with an infectious agent and a decrease in natural defenses, which may be due to:
- severe hypothermia;
- recent illness or exacerbation of chronic pathology;
- poor quality of nutrition, which can hardly be called balanced and adequately covers the need for vitamins and minerals;
- damage to the mucous membranes of the oral cavity;
- stress.
Angina - an acute inflammatory process in the tonsils, which is able to proceed with varying degrees of intensity. Therefore, catarrhal, follicular and lacunar tonsillitis are isolated.
For the first, only a slight swelling of the tissues, low temperature and mild pain are typical. In the second case, the signs are pronounced, and on the surface of the mucous membrane of the organs
With lacunar angina, there is an accumulation of pus in special physiological recesses of the tonsils - lacunae, which is accompanied by the appearance of bad breath. 
Chronic tonsillitis is a disease usually resulting from the lack of timely and complete treatment of angina. It is characterized by alternating periods of remission and exacerbations, which are accompanied by the formation of white plugs in the lacunae of the tonsils and mild symptoms.
Adenoiditis is an inflammation of the pharyngeal tonsil. For pathology, snoring, discomfort in the throat, mucus flow along the back wall of the nasopharynx and a long, persistent course, with regular exacerbations, are typical.
Symptoms of inflammation of the tonsils. Where does it hurt?
The nature of the clinical picture directly depends on what causes the tonsils to become inflamed, and which one is affected. Nevertheless, almost always people suffer from the fact that it hurts them to swallow.
- fever, and indicators can vary from 37 to 40 ° C;
- swelling and redness of the mucous membrane of the affected organs;
- cough;
- runny nose (absolutely not typical for a sore throat);
- weakness and fatigue.
With a herpes infection, patients complain of fever, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. And when viewed on the surface of the mucous membrane of the tonsils and the back wall of the pharynx, one can notice numerous filled with liquid contents, which are subsequently able to rot or become covered with crusts.
For the defeat of the lingual tonsil are characteristic:
- swelling of the tongue and discomfort when moving it;
- difficulty chewing food and swallowing;
- speech change.
If the tonsils are inflamed, but the throat does not hurt or is not very disturbing, this may be a manifestation of chronic tonsillitis. This pathology often proceeds without temperature, since the body ceases to fight with a chronic focus of infection.
palatine tonsils: inflammation
It is the tonsils that are most often exposed to inflammatory processes. In such cases, either one of the forms of angina or chronic tonsillitis is diagnosed.
Since these pathologies are considered quite serious, a specialist must certainly deal with their treatment. And in order for it to be as effective as possible, we recommend that even before the first appeal to him, take a swab from the throat for bacteriological examination.
This analysis will accurately determine the causative agent of the disease and help the doctor choose the most effective therapy.
Inflamed tonsil on one side
Sometimes only one of the tonsils becomes inflamed. A unilateral lesion indicates that the body is actively fighting the infection and has managed to suppress its spread.
However, in rare cases, this is a sign of neuritis of the facial nerve, inflammation of the lymph node, or other pathologies,
Regardless of whether the right side or the left tonsil is inflamed, the treatment is carried out in accordance with the cause of the development of the pathological process. 
Inflammation of the tonsils in a child
Inflamed tonsils in a child are not uncommon. In most cases, children are diagnosed with viral infections or tonsillitis.
In the first case, the baby remains cheerful and cheerful, despite the fever and discomfort in the throat, and his condition improves significantly already on the 3rd day. In the second, the symptoms of the disease are more pronounced and consist in:
- severe fever (up to 40 ° C);
- intense pain in the throat, making the act of swallowing very painful;
- severe weakness, tearfulness;
- heaviness of breathing;
- the appearance of white plaque on the tonsils.
With SARS, parents can try to cope with the infection on their own. But a sore throat requires immediate contact with a pediatrician and strict adherence to all his prescriptions.
Inflamed tonsils in a child Somewhat less often, but still often, children suffer from adenoiditis. With it, the pharyngeal tonsil increases, which is accompanied by:
- snoring;
- discharge of green or yellow mucus;
- headaches;
- worsening sleep;
- cough;
- nasality of voice.
Adenoiditis is always treated under the supervision of a pediatric otolaryngologist.
When to see a doctor. Which specialist treats?
Treatment of such inflammatory processes is the prerogative (ENT). It is recommended to contact this specialist at the first signs of violations, however, in the conditions of modern life it is almost impossible.
Therefore, a mandatory consultation with a doctor will be required if at least one of the following conditions is present:
- maintaining body temperature above 38 ° C for longer than 3 days;
- a sharp deterioration in the patient's condition;
- the onset of improvement, suddenly replaced by deterioration;
- childhood;
- the formation of purulent foci.
Tonsil inflammation treatment in adults
In most situations, treatment is carried out at home, with the exception of the defeat of the lingual accumulation of lymphoid tissue.
Self-medication is permissible only with exact confidence in the viral nature of the inflammatory process, since with a bacterial infection, such attempts can be not only fruitless, but also very dangerous.
Treatment is usually complex and includes taking a number of drugs aimed at eliminating the causes and symptoms of the infection.
But against the background of self-treatment in the absence of improvements, long-term preservation of high temperature and other conditions listed above
To increase the effectiveness of therapy, patients are recommended:
- consume as much warm drinks as possible, for example, herbal and traditional teas, broth, compotes, fruit drinks and water;
- observe bed rest at least during the acute period of the disease;
- eat according to your appetite.
In severe cases, in the presence of large purulent formations, patients may be recommended to wash the tonsils in an ENT room.
With a long absence of the result of conservative therapy and a serious lesion of the tonsils, their removal is prescribed.
In most cases, the operation is performed for adenoiditis and chronic tonsillitis.
At the same time, it is prescribed only as a last resort, when the inflammatory process threatens the patient with serious complications.
Medical treatment
The nature of the treatment depends on the causes and localization of the pathological process. With viral infections, symptomatic therapy is sufficient, that is, helping to relieve the main manifestations of malaise.
Medicines in the form of lozenges or sprays from a sore throat (Strepsils, Oracept, Ingalipt, Decatilene, Givalex, Tantum-Verde, Gorlospas, Septolete, Lizak, Faringosept, Lisobakt, etc.).
Medicines of this kind help eliminate pain, and some additionally have an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect.
Solutions for gargling(Givalex, Angilex, Furacilin or Streptocide solution, etc.). These medicines are indispensable in the formation of plaque on the surface of the mucous membrane, since they contribute to the mechanical washing out of pus and dead cells.
Antipyretics(Panadol, Imet, Rapimig, Nurofen, Nise, Nimesil, Nimegezik, Efferalgan) are taken at elevated body temperature.
With bacterial infections, antibiotics are required to help quickly cure the disease and eliminate the risk of complications.
A specific medicine should be selected exclusively by a doctor based on the severity of the situation and the characteristics of the person who turned to him.
Initially, the patient is prescribed topical drugs (Isofra, Polydex, Rinil). With their low effectiveness, systemic antibiotics of the penicillin group are recommended:
- Augmentin;
- Flemoxin;
- Ospamox;
- Amoxiclav;
- Amoxicillin;
- Vilprafen and others.
If there is no effect after 3-4 days of treatment, they are replaced by representatives of the tetracycline group (Tetracycline, Doxy-M, Doxycycline, Unidox Solutab, etc.) or macrolides (Sumamed, Hemomycin, Azithromycin, Azivok, Azitral, etc.).
In difficult situations, when antibiotics do not give the expected results, a bacteriological examination of a throat swab is carried out to accurately determine the causative agent of the disease and its sensitivity to various drugs.
For bacterial infections, the above symptomatic therapy and gargling are also necessarily used.
At the same time, you can add a few drops of iodine and soda to it, which will increase its antibacterial properties.
How to treat at home? Folk remedies
Treatment with folk remedies can be perceived exclusively. The most effective way to eliminate discomfort in the throat is gargling.
Here are a few recipes for remedies, the better to gargle:
Sea salt solution. For 200 ml of warm boiled water, take a teaspoon of salt and dissolve it thoroughly. The procedure is recommended to be repeated up to 5 times a day.
Herbal infusions(chamomile flowers, calendula, succession herbs). A tablespoon of the selected plant material or mixture is brewed in a cup of boiling water. It is advisable to cover the container with a lid. After the infusion has cooled to room temperature, they are thoroughly gargled several times a day.
Lemon juice solution. In 200 g of warm water, squeeze 3 tablespoons of lemon juice. The procedure is performed 2-3 times a day.
How to treat inflamed tonsils in children?
The nature of therapy is determined on the basis of the reasons that caused inflammation of the tonsils in the throat of a child.
- With SARS sore throat remedies, antipyretics and gargles are prescribed.
- For bacterial infections treatment is selected by the pediatrician. Only a doctor is able to say exactly what to do in this situation and prescribe the appropriate drugs. Usually, in addition to medications that relieve symptoms, it includes antibiotic therapy.
- With adenoiditis therapy is longer and more complex. It usually includes preparations of the corticosteroid group (Nasonex, Flixonase, etc.), vasoconstrictor drops and sprays (Rinazolin, Nazivin, Xylometazoline, Rinazolin), as well as antimicrobial agents (Protargol, Kollargol, Deflu-Silver, etc.).
In order not to be mistaken with the diagnosis, parents should know what to look for if discomfort occurs in the child's throat. For cases requiring mandatory consultation with a doctor, the presence is characteristic.
The palatine tonsils or tonsils in humans are an integral part of the body. They are the first to "get acquainted" with pathogenic factors in the air or food. The further functioning of internal systems and organs depends on how fully they are developed and fulfill their protective role.
What are tonsils: a brief description
This is an accumulation of lymphoid tissue in the pharynx, which begins to form even in the womb. After the birth of a person, they actively grow until the age of 15, after which the reverse process begins. They are localized between the oral and nasal cavities and are represented by the palatine, tubal, pharyngeal and lingual tonsils. Normally, they are small and imperceptible. The circular layout of these formations is called the pharyngeal lymphoepithelial ring. The granules of the posterior pharyngeal wall, its lateral ridges, the laryngeal tonsils, and this ring form the lymphoid apparatus of the pharynx.
Where are they located, what structure do they have, how are the tonsils classified?
All peripharyngeal formations in the section have a porous structure, but each of them is characterized by its own characteristics. For example, the pharyngeal is divided into lobules by connective tissue and covered with ciliated epithelium, while the palatine consists of a capsule, stroma, parenchyma, epithelial cover, and also has upper and lower poles. At the top there is an supra-almond fossa, in which an additional lobule can be located. The capsule is formed by connective tissue on the lateral surface and mucosa on the medial. Partitions extending from it divide the amygdala into internal lobules, and the stroma into trabeculae. On the outer side there are lacunae, which are the mouths of the crypts. The parenchyma is represented by mature lymphocytes and follicles. The anatomical structure of the tonsils is similar, but the existing features are different.
There is also such a formation near the root of the tongue.
There are 6 pairs of tonsils in the human body, which are classified into paired, among them palatine and tubal, and unpaired - lingual and pharyngeal. The former are located in the throat between the arches on the sides of the pharynx, and the latter are near the opening of the Eustachian tube. The pharyngeal formation has the form of transverse folds and is localized on the upper-posterior wall of the pharynx. Under the epithelial membrane of the tongue, in its root part, along the midline is the tonsil, which is called the lingual.
All types of tonsils consist of lymphoid tissue, permeated with lymphatic and blood vessels, as well as nerve fibers.
language education
Like all others, it grows up to 15 years, after which it atrophies and divides into the right and left lobes. The bumpy surface has characteristic depressions - the ducts of the salivary glands. The secret released through them moisturizes the oral mucosa and facilitates the transport of food through the mouth into the esophagus. The air stream inhaled by the mouth is cleared by this lymphoid formation from pathogenic factors. The white blood cells that mature here are responsible for the body's immune response to their introduction. A good blood supply provides a high potential for fighting bacteria.
palatine tonsils
The largest paired formations of the Pirogov-Waldeyer lymphoid ring. About 20 lacunar depressions are responsible for the capture of pathogens in the mouth that enter with air and food. In childhood, as well as in adults with weakened immunity, a large accumulation of pathogenic microflora here provokes the development of the disease. This special anatomy of the tonsils allows them to recognize microorganisms and take measures to eliminate them.
Tubal formations
When a child is at the 7th month of fetal development, such lymphoid formations form in him. The smallest diffuse accumulations of lymphoid tissue, which consist of a few nodes of the same structure and are located on the side walls of the nasopharynx. Outside covered with a mucous membrane with ciliated epithelium. They begin to develop in the fetus at the seventh month of pregnancy and reach a peak growth by 7 years. The tubal or tubal tonsil protects the organ of hearing from external infection.
pharyngeal lymphoid mass
In everyday life - adenoids. Several rollers of lymphoid tissue and follicles are located in the nasopharyngeal vault. Outside, they are covered with ciliated epithelium. In addition to protecting the hearing aid from infection by pathogens, they provide a person with hearing acuity. Localization between the auditory tube, on the one hand, and the pharyngeal cavity, on the other, helps to equalize the pressure in the tympanic cavity.
The main functions of the tonsils
- Barrier. It consists in recognizing and capturing pathogenic bacteria and microorganisms.
- Immunogenic. This is where lymphocytes and antibodies are produced.
- Hematopoietic.
Diseases of the tonsils
Many factors can disrupt the function of the tonsils, which will lead to the development of the disease. Among them are hypothermia, viral and bacterial infections against the background of weakened immunity, exacerbation of chronic diseases, and others. With any inflammatory process in the amygdala, its structure, appearance, size and color are disturbed. The appearance of specific symptoms is influenced by the type of infection and the severity of the pathological process.
The lesions may enlarge at the time of infection.
The tonsils in the throat are most often susceptible to infection. In this case, tonsillitis, scarlet fever, hypertrophy or chronic tonsillitis may occur. Inflammation of the palatine tonsil can be unilateral or bilateral, and also be accompanied by the formation of purulent plaque and plugs on them, the development of intoxication. At the same time, the function of the tonsils is disturbed, temperature, weakness, headache appear, the submandibular lymph nodes increase. A person's tonsils hurt not only when swallowing, but also at rest. To treat this condition, antibiotics, antipyretics and painkillers are given, and it is also recommended to gargle with antiseptic solutions, for example, such as:
- "Miramistin";
- "Furacilin".
This disease is dangerous for its complications, which may appear after 3-5 days or weeks later.
Enlargement of the pharyngeal tonsil most often occurs in preschool age. Respiratory and hearing disorders, snoring, signs of hypoxia and rhinitis accompany adenoiditis. The severity of symptoms will depend on how much it is increased. If the lingual tonsil is inflamed, then the patient feels local pain when talking or eating. Diseases of the tubal tonsils in humans develop against the background of dysfunction of the tonsils in the body and damage to the adenoids.
Tonsils in the throat are an important part of the human immune system. Despite their small parameters, their role is difficult to overestimate. In a normal state, they are the first to resist microbes penetrating through the respiratory organs.
Sometimes you can find another version of the name of the tonsils - tonsils. Both of these concepts are correct. Doctors, as a rule, use the scientific name - tonsils, and in everyday life this organ is called tonsils. A specialist who deals with the diagnosis and therapy of tonsils is an otolaryngologist. To understand why tonsils are needed, one should consider these formations from the standpoint of anatomy and analyze their anatomical structure.
What are tonsils
The tonsils are small internal organs made up of lymphatic tissue. The location of the tonsils is in the nasopharyngeal and oral organs.
Tonsils in children are laid in the womb. By the end of the first trimester, they are already formed, but they begin to function only after birth. By the age of 6-7, the activity of the tonsils reaches its peak level. Then their functions gradually fade away. Depending on the age limits and the development of the organism, some tonsils undergo atrophy. That is, with age, the size of the tonsils decreases. This process is long, for some it lasts until old age.
Normally, tonsils look like a nut, have the shape of an oval, a uniform pink color, without plaque. Their surface is porous, riddled with furrows and small tubercles. If the tonsils become inflamed, their appearance changes.
The blood supply to the tonsils is of particular interest. The tonsils are organs with a high function of blood supply. Blood is supplied to them through a number of blood supply vessels. Thanks to this, the work of the tonsils is a well-established mechanism that suppresses the vital activity of various harmful agents.
Types of tonsils
Each person is born with a complete set of tonsils, which can be paired and unpaired.
Paired tonsils are:
- palatine;
- pipe.
Unpaired, or single, almond-shaped formations are:
- pharyngeal;
- lingual.
The tonsils form something like a ring that surrounds the pharynx in a circle, located on the border of the oral cavity and esophagus.
palatine tonsils
The palatine tonsils are located in the upper respiratory tract, this is the structure of the immune system, which is located deep in the oral cavity, and if you open your mouth in front of a mirror, you can visually see that the organ is located on the sides of the pharynx at the root of the tongue in the form of tubercles. He is always examined by the doctor at the reception, asking him to say "aaa". The palatine tonsils are most inflamed, causing the patient to suffer from a sore throat.
A characteristic difference of this organ from others is that they are riddled with lacunae or depressions. In fact, gaps are a kind of "traps" for harmful agents, preventing them from entering the body. Each of the tonsils has 10-20 depressions.
Pipe
The tubal tonsils are a paired organ located in the auditory tube. With very small sizes of these tonsils, their functions are very significant and they consist in protecting the organ of hearing from infections. They are considered a continuation of the palatine glands and are directly related to the ears and throat.
Pharyngeal
The pharyngeal tonsil is a single organ, the largest of all tonsil-shaped formations, located in the upper part of the nasopharynx. The presence of a porous structure of the body prevents the penetration of pathogens into the human body. The pharyngeal almond-shaped formation undergoes reverse development, which begins after puberty.
A significant increase in the organ in question is called adenoids. Most often this happens in childhood.
lingual
Pathologies and diseases
With weak immunity, the tonsils cannot effectively resist foreign objects. As a result, various pathologies of the tonsils develop. The foci of inflammatory phenomena are concentrated in the tissues of the tonsils and a stable source of infection appears in the body.
The most common diagnosed pathologies of the tonsils:
- angina;
- chronic tonsillitis;
- adenoid growths.
Angina and chronic tonsillitis
Angina is a pathology of an infectious nature, in which the palatine tonsils become inflamed. You can get a sore throat by contacting a sick person. Transmission occurs mainly by airborne droplets.
The main signs of angina are:
- temperature rise;
- severe pain and redness of the throat;
- pain when swallowing;
- swelling and redness of the tonsils with purulent discharge from them;
- lethargy, headache;
- lack of appetite;
- chills.
The danger of angina lies in the fact that it can cause serious consequences in the form of damage to the heart, kidneys, joints and brain.
Chronic tonsillitis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the palatine tonsils. Not fully cured angina often takes the form of chronic tonsillitis. Signs of diseases are almost the same. The process of the disease can be stretched and take a chronic form, if the patient does not follow the basic rules of hygiene, he has carious lesions of the teeth, and often has ARVI.
In addition to overgrown tonsils, tonsillitis is also manifested by the following symptoms:
- halitosis;
- difficulty swallowing;
- persistent headache;
- increased nervousness, malaise;
- subfebrile temperature;
- white ulcers on the tonsils;
- violation of urination.
adenoid growths
Adenoids - this pathology associated with an excessive increase in the pharyngeal tonsil.
You can suspect this disease by the following manifestations:
- inability to breathe freely through the nose;
- constantly open mouth;
- sleep snoring;
- fast fatiguability;
- hearing loss;
- nasal congestion without rhinitis.
When the pharyngeal tonsil is inflamed, the disease is called adenoiditis. This pathology can occur in chronic and acute form. The main difference between them is that the acute type of the disease has pronounced symptoms, and chronic adenoiditis proceeds inconspicuously during remission. It is very important to cure the disease in a timely manner, since the chronic version of the disease can lead to serious consequences, such as developmental delay, otitis media, bronchitis, impaired facial structure, etc.
Sometimes one tonsil is larger than the other. In this case, there may be pain and redness in the throat. If the throat does not hurt, then basically this is a manifestation of a chronic disease. Only after a thorough examination, the doctor can answer what it means when only one tonsil is hypertrophied and prescribe the correct treatment.
Currently, in the treatment of tonsils, doctors prefer to use organ-preserving, sparing techniques. Photodynamic therapy has proven itself well, which is aimed at deep selective cleansing of the tonsils from diseased tissues. As an alternative to the complete removal of the tonsils, a method such as an incision of the tonsils in children is used. Even cut tonsils can continue to carry out a protective function when the perpetrators of infection of the body penetrate.
Other pathologies
In addition to these diseases, tonsils are subject to severe forms of pathology.
Lymphoma of the tonsil is a severe malignant disease of the glands, in which cell division fails. At an early stage, the disease does not manifest itself in any way. Then, when the tumor grows, the following symptoms appear:
- sore throat, aggravated by swallowing;
- sensation of a foreign object in the mouth or throat;
- secretion of saliva with bloody streaks, pus, mucus;
- heavy nasal breathing;
- soreness and hypertrophy of the lymph nodes;
- difference between tonsils. The affected tonsil is swollen and red in color.
Treatment of lymphoma depends on the stage of the disease, the spread of the tumor, the presence of metastases.
Tuberculosis of the tonsils is a rare, severe form of tonsillitis. The disease is often secondary and is present in patients diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis.
The main signs of the disease are worsening of nasal breathing, sore throat, pain when swallowing, hemoptysis. The diagnosis is made taking into account the collection of information on the basis of morphological and bacteriological examinations.
Sometimes there is a formation in the form of a cyst on the tonsil. This is a benign tumor that responds well to drug therapy.
Disease prevention
There are a huge number of preventive measures that prevent the pathology of the tonsils.
Means for the prevention of diseases of the tonsils are:
- proper personal hygiene;
- active physical activity in the fresh air;
- tempering activities;
- constant monitoring of the condition of the tonsils by an otolaryngologist;
- a variety of proper nutrition;
- exclusion of bad habits;
- hypothermia protection;
- refusal of too cold, and even more so icy food and drinks.
Prevention of diseases of the tonsils is a laborious process that allows you to save them as a necessary organ of immunity and avoid surgical intervention.
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