People are born with two tonsils located at the back of the throat. They are part of the immune system and help to catch foreign substances that enter the body through the mouth and nose. However, the tonsils themselves can become infected and/or enlarged. In some cases, this causes symptoms severe enough that the tonsils need to be removed. If these symptoms are present, consult a physician to determine the best course of treatment.
Frequent Sore Throat
The tonsils can become infected and cause a condition called tonsillitis, which can lead to a fever, sore throat, trouble swallowing and other symptoms. In some cases, home remedies or antibiotics can help to control the symptoms.
However, if tonsillitis occurs frequently despite medical care, the tonsils may need to be surgically removed. According to the Mayo Clinic, frequent tonsillitis is defined as more than six episodes in one year; more than four infections a year two years in a row; or greater than three infections a year for three years in a row.
Trouble Breathing
If the tonsils become very swollen, breathing may be compromised. If swollen tonsils cause trouble breathing during the day or an airway obstruction during sleep, they may need to be surgically removed, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology: Tonsillitis. There are various procedures that can be used for both children and adults. However, adults tend to take longer to recover from surgery.
Growths on the Tonsils
A peritonsillar abscess is a mass of infected tissue growing in or near the tonsils. A retropharyngeal abscess is a collection of pus in the back of the throat. In severe cases, an infection from a peritonsillar abscess can spread to the mouth, neck, chest and lungs.
Along with the classic symptoms of tonsillitis, if an abscess occurs, the patient may have chills, a tendency to drool, facial swelling, headache and pain when trying to open the mouth. The National Institutes of Health states that in both cases surgery is often required to either drain the abscess or remove the tonsils.
