The tonsils and adenoids are lymphoid tissues, similar to the lymph nodes found in the neck, which may swell during upper respiratory infections. The tonsils are usually visible in the back of the throat, whereas the adenoids are tucked behind the roof of the mouth, at the back part of the nasal passage. Although the tonsils and adenoids serve to fight infection in the throat and nasal areas, they can become chronically infected and actually lead to infection. Chronically infected or enlarged tonsils or adenoids may cause chronic or recurrent sore throat, difficulty breathing through the nose, snoring, sleep apnea, bad breath, recurrent sinusitis, ear infections, dental malocclusion, abscess, or difficulty swallowing. Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are surgical procedures performed to remove the tonsils and adenoids for one or more of these reasons.
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