Nose and Sinus

Tonsils and Adenoids

Spokane Valley ENT offers surgical and non-surgical relief from issues with tonsils and adenoids.

tonsilitis and adenoid problems

Tonsils and adenoids are tissues on the side of the throat and back of the nose that are prone to infection, especially in children. Enlarged tonsils and adenoids can also make it difficult to breathe or swallow.

Common problems that affect the tonsils or adenoids, such as strep throat or ear infections, can often be treated with antibiotics. Your Spokane Valley ENT doctor may recommend a tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils) or adenoidectomy (removal of the adenoids) to address recurring infection and other chronic problems.

In some patients, especially those with infectious mononucleosis (mono), severe enlargement may obstruct the airway. For those patients, treatment with steroids (e.g., cortisone) is sometimes helpful.

Common Symptoms

Tonsillitis is an infection in one or both tonsils. One sign is swelling of the tonsils. Other signs or symptoms are:

  • Redder than normal tonsils
  • A white or yellow coating on the tonsils
  • A slight voice change due to swelling
  • Sore throat
  • Uncomfortable or painful swallowing
  • Swollen lymph nodes (glands) in the neck
  • Fever
  • Bad breath

If you or your child's adenoids are enlarged, it may be hard to breathe through the nose. Other signs of constant enlargement are:

  • Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose most of the time
  • Nose sounds "blocked" when the person speaks
  • Noisy breathing during the day
  • Recurrent ear infections
  • Snoring at night
  • Breathing stops for a few seconds at night during snoring or loud breathing (sleep apnea)

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