Tonsils – Hypertrophy

The term hypertrophy of the tonsils refers to and adenoid hypertrophy, the chronic pathological swelling of the palatine tonsils, which, in the case of children, is often accompanied by adenoid hypertrophy (adenoids). υπερτροφία των αδενοειδών εκβλαστήσεων (κρεατάκια).

The tonsils are collections of lymphatic tissue located on the right and left of the back part of the oral cavity. They are part of the immune system and, especially up to the age of 4-5 years, they contribute to the defense against infections caused by bacteria and viruses.

Tonsil hypertrophy occurs mainly in childhood, although it can also be present in adulthood. Over time and as the child grows, the hypertrophy can shrink on its own, without the need for surgical intervention.

Causes

In most cases, tonsil hypertrophy is present from birth, while in some cases it may be due to inflammation and infections in the area.

What are the symptoms of tonsil hypertrophy?

Mild hypertrophy of the tonsils may not have particularly severe symptoms. However, if there is severe hypertrophy, this will cause partial obstruction of the pharynx, and breathing is affected συμπτώματα. Εάν όμως πρόκειται για σοβαρή υπερτροφία, τότε προκαλείται μερική απόφραξη του λάρυγγα, με αποτέλεσμα να επηρεάζεται η αναπνοή.

The most common symptoms that occur when there is significant tonsil hypertrophy include:

• Breathing difficulty
• Noisy breathing
• Restless sleep
• Snoring & Sleep Apnea
• Obstructive sleep apnea (stoppage of breathing during sleep)
• Fatigue during the day
• Problem swallowing food leading to weight loss
• Προβλήματα στην κατάποση της τροφής που οδηγεί σε απώλεια βάρους

How can tonsil hypertrophy be diagnosed?

Tonsil hypertrophy is diagnosed by an ENT. The doctor will perform a comprehensive examination that includes taking a medical history and clinical assessment. In this way, they assess the severity of the situation and look for symptoms that may require treatment.
In cases of sleep apnea, the specialized ENT can recommend a special diagnostic sleep study that will reveal the frequency and duration of apnea episodes.

Treatment

As for the therapeutic approach to tonsil hypertrophy, especially in children, it is usually suggested to wait initially. As the child grows, the tonsils proportionally get smaller. However, in cases where, despite waiting, the tonsils remain hypertrophic or when the child or adult has serious episodes of sleep apnea from the start that affect sleep and consequently their daily life, immediate removal of the tonsils is recommended.

Surgery – Tonsillectomy

Η Tonsillectomy is the treatment of choice both in cases of chronic recurrent tonsillitis and in tonsil hypertrophy. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngologythe main effects of tonsil hypertrophy that necessitate a tonsillectomy are as follows:

• Severe episodes of sleep apnea
• Dental dysplasia or orofacial developmental abnormality (assessed by a dentist or maxillofacial surgeon)
• Severe dysphagia
• Cardiopulmonary complications

The operation is performed under general anesthesia. The patient usually returns home the same day or the day after the operation and within ten days they are able to return to their daily activities.