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The tonsils are a set of lymphoid organs facing into the aerodigestive tract, which is known as Waldeyer's tonsillar ring and consists of the adenoid tonsil (or pharyngeal tonsil), two tubal tonsils, two palatine tonsils, and the lingual tonsils. These organs play an important role in the immune system.
Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils in the upper part of the throat.It can be acute or chronic. [8] [9] [2] Acute tonsillitis typically has a rapid onset. [10]Symptoms may include sore throat, fever, enlargement of the tonsils, trouble swallowing, and enlarged lymph nodes around the neck.
Lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system, can also present with swollen tonsils: “It can be on one or both sides, often with lumps or lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin,” says Dr. Zalvan.
The palatine tonsils are located in the isthmus of the fauces, between the palatoglossal arch and the palatopharyngeal arch of the soft palate.. The palatine tonsil is one of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues (MALT), located at the entrance to the upper respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts to protect the body from the entry of exogenous material through mucosal sites.
Adenoids and tonsils help prevent infection and are composed of lymph tissue. The larynx contains vocal cords, the epiglottis (preventing food/liquid inhalation), and an area known as the subglottic larynx, in children it is the narrowest section of the upper part of the throat.
Upper airway constrictions (e.g., deviated nasal septum) or obstructions (e.g., enlarged tonsils) or infections (e.g., rhinitis) General hypotonia or low body tone; Low-lying resting posture of the tongue; Imbalance in dental growth; Inadequate development of facial and cranial bones; Inappropriate development of muscles in the head and neck areas
Epiglottitis is the inflammation of the epiglottis—the flap at the base of the tongue that prevents food entering the trachea (windpipe). [7] Symptoms are usually rapid in onset and include trouble swallowing which can result in drooling, changes to the voice, fever, and an increased breathing rate.
Stridor is a high-pitched sound which occurs during breathing and is associated with obstruction at the level of the larynx. Difficulty swallowing and changes in voice are common symptoms. [ 3 ] If there is total obstruction, severe respiratory distress or cyanosis due to hypoxia (lack of oxygen in the blood) can occur.