We discuss:
- Tonsillitis
- Adenoiditis
- Snoring
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Tonsillitis
Tonsils are lymphoid tissue that are located on each side, at the back of your child’s throat and play a role in fighting infections. Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils. We commonly think of tonsillitis as strept throat, but not all tonsillitis episodes are strept infections. Strept infections are caused by the streptococcal bacteria. Tonsillitis can be either bacterial or viral.
Tonsillitis can cause a child’s tonsils to enlarge, excrete a pus-like discharge and develop white patches or debris. Classically they have redness to the tonsils and to the roof of the mouth, and can develop spots on the surface. Symptoms that might be indicative of the condition include:
- Bad breath
- Fever
- Nausea/vomiting
- Painful swallowing
- Stomach aches
- Headache
- Ear pain (pain referred to the ear from the throat)
Adenoiditis
Adenoiditis occurs when lymphoid tissue in the back of the nose (the adenoids) becomes infected. Like tonsils, adenoids play a role in fighting infections in the region of the nose. The symptoms of adenoiditis are the following:
- Ear pain or decreased hearing (due to fluid behind eardrum)
- Nasal drainage
- Nasal blockage (obstruction)
- Post nasal drainage
Snoring
In some cases, a child’s adenoids or tonsils can become inflamed that it prevents your child from sleeping soundly or breathing properly. The obstruction might cause some children to snore during sleep. The enlarged tissue blocks the air when the child breathes in and causes the tissue lining the throat to vibrate. These children also may have more difficulty breathing through their nose, and can cause sleep disruption.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
A child who has enlarged tonsils or adenoids might exhibit symptoms that are indicative of OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea). The condition occurs when your child momentarily stops breathing while asleep. They may wake up frequently at night due to difficulty breathing. They may choke and gasp at night as well.