The tonsils are a pair of soft tissue masses found in the back of the throat. Adenoids are located above the roof of the mouth behind the nose and can help protect the body from germs and bacteria. Both the tonsils and the adenoids are part of the immune system and share the goal of protecting the body. However, sometimes these areas can become chronically infected and require treatment. 

Your Treatment Options

For chronic tonsil and adenoid infections, surgery is typically the best option for treatment. During the surgery, a portion or the entirety of the tissue may be removed. At Texas ENT Specialists, we offer:

Tonsillectomy

A tonsillectomy can provide patients with lasting relief from their symptoms. During the procedure, the surgeon will remove the tonsils using a scalpel or a specialized tool that heats the tissue and stops the bleeding.

A tonsillectomy is an outpatient procedure, allowing you to return home following the surgery. A tonsillectomy can help patients stop repeated infections including tonsillitis and can greatly help improve breathing.

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Adenoidectomy

An adenoidectomy removes the adenoid glands to stop chronic infections. This most often occurs in children under the age of seven. Before surgery, the adenoids will be examined using an x-ray or a small camera inserted through the nose. This allows the provider to see if the adenoids are swollen or enlarged. The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and requires general anesthesia. The surgeon will enter through the mouth to remove the glands and may use an electrical device to heat the tissue and stop the bleeding.

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About Chronic Infections

While the adenoids and tonsils are tasked with keeping out harmful bacteria or viruses, they can sometimes become infected themselves. They can become inflamed, which is usually triggered by a bacterial infection.

Some patients have chronic adenoid and tonsil infections that will ultimately need surgical intervention to correct. When these areas are inflamed, they swell and increase in size. When this occurs, breathing can become complicated and sleeping can be difficult.

Symptoms of Infections in the Tonsils

  • Sore throat
  • Fever
  • Difficulty or pain while swallowing
  • Headache
  • Redness in the throat
  • Swollen lymph nodes

Symptoms of Adenoid Infections

  • Snoring
  • Difficulty breathing through the nose
  • Nasal speech
  • Noisy breathing
  • Runny nose
  • Chronic ear infections

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About Texas ENT Specialists

Texas ENT Specialists is a top-rated comprehensive ENT Provider in the Houston area. We offer our patients:

Personalized Treatment

We provide personalized care for all of your ENT needs.

Top-Rated Physician Network

Each location is staffed with a team of board-certified and fellowship-trained providers.

Centers of Excellence

We’ve built a seamless patient experience. Each of our offices.

Continuity of Care

We believe in comprehensive care and are committed to helping you achieve long-term relief.

Chronic Tonsils and Adenoid Infections FAQ's

Who is at risk?

There are no specific factors that can make one person more at risk than others for chronic tonsil and adenoid infections. However, these conditions are typically more common in children.

Is surgery the only treatment option?

For those who have only experienced a few infections, medications are an option for treatment. Typically, those who have chronic infections do not respond to medication and thus require surgical intervention.

How long does the recovery from tonsil or adenoid surgery take?

Recovery can vary from person to person, but usually requires 1-2 weeks at most. After the procedure is completed, you will be able to go home and begin your recovery.

With 15 convenient locations across the greater Houston area, we’re never far away.

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