Tonsils are tissue masses on both sides of the throat that aid fight infections. Tonsils may swell when they become infected (tonsillitis).The tonsils are part of the lymphatic system, which helps to fight infections. However, removal of the tonsils does not seem to increase susceptibility to infection. Tonsil vary widely in size and swell in response to infection.

Symptoms of tonsillitis comprise:

• sore throat
• pain or discomfort when swallowing
• fever
• swollen glands (lymph nodes) in the neck

Enlarged tonsilar deprived of any symptoms are common amongst kids. Left alone, enlarged tonsils may ultimately shrink on their own over the passage of several years.

Doctors might recommend surgical tonsil removal, called a tonsillectomy, for a child who has one or more of the following:

• Regular tonsilar infections.
• Swollen tonsils that make it tough to breathe, chiefly during sleep.
• Sleep trouble that might be affecting the child’s day-to-day activities.
• Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

The tonsilar are the two masses of tissue on either side of the back of the throat. Normal tonsilar are usually about the same size and have the same pink color as the surrounding area. On their surfaces are little depressions, called crypts, which may appear deep and contain pus pockets

Tonsil Tests

• Throat swab : A doctor rubs a cotton swab on the tonsils and throat and sends the swab for tests. Usually this is done to check for bacteria such as Streptococcus.
• Monospot test: A blood test can detect certain antibodies, which can help confirm that a person’s symptoms are due to mononucleosis.
• Epstein barr virus antibodies: If a monospot test is negative, antibodies in the blood against EBV might help diagnose mononucleosis.

The tonsil and adenoids are thought to assist the body in its defense against incoming bacteria and viruses by helping the body form antibodies. However, this function may only be important during the first year of life. There is no evidence to support a significant role of the tonsilar and adenoids in immunity. Medical studies have shown that children who have their tonsils and adenoids removed suffer no loss in their future immunity to disease or ability to ward off infections.