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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Click a letter to see a list of conditions beginning with that letter.

Click 'Topic Index' to return to the index for the current topic.

Click 'Library Index' to return to the listing of all topics.

How Much Do You Know About Tonsils and Adenoids?

Test your knowledge of tonsils and adenoids by taking this quiz, based on information from the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS).

1. Tonsils are on the back of the throat. Where are the adenoids located?

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Although you can see your tonsils when you open your mouth wide, you can't see your adenoids. They are behind your nose. Your healthcare provider can see them by using a flexible lighted tool.

A. Under the tongueB. In the earsC. Behind the nose and roof of the mouthD. None of the above

2. What do your tonsils and adenoids do?

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Tonsils and adenoids are lymph nodes, similar to those found elsewhere in your body. Their job is to block bacteria or viruses that enter the body through your mouth or nose. They also make antibodies to fight infection.

A. They don't do anythingB. They help your nose with the sense of smellC. They are part of your immune systemD. None of the above

3. Which of these is a common problem with tonsils?

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Because they block invading bacteria and viruses, tonsils and adenoids sometimes become infected themselves. Frequent infections of the tonsils (tonsillitis) can cause enlarged tonsils. People without tonsils can still get a sore throat, but symptoms may be worse in someone with tonsils. Adenoids can also become infected. Infections that keeping coming back can cause enlarged adenoids. This can lead to breathing problems, especially at night.

A. They make an infection worseB. They become swollenC. They can become infected themselvesD. B and C

4. Most cases of tonsillitis occur in which age group?

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Tonsillitis occurs most often in children, although adults can get it. Tonsils and adenoids play less of a role in fighting infection after about age 3. Tonsils tend to get smaller after ages 8 to 12.

A. 10 and underB. 11 to 21C. 21 to 40D. 40 to 65E. 65 and older

5. Which of these may be a symptom of tonsillitis?

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Other possible symptoms include tonsils that are redder than usual, tonsils that appear to have a white or yellow coating, painful swallowing, and a raspy voice because of the swelling, the AAO-HNS says. Bad breath without the other symptoms is quite common. It does not mean an infection. Tonsillitis may affect 1 or both tonsils. Call your child's healthcare provider if your child has a combination of these symptoms.

A. Sore throatB. Bad breathC. FeverD. Swollen lymph nodes in the neckE. All of the above

6. Along with a sore throat and fever, which of these can be a symptom of an adenoid infection?

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Other symptoms include a voice that sounds as though the nose is stuffy and sleep apnea. Sleep apnea means breathing stops for a moment during sleep. Call your child's healthcare provider if your child has these symptoms. Without a sore throat and fever, these symptoms don't mean an adenoid infection. Snoring, ear infections, and mouth breathing may be caused by allergies. Noisy breathing may be caused by nasal congestion or asthma.

A. Snoring during sleepB. Ear infections that keep coming backC. Breathing mostly through the mouth, rather than through the noseD. Noisy breathing while awakeE. All of the above

7. How are infections of the tonsils or adenoids usually treated?

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Antibiotics are used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Viral infections are not effectively treated with antibiotics. In adults with mononucleosis, steroids may be prescribed to ease swelling of the tonsils and adenoids.

A. AspirinB. AcetaminophenC. AntibioticsD. None of the above

8. When do tonsils or adenoids need to be removed?

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Tonsillectomies were once nearly routine for children with tonsillitis. But antibiotics for tonsillitis caused by bacteria are now the preferred treatment. Rapid strep tests allow healthcare providers to diagnose right away if the problem is a bacterial infection (almost solely caused by streptococcus bacteria) or a viral infection. The leading cause of sore throats is viral and should not be treated with antibiotics, the AAO-HNS says. Tonsils or adenoids may be taken out if a child has had at least 7 infections in 1 year and the tonsils or adenoids are causing breathing difficulties. These include snoring during sleep, sleep apnea, or intermittent obstruction. Infections that keep coming back also may affect the eustachian tube. This can cause ear infections and possibly lead to hearing loss. A child who has had their tonsils or adenoids removed is not at greater risk for infection. Other parts of the body's immune system step in to give protection.

A. When a child is 5 years oldB. When a child is 10 years oldC. When a child is having learning problemsD. None of the above

Your score was:

Online Medical Reviewer: Jothi, Sumana, MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Novick, Tara, BSN, MSN
Online Medical Reviewer: Sather, Rita, RN

Date Last Reviewed: 1/1/2023

© 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

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