Tonsils, small organs that play an important role in fighting infection

The tonsils, aka tonsils, are small organs located at the back of the throat. This organ that is part of the lymphatic system actually plays an important role in maintaining a healthy body. You could say, the tonsils are the front line of the body's defense system, especially in fighting various infections.

Unconsciously, there are many bacteria or viruses inhaled when you breathe. Well, the tonsils are responsible for blocking bacteria or viruses that cause body infections. Therefore, if you experience problems with your tonsils, it will also affect your overall health.

The size and location of the tonsils

Palatine tonsils or better known as the tonsils are located on the right and left side of the back end of the oral cavity. Both consist of tissue similar to lymph nodes covered by a deep pink layer of skin.

You can clearly see your tonsils by opening your mouth wide while sticking out your tongue. Meanwhile, the soft tissue that is located on the back of the palate and is located in the middle of the tonsils is called adenoids.

The size of the tonsils in each person varies depending on age and body condition. Generally, the size of the tonsils in children is twice the size of adults.

As you get older and as you get older, the tonsils tend to get smaller in size. So, a large tonsil size in children is normal.

Even so, the tonsils will swell when they become inflamed due to a viral or bacterial infection. This inflammation causes the size of the child's tonsils to increase in size. However, this usually only lasts temporarily until the inflammation subsides.

If your child's tonsils are abnormally enlarged and accompanied by various other symptoms that interfere with their daily activities, don't hesitate to immediately ask them to consult a doctor.

The important role of the tonsils for body health

Even though they are small and seem useless, in fact the tonsils play an important role in the health of your body. American Academy of Otolaryngology explained that the tonsils are the first line of defense of the human immune system.

The tonsils function to prevent foreign objects from entering the lungs. The tonsils become a wicket that serves to hold foreign objects that will enter the lungs through the throat.

The tonsils also filter out bacteria and viruses that can enter at any time when you breathe. No less important, the tonsils are also useful for producing white blood cells and antibodies that can boost the immune system against various viruses and bacteria that cause disease.

Diseases and medications related to tonsils

Tonsils are part of the body's defense system, so the body's resistance decreases making them more susceptible to various diseases. Some of the most common diseases affecting the tonsils are:

1. Inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis)

The tonsils can become swollen and reddish, this condition is called inflammation of the tonsils or tonsillitis. Inflammation of the tonsils is caused by a bacterial or viral infection.

This condition can cause the appearance of other symptoms such as sore throat when swallowing, swollen throat, pain in the ears and throat, and hoarseness.

Inflammation of the tonsils can occur in patients of any age, but is most common in young children to adolescents. Although it can be uncomfortable, tonsillitis rarely causes serious illness.

Tonsillitis can be treated with simple home remedies, such as lozenges, gargling salt water, drinking lots of fluids, or taking over-the-counter pain relievers.

If the inflammation of the tonsils is caused by a bacterial infection, the best treatment is to give penicillin or amoxicillin antibiotics. You must consult a doctor first before taking antibiotics.

2. Tonsil stones

Apart from tonsillitis, tonsil stones (tonsilloliths) are the other most common disease that can occur in the tonsil area. Tonsilloliths are characterized by white or yellow bumps that stick inside the tonsils.

This condition is caused by dead cells, mucus, saliva, or food clogging in the tonsil gaps, which is called crypt tonsils . Gradually, more and more dirt will get stuck and accumulate so that it hardens and forms tonsil stones.

People who have poor oral hygiene, problematic sinuses, large tonsil sizes or chronic inflammation of the tonsils are at risk tonsilloliths. Unfortunately, this disease often has no symptoms (asymptomatic) so it is difficult to detect immediately. However, it can cause bad breath.

Although rarely causing severe complications, tonsil stones can grow to the size of grains of rice to grapes. As a result, the tonsils can swell and cause discomfort. Tonsil stones can be removed by brushing, water pick , or consult a dentist.

3. Peritonsil abscess

Peritonsil abscess is a complication of tonsillitis. Prolonged bacterial infection of the tonsils can cause pus to appear, both on one or both tonsils. The type of bacteria that most often causes this complication is the Streptococcus bacteria.

However, types of viruses such as the cause of mononucleosis or infection of the gums can also cause tonsils to fester. In addition, incomplete or inaccurate treatment of tonsillitis can also be a cause of peritonsil abscess.

The abscess can cause pain, severe swelling, blockage, and block the flow of air in the throat. As a result, you may have difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing.

To treat peritonsil abscess, the pus that sticks to the tonsils needs to be drained through a pus-suction procedure or removal using a scalpel. If this method cannot remove the pus, a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils is also necessary.

4. Tonsil cancer

Cancer cells that attack the tonsils can come from cancer cells in the mouth, neck or cancer cells that cause lymph cancer (lymphoma).

Tonsil cancer is more at risk when smoking actively, consuming excessive alcohol, and contracting viral infections Human papillomavirus (HPV).

Cancer of the tonsils usually affects only one side so that it can be seen from the enlarged tonsil due to a lump. This condition can cause a persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and bad breath.

The effect of tonsillectomy

Inflammation of the tonsils too often comes back and causes serious respiratory problems. This chronic tonsillitis can even cause sleep disorders such as snoring and sleep apnea .

Therefore, the solution to overcome this problem is to perform surgical removal of the tonsils or tonsillectomy. Although the tonsils have a role in the body's defense system, chronic tonsillitis is far more dangerous to health if left unchecked. That said, the tonsils do more harm than good.

Also, the tonsils don't reduce the work of the immune system. The small organs such as the adenoids located around the mouth and in the throat can also serve as the body's defense in the front line.