704-752-7575 – Charlotte – Monroe – Indian Land

The Role of Lymphoid Tissue

Tonsils and adenoids are critical lymphoid tissue that surrounds the throat, consisting of adenoids, palatine tonsils, and lingual tonsils. During surgery, only palatine tonsils and adenoids are typically removed, with lingual tonsils possibly removed in specific adult cases.

Immune System Function

The removal of tonsils and adenoids does not compromise the immune system; in fact, it can enhance overall health by eliminating chronic infections. The decision to undergo surgery should be based on the clear clinical benefits provided.

Adenoids

Adenoids are located behind the nose, above the soft palate; when inflamed, they can cause a sore throat, nasal congestion, and hearing difficulties. Removing adenoids can result in improved breathing, reduced nasal blockage, and enhanced ear function.

Tonsils

Situated on the sides of the throat, tonsils may be removed in cases of chronic infections or enlargement causing breathing issues. Although tonsil removal can be more uncomfortable than adenoid removal, new techniques allow for minimal complications and faster recovery.

Key Aspects: adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy, immune functions, young children

Adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy are common surgical procedures in young children to address issues with the adenoids and tonsils. The adenoids and tonsils are part of the body’s immune system and play a role in fighting infections. However, in some cases, they can become enlarged or infected, leading to issues such as difficulty breathing, sleep apnea, and recurrent infections.
Adenoidectomy involves the removal of the adenoids, which are located in the back of the throat. Tonsillectomy, on the other hand, involves the removal of the tonsils, which are located on either side of the throat. Both procedures are usually performed under general anesthesia and are relatively quick and safe.
While the removal of the adenoids and tonsils can sometimes affect the body’s immune functions, especially in young children, the overall impact is usually minimal. In fact, in some cases, removing enlarged or infected adenoids and tonsils can actually improve a child’s overall health and well-being.
It is important for parents to consult with their child’s healthcare provider to determine if adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy is necessary and to discuss any potential concerns about immune functions and overall health post-surgery.

Varying Research on the Immune Impact of Adenotonsillectomy in Children

Studies on the immune effects of adenotonsillectomy in children have produced varying results. While some show alterations in certain markers like IgA, CD21+, and CD4+, others indicate no significant changes in serum immunoglobulin levels. The impact on immune function post-tonsillectomy remains inconclusive, with differing findings across various studies.

Abbreviations used in these studies include CD, Ig, and SPSS.

• Authors Contributions
• Conceptualization: Yuyan Yan, Jinzhu Su
• Data curation: Yuyan Yan
• Formal analysis: Yuyan Yan
• Investigation: Yuyan Yan, Yingying Liu, Li Cui, Jiangqiao Geng, Xiaofeng Liu, Yanan Shi, Shan Quan, Aiping Hang, Lujie Zuo
• Methodology: Yuyan Yan
• Project administration: Yuyan Yan
• Resources: Yuyan Yan, Yingluan Song
• Software: Yuyan Yan, Juan Wang
• Supervision: Yingluan Song
• Validation: Yingluan Song
• Writing – original draft: Yuyan Yan
• Writing – review & editing: Yuyan Yan

Abbreviations:

• CD = cluster of differentiation
• GCs = germinal centers
• Ig = immune globulin
• SD = standard deviation
• SPSS = statistic package for social science
• US = United States

References:

1. Brambilla I, Pusateri A, Pagella F, et al. Clin Anat 2014;27:346–52.
2. Ikinciogullari A, Dogu F, Egin Y, et al. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2002;66:251–7.
3. Ben-Yaakov A, Maly B, Abu-Ita R, et al. Immunol Invest 2011;40:150–9.
4. Amorós Sebastiá LI, Ferrer Ramirez MJ, Lopez Molla C, et al. Acta Otorrinolaringol Esp 2004;55:404–8.
5. Faramarzi A, Shamseddin A, Ghaderi A. Iran J Immunol 2006;3:187–91.
6. Santos FP, Weber R, Fortes BC, et al. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2013;79:28–34.
7. Zielnik-Jurkiewicz B, Jurkiewicz D. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2002;64:127–32.
8. Kaygusuz I, Godekmerdan A, Karlidag T, et al. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2003;67:1311–5.
9. Brandtzaeg P. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2003;67suppl 1:S69–76.
10. van den Akker EH, Sanders EA, van Staaij BK, et al. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2006;97:251–6.
11. Marcus CL, Moore RH, Rosen CL, et al. N Engl J Med 2013;368:2366–76.
12. Reckley LK, Song SA, Chang ET, et al. J Laryngol Otol 2016;130:990–4.
13. Baugh RF, Archer SM, Mitchell RB, et al. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2011;1441 suppl:S1–30.
14. Dai ZY, Huang DY, Zhou CY. Genet Mol Res 2014;13:3895–902.
15. Isaacson G. Otolaryngol Clin North Am 2014;47:673–90.
16. Burton MJ, Glasziou PP, Chong LY, et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2014;CD001802.
17. Onotai L, Lilly-Tariah O. Afr J Paediatr Surg 2013;10:231–4.
18. Van Den Akker EH, Hoes AW, Burton MJ, et al. Clin Otolaryngol Allied Sci 2004;29:161–4.
19. Ingram DG, Friedman NR. JAMA Pediatr 2015;169:1155–61.
20. Huang YS, Guilleminault C, Lee LA, et al. Sleep 2014;37:71–6.
21. Brietzke SE, Gallagher D. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2006;134:979–84.
22. Wang B, Tang X, Xu J, et al. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2012;76:728–30.