What Are Your Tonsils Do? Explained

Your tonsils are two oval-shaped pads of tissue at the back of your throat, one on each side. They are part of your immune system, acting as a first line of defense against germs that enter through your mouth and nose. They work by trapping bacteria and viruses and helping your body learn to recognize and fight them.

What Are Your Tonsils Do? Explained Simply

Tonsils are lymph tissue. They are part of the same system as your lymph nodes in your neck and armpits. Their job is to catch germs before they travel deeper into your body.

Think of them as security guards at the entrance to your airway and digestive tract. When they catch a virus or bacteria, they trigger an immune response. This is why your tonsils swell when you are sick. The swelling means your immune system is working.

They also produce antibodies. These are proteins that help your body fight off specific infections. This is especially important in young children whose immune systems are still developing.

Why Do Tonsils Get Infected?

Tonsils are exposed to everything you breathe in or swallow. That makes them a common site for infection. When germs get trapped in the tonsil tissue, they can multiply and cause an infection called tonsillitis.

Tonsillitis can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Viruses cause most cases in adults and children. The common cold, flu, and Epstein-Barr virus (which causes mono) are frequent culprits.

Bacterial tonsillitis is most often caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria, commonly called strep throat. Strep throat requires antibiotic treatment. Viral tonsillitis does not respond to antibiotics.

Symptoms of tonsillitis include a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, swollen tonsils, fever, and white patches on the tonsils. Bad breath can also occur because of the bacteria and debris trapped in the tonsil crevices.

What Are Tonsil Stones?

Tonsil stones, also called tonsilloliths, are small, hard deposits that form in the crevices of your tonsils. They are made of trapped food particles, dead cells, and bacteria that harden over time.

They are usually white or yellowish and can range from the size of a grain of rice to a pea. Many people do not know they have them. Others may feel like something is stuck in their throat.

The most common symptom is bad breath. Tonsil stones have a strong, unpleasant odor due to the bacteria they contain. Other symptoms include a persistent cough, a sore throat, and ear pain.

Tonsil stones are not dangerous. They are not a sign of a serious health problem. Some people are more prone to them because of the natural shape and depth of their tonsil crevices.

When Do Tonsils Need to Be Removed?

Tonsil removal, called a tonsillectomy, is one of the most common surgeries in the United States. But it is not recommended as often as it once was. Doctors now reserve it for specific situations.

A tonsillectomy may be recommended if you have recurrent tonsillitis. The standard guidance is seven or more episodes in one year, five or more episodes per year for two years, or three or more episodes per year for three years. Each episode must be severe enough to interfere with normal activity.

Surgery may also be recommended for a single severe episode. This includes a tonsillar abscess, which is a collection of pus behind the tonsil. Difficulty breathing during sleep due to enlarged tonsils is another common reason, especially in children.

Enlarged tonsils can block the airway during sleep. This condition is called obstructive sleep apnea. It can cause poor sleep quality, behavioral problems in children, and daytime fatigue in adults.

Removing the tonsils does not weaken your immune system. Other lymph tissue in your throat and throughout your body takes over the job. Studies have not shown a long-term increase in infections after tonsil removal.

Can You Prevent Tonsil Infections?

Good hygiene is the most effective way to reduce your risk of tonsil infections. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water. Avoid sharing utensils, cups, or food with someone who is sick.

Do not touch your face, especially your mouth and nose, with unwashed hands. The germs that cause tonsillitis enter through these routes.

Staying hydrated keeps your throat moist and helps your body flush out germs. A dry throat can make it easier for bacteria to settle and multiply.

If you get frequent infections, talk to your doctor. There is no supplement or home remedy proven to prevent tonsillitis. Some people find warm salt water gargles soothing, but they do not prevent infection.

Home Care for a Sore Throat

Most sore throats, including viral tonsillitis, resolve on their own within a week. You can manage symptoms at home while your immune system fights the infection.

Drink warm liquids like tea with honey or broth. Honey has some evidence of soothing properties, but do not give honey to children under one year old due to the risk of infant botulism.

Gargling with warm salt water can help reduce throat pain. Mix about half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Gargle and spit it out. Do not swallow it.

Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can reduce fever and throat pain. Follow the dosing instructions on the label. Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.

Lozenges and throat sprays can provide temporary numbing relief. They do not treat the infection but can make swallowing more comfortable.

When to See a Doctor

Not every sore throat requires a medical visit. But some signs should not be ignored.

See a doctor if you have a sore throat with a fever above 101°F. See a doctor if you have difficulty swallowing liquids or saliva. See a doctor if your throat pain is severe or lasts more than two days.

Seek emergency care if you have trouble breathing, difficulty opening your mouth, or a muffled voice. These can be signs of a more serious condition like a peritonsillar abscess.

If your doctor suspects strep throat, they will do a rapid strep test or a throat culture. A positive test means you need antibiotics. A negative test means the infection is likely viral and antibiotics will not help.