The tonsils are located on both sides of the throat involved in the defense against infection in the infant stage. It's infection is known as tonsillitis produces pain, fever and cervical lymph. Sometimes chronically infected or are large in size, giving obstructive respiratory and sleep problems , as well as alterations in the development of the palate and teeth placement. When the size of the tonsils is too large is relatively frequent the accumulation of a whitish material called caseum that produces local discomfort and bad smell of breath (halitosis).

The adenoids are similar to the tonsils but are located behind the nostrils. Its infection gives rise to persistent nasal mucus and if are enlarged lead to nasal obstruction, snoring, nasal voice, recurrent otitis and hearing problems.

The treatment of infections of these organs consists on the administration of analgesic drugs, anti-inflammatory and often antibiotics. Sometimes a surgical treatment called tonsillectomy is required for tonsils and adenoidectomy for adenoids. Partial reductions of the tonsils due to obstructive problems are sometimes used, called as amygdaloplasty or simply tonsils reduction..