Tonsilloadenoiditis: Combined Tonsil and Adenoid Inflammation

Tonsilloadenoiditis is simultaneous inflammation of the palatine tonsils and pharyngeal adenoids (Waldeyer's ring). Common in children.

Etiology

• Viral (adenovirus, rhinovirus, EBV) – most common in children.
• Bacterial (Group A Strep) – more frequent in adults.

Symptoms

• Sore throat, odynophagia
• Nasal obstruction, mouth breathing
• Snoring, sleep-disordered breathing
• Fever, cervical lymphadenopathy
• Otitis media (Eustachian tube dysfunction)

Management

• Supportive: analgesics, hydration, saline gargles.
• Antibiotics for confirmed GAS (penicillin/amoxicillin).
• Surgery (tonsillectomy ± adenoidectomy) for recurrent infections (>7/year, >5/year×2 years, >3/year×3 years) or obstructive sleep apnea.

Prevention: hand hygiene, avoiding sick contacts, immunizations.