Tonsillitis refers to the inflammation of the tonsils, which are two oval-shaped pads of tissue located at the back of the throat. This condition commonly affects children and teenagers, causing symptoms such as a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and fever.
The Immune System After Tonsil Removal
If the palatine tonsils have been surgically removed, true tonsillitis cannot occur. The palatine tonsils are part of the body’s immune system, acting as a first line of defense against pathogens entering through the mouth or nose. They contain immune cells that help identify and fight off infections.
When the palatine tonsils are removed in a procedure called a tonsillectomy, the body’s immune system adapts. Other lymphatic tissues located in the throat and nasal cavity continue to play a role in immune function. These include the adenoids (pharyngeal tonsil), tubal tonsils, and lingual tonsils. These other tonsillar structures can take on some of the immune functions previously performed by the palatine tonsils. Consequently, these remaining lymphatic tissues can also become inflamed or infected, leading to symptoms similar to tonsillitis.
Other Causes of Sore Throat and Swallowing Pain
Even without palatine tonsils, individuals can experience sore throats and difficulty swallowing due to various conditions affecting other parts of the throat. One common condition is pharyngitis, an inflammation of the pharynx, the back of the throat. It often causes a scratchy or painful sensation and can result from viral infections, such as the common cold or flu, or bacterial infections like strep throat.
Another potential cause of discomfort is lingual tonsillitis, which involves the inflammation of the lingual tonsils located at the base of the tongue. These tonsils can swell and cause pain, especially when swallowing, and may lead to a feeling of a foreign object in the throat. If adenoids are still present, they can become inflamed, a condition known as adenoiditis, causing symptoms such as a sore throat, nasal congestion, and difficulty breathing through the nose.
In some cases, small pieces of tonsillar tissue may remain after a tonsillectomy; these are known as tonsillar remnants. If these remnants become infected, it can cause symptoms similar to tonsillitis, including sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Beyond these specific lymphatic tissue inflammations, general viral infections, bacterial infections affecting the pharynx, or even acid reflux can lead to sore throat and swallowing pain, mimicking the feeling of tonsillitis.