Adenoids are lymph tissues that are located high in the throat behind the nose and soft palate of the mouth. Adenoids are responsible for trapping bacteria and producing antibodies to fight infection.

The tonsils are two areas of lymph tissue on each side of the throat. Multiple cases of throat infections involving the tonsils or large tonsils creating problems such as sleep apnea are reasons to have the tonsils removed during a procedure called a tonsillectomy.

In 2000, the Federal Food and Drug Administration approved a procedure as an alternative to a tonsillectomy, which removes the tonsils entirely. This new technique, called somnoplasty, instead shrinks the tonsils by using tiny needle electrodes, which are inserted into the tonsils.

Though ice cream is traditional, you can eat either warm (not hot) or cool soft foods, as your throat pain allows, in the days following tonsil-removal surgery. Actually, you have quite a range of foods available to you in every food group that probably won't cause you much irritation.

A tonsillectomy is not fun at the best of times, but at least it gets kids get a free week or so off school. The bad news is if those kids love swimming, they'll have to spend that free time on dry land. The affected area needs extra time to heal properly, so swimming right away not an option.

Tonsils are two small, almond-shaped masses of lymphoid tissue found in the back of the throat. They often become a source of infection, pain and inflammation. A physician may recommend removal if the tonsils cause numerous infections, sore throats or difficulty swallowing.

A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils, two glands or lymph tissues, that lie at the back of the throat. The surgery may be indicated due to ongoing recurrent infections or snoring and sleep apnea.