Tonsils are odd flaps of lymphatic tissue. They’re the first line of defense against bacteria and virus that are inhaled or eaten.
Their shape and location allow the body to capture diseases. This allows time for antibodies to fight off whatever has attacked you.
Tonsils are much larger in children because of the proportions of the throat. After puberty, they get smaller making it easier to breathe and swallow.
There’s a link, however, between swollen tonsils and behaviors related to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
Kids with chronically enlarged tonsils often have poor sleep which makes them impulsive and inattentive. Before making a diagnosis of ADHD, consider the role that swollen tonsils may be playing. You might be surprised!
Claudia
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