Scientists argue about the function of tonsils, to this day. At the same time, over the past century, the concepts of their significance have changed very much. Not so long ago, many scientists thought the tonsils were some kind of endocrine glands. In many respects this was facilitated by the peculiar structure of this organ.
What function do tonsils actually perform?
Currently, this body is already well studied. At the same time, scientists are still arguing about what function tonsils perform - protective or contribute to speech. In fact, both of these undoubtedly important tasks can be attributed to this body. At the same time, their main function is, nevertheless, to protect the body from pathogenic microorganisms. This problem is solved through the formation of the so-called Waldeyer ring. It consists of palatine, lingual and nasopharyngeal tonsils, as well as smaller accumulations of lymphoid tissue. The Waldeyer ring is a fairly powerful barrier to infection.
When is protective function impaired?
It is worth noting that the tonsils are a powerful but unstable protector for the body. The fact is that the infection often affects this organ itself. In this case, it is difficult to talk about the function of the tonsils - protective or, conversely, negative, being a hotbed of bacteria. The fact is that this organ, being inflamed, becomes unable to maintain local immunity at a sufficiently high level. Without etiological treatment, the number of pathogenic microorganisms gradually increases there , which ultimately can lead to their spread. The danger here is that bacteria developing on the tonsils are capable of affecting the heart, leading to the development of serious diseases.
On the formation of speech
The function of the tonsils is not limited to protecting the body from all kinds of bacteria. They have one more important property. Like the teeth, palatine tonsils narrow the lumen of the oral cavity, which is the passage for air exhaled from the lungs and passing through the vocal cords. As a result, they also contribute to the formation of speech exactly as it is.
What is special about tonsils?
No matter how frivolous scientists are not related to the immune function of tonsils, however, recent studies have already shown that the activity of this body is absolutely unique. The fact is that they are capable of not only destroying the pathogenic microflora. Perhaps the main function of the tonsils is to recognize the infection, record information about it, and also transmit the accumulated data to other immune organs. All this is necessary in order to rid a person of penetrated pathogenic flora as quickly as possible.
About mindless tonsil removal
Just a few decades ago, doctors did not know what function tonsils perform, and their prophylactic removal was common in most developed countries . The result of such actions was a reduced immunity and, as a result, a more frequent and difficult to treat infectious pathology.
Preventive operations continued even after doctors learned what function tonsils perform. This is due to the very recent assumptions of many scientists that their importance for the body’s immunity is not so great, and their tasks can successfully perform other accumulations of lymphoid tissues.
Why are the protective properties of tonsils so often reduced?
The main reason for this phenomenon is chronic tonsillitis. This disease is a periodically exacerbating inflammatory process that affects the tonsils. Once penetrated into this organ, the infection usually stays here for a very long time. The specific structure of the tonsils contributes to this. The fact is that the palatine tonsils include the so-called lacunae in their structure. They are deep enough and capable of becoming an excellent refuge for any pathogenic microflora. What function do tonsils have when they are inflamed? Almost none. They fall out of the general complex of antibacterial defense of the body.
When are tonsils most active?
It is worth noting that throughout life this organ, even being completely healthy, functions with different intensities. Immediately after birth, the baby does not work for the baby. The first lymphoid tissue on it begins to form only by 2-3 months. In this period, she still practically does not fulfill any role. A sufficient level of functioning is established only by 1 year. Subsequently, lymphoid tissue gradually increases in volume. This happens for the reason that from 1 year to 6-7 years, the child is faced with a large number of new microorganisms, both pathogenic and not. As a result, it is by school age that the tonsils, especially the palatines, reach their greatest development.
In the future, there is a gradual decrease in the amount of lymphoid tissue in this organ. Over time, it is replaced by connective tissue. By the age of 16-20, this process is almost over, and there are no longer any lymphoid cells in the tonsils. Since that time, tonsillitis almost no longer bothers people.
How to keep tonsils function?
It is not so difficult to make this body function properly. First of all, it is necessary to refuse to remove it for preventive purposes, even if the doctor advises it. The exceptions here are tonsil tumors, their mechanical damage, and also an increase to such an extent that they will prevent swallowing and breathing through the mouth.
In addition, it is very important to always fully treat tonsillitis and tonsillitis. For this, it is necessary to carry out complex therapy, one of the components of which must necessarily be antibacterial drugs. You need to take them at least 7-10 days in dosages recommended by a specialist.
In the case of the development of tonsillitis and the formation of plaque tonsils on the surface, in no case should you try to remove it yourself. Even one slight incorrect movement can severely damage the lymphoid tissue, as a result of which the function of the tonsils will be reduced forever.