Tonsils and adenoids form part of the immune system and sample bacteria and viruses before they spread through the body. However, when tonsils and adenoids become infected, it becomes more of a liability than an asset, as they may cause airway obstruction or repeated bacterial infections.

Similar to lymph nodes that are found in the neck, groin and armpits, tonsils are two round lumps in the back of the throat. Adenoids are located higher in the throat, behind the nose and soft palate, making it through the mouth or nose without special instruments.

Recurrent infections of the nose and throat, as well as a significant enlargement that causes obstruction to the throat, are common problems affecting the tonsils and adenoids. Abscesses around the tonsils, chronic tonsillitis, and infections of small pockets within the tonsils that produce foul-smelling white deposits can also affect the tonsils and adenoids, making them sore and swollen.

One symptom of an infected tonsil or adenoid is swelling. Other symptoms may include:

· Redder than normal tonsils

· A white or yellow coating on the tonsils

· A slight voice change due to swelling

· Sore throat, sometimes accompanied by ear pain.

· Uncomfortable or painful swallowing

· Swollen lymph nodes (glands) in the neck

· Fever

· Bad breath

Although many people opt to keep their tonsils in place, an infected tonsil that cannot be treated with antibiotics will have to be removed in order to prevent the spread of bacteria or breathing difficulties. Chronic infections of the adenoids can affect other areas, such as the Eustachian tube -the passage between the back of the nose and the inside of the ear. This can lead to frequent ear infections and a build-up of fluid in the middle ear that may cause temporary hearing loss.

The substances that cause an allergic reaction in hay fever are known as an allergen. For most people who do not get hay fever, these substances are not allergens because it doesn’t affect them, and their immune system does not react to it. Despite its name, hay fever does not mean that someone is allergic to hay or has a fever, as hay is hardly ever an allergen and hay fever does not cause fever. Substances that cause an allergic reaction in hay fever include pollen, airborne allergens from plants and fungi, dust mites and pet dander. Hay fever affects the nose, eyes and sinuses.

Some people are only mildly affected by hay fever and rarely seek medical advice. However, for many people, the symptoms of hay fever may be so severe and persistent that it hinders their ability to properly carry out their daily tasks at home, work or school. These people are the ones who seek treatment. Treatments may not get rid of the symptoms altogether, but they usually help to lessen their impact, making them easier to live with. As with other allergies, hay fever symptoms are a result of your immune system mistaking a harmless substance as a harmful one and releasing chemicals that cause the symptoms.