Pathogenesis (development of disease)
The tonsil pharyngea is located at the roof of the nasophyarynx (nasopharynx), in the area behind the nose. It is not visible when the mouth is open.
Adenoid hyperplasia of the pharyngeal tonsil (adenoids) is a hyperplasia (proliferation) of lymphoepithelial tissue. This is triggered by recurrent infections, which lead to an overload of the function. That is, the increase in lymphoid tissue and consequent enlargement of the pharyngeal tonsil is a compensatory process.
Pharyngeal tonsil hyperplasia, which is at the same time accompanied by hypertrophy, i.e. excessive enlargement, leads to problems because it obstructs the opening of the nasal cavity (cavitas nasi) facing the nasopharynx and at the same time closes the entrance to the middle ear (Eustachi tube) located closely adjacent to it. For the resulting secondary diseases, see the subtopic of the same name below.
In summary, pharyngeal tonsillar hyperplasia is the result of a vicious circle of infection, pharyngeal tonsillar hyperplasia, secretion congestion, and re-infection.
Etiology (Causes)
Biographic causes
- Genetic or constitutional disposition (predisposition).
Disease-related causes
- Recurrent (recurring) infections.
