Nielurisat

Nielurisat, commonly referred to in Finnish as tonsils, are lymphoid tissues located at the entrance of the throat and form part of the immune system. They are usually considered together as part of Waldeyer's ring, which also includes the pharyngeal tonsil (adenoids) in the nasopharynx and the lingual tonsils at the base of the tongue. In humans, these tissues help sample inhaled or ingested microbes and initiate immune responses, producing antibodies and coordinating local defenses.

Anatomically, the largest and most commonly discussed components are the palatine tonsils, located on either side of the throat behind the soft palate. The pharyngeal tonsil sits higher in the nasopharynx, and the lingual tonsils reside at the posterior tongue. The lymphoid tissue is most active in childhood and tends to shrink with age.

Clinically, the nielurisat can become enlarged or inflamed, a condition known as tonsillitis. Symptoms include sore throat, fever, swollen tonsils, and sometimes white or yellow exudates. Recurrent infections or enlarged tonsils may cause breathing or swallowing difficulties, sleep-disordered breathing, or snoring. Adenoid hypertrophy, the enlargement of the pharyngeal tonsil, can contribute to nasal obstruction and mouth breathing in children.

Diagnosis is typically clinical, supported by throat examination. In suspected bacterial tonsillitis, rapid antigen detection tests or throat cultures for Streptococcus species may be used. Treatment depends on the cause: many cases are viral and require supportive care, while bacterial infections may be treated with antibiotics. Recurrent or obstructive cases may be managed surgically with tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy. Complications can include peritonsillar abscess or spread of infection.