How does PFAPA relate to the tonsils?

Answer by  MedStudent01 (1131)

PFAPA may cause inflammation of lymphoid tissue in the mouth, which may include the tonsils. Inflammation of tonsils can cause pain in PFAPA. In addition, the tonsils may be a good reservoir of organisms that can create conditions favorable for PFAPA. You should see an ENT specialist to see if your tonsils need to be removed/treated for this.

Answer by  RachelW (932)

PFAPA has little to do with the tonsils, but it can affect the lymph nodes in the neck. It is a fever-causing condition that usually occurs between 2 and 5 years of age and is rarely serious. It can occur at the same time as other conditions that do effect the tonsils, such as cold and flu.

Answer by  MattK (1713)

PFAPA is a syndrome which stands for 'periodic fevers with aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis'. Essentially, it is an infectious process that involves the glands in the head and neck, including the tonsils and adenoids. When severe, tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy may have to be performed in order to debride the area of the major cause.