[Effect of the palatine tonsils size on acute illness of the respiratory tract in children, youth and young adults].

The palatine tonsils are cluster of lymphatic tissue located at the border of the respiratory system and the digestive system. Hypertrophy of palatine tonsils is the consequence of the stimulation of the children's immunological system by antigens of the breathing air and food intake. The aim of this study is the estimation of the size of the palatine tonsils depends on the age and the estimation of the correlation between size of the palatine tonsils and the frequency of otitis media and sinusitis in children, youth and young adults. 326 children divided into three groups: group I aged 3-6, group II aged 7-14, group III aged 15-22. We examined the oral cavity, the throat, the nose and the ears. The size of palatine tonsils was qualified according to Pirquet's classification. The questionnaire was included. The fifth degree of the size of the palatine tonsils observed more often in youngest group then in the other. Otitis media occurs in 80% children with fifth degree of the size of the palatine tonsils and in 50% children with I, II, III degree. The sinusitis was the most frequent in group of children with I and II degree of the palatine tonsils. In group of children with fifth degree sinusitis didn't occur. The size of the palatine tonsils can influence occurring and frequency of otitis media but it doesn't influence occurring and frequency of sinusitis.