"Congestionadas" mean tonsils look reddish and swollen due to increased blood flow (hyperemia). "Hipertróficas" would be literally translated as "hypertrophic", but "enlarged" means the same in this context and is in fact more accurate than "hypertrophic".
HTH.

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Note added at 2002-06-21 19:57:35 (GMT)
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You can also use \"hypertrophic\", but I still prefer \"enlarged\".

ENLARGEMENT OF (HYPERTROPHIC) TONSILS AND ADENOIDS Obstruction to breathing by enlarged tonsils and adenoids may cause snoring and disturbed sleep patterns that may lead to sleep pauses or sleep apnea. Other features include frequent awakening from sleep, restless sleep, nightmares, bed wetting, mood changes, excessive sleepiness, failure to thrive, and even heart problems. Some orthodontists believe that chronic mouth breathing from large tonsils and adenoids causes improper alignment of the teeth (malocclusion). Chronic enlargement and infection of the adenoids may lead to infection of the air passages around the nose (sinusitis) or nasal drainage/obstruction, and/or may affect the eustachian tube of the ear, leading to chronic ear infections. How are diseases of the tonsils and adenoids treated? Bacterial infections of the tonsils and adenoids are treated with various antibiotics. Tonsillitis caused by the streptococcus bacteria can lead to serious complications, and must be treated. Oftentimes, the diagnosis of strep throat is confirmed by a throat culture or rapid-strep tests in the doctors office. Once treatment begins, it is important to take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed because the premature discontinuance of therapy can lead to adverse consequences and regrowth of the bacteria. Surgical removal is considered in those situations resistant to medical therapy. Viral causes of tonsillitis are often treated with only supportive care (hydration and control of fever), and antibiotics are often withheld. Antibiotics are not effective for viral infection of the tonsils. An abscess of the tonsil (peritonsillar abscess) should be drained either by removal of fluid with a needle and syringe (needle aspiration), cutting open with a scalpel (incision), or tonsillectomy. Chronic stones in the tonsil can be removed with a clean finger or with a blunt probe. Massive enlargement of the tonsils and adenoids causing airway obstruction may be treated with a long course of antibiotics, or even a brief course of steroids (cortisone related medications, such as prednisone and prednisolone). When should the tonsils and/or adenoids be removed? Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are indicated in persons with repeated or persistent infections, particularly if they interfere with everyday activities. In general, repeated infections in children are defined as 6-7 episodes in one year, or 4-5 episodes in each of two years, or 3 episodes in each of three years. A significant episode of tonsillitis is defined by one or more of the following criteria: (1) a temperature greater than 101 F; (2) enlarged or tender neck lymph nodes; (3) pus material coating the tonsils; or (4) a positive strep test. In adults, the severity, frequency, and hardship associated with repeated infections are considered more important than the absolute number. Chronic infections characterized by bad breath and/or tonsillar stones causing significant disability are also indicators for tonsillectomy. Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are strongly considered in those patients who are suffering, or may suffer serious complications of infection. These include peritonsillar abscess, history of streptococcal complications (rheumatic heart disease, glomerulonephritis), or neck abscess. Suspicion of malignancy or tumor is a definite reason for surgery. Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are also warranted in situations where there is enlargement of the tonsils and adenoids to such an extent that it causes severe sleep problems (snoring & breath holding), sleep apnea, dental abnormalities, and difficulty swallowing. Adenoid enlargement alone, or in combination with tonsillar enlargement, can cause nasal obstruction, recurrent ear infections, or sinusitis. If these conditions are resistant to medical therapy, surgery is indicated. In should be emphasized that all decisions for or against surgery are dependent upon the individual patient\'s particular situation. Additional factors, such as tolerance of antibiotics, concurrent medical problems, school achievement/progress, and family preferences are also important in the decision process.
http://www.medicineonline.com/ReferanceDetails.asp?ArticleID...

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Note added at 2002-06-21 22:25:08 (GMT)
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Correction to my reply to markaqui: \"anginas\" is the popular name in Spain for \"tonsillitis\". The scientific name is \"amigadalitis\". But it is often used to call the tonsils themselves (though wrong)

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Note added at 2002-06-21 22:26:54 (GMT)
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Lo que popularmente llamamos como anginas es una inflamacion de las amigdalas. Estas que se encuentran al final del paladar y en el inicio de la garganta, son especialmente sensibles a las infecciones, sobre todo en la infancia. Es muy frecuente que el inicio de esta dolencia sea un enfriamiento.
http://perso.wanadoo.es/mapise/anginas.html

Las amígdalas palatinas (anginas) son órganos linfáticos secundarios en los que predominan los linfocitos B. La percepción de la población general de que \"son defensas\", está pues parcialmente justificada. Sin embargo, los estudios sobre amigdalectomía y sus consecuencias en el sistema inmune demuestran que en ningún caso se produce una inmunodeficiencia significativa. Por tanto aunque \"son defensas\", no existen consecuencias inmunológicas cuando se eliminan y sin embargo, puede provocarse un grave daño general que incluye enfermedad cardíaca, renal o articular cuando no se extirpan si está indicado hacerlo.
http://www.rnw.nl/informarn/html/cie020319_amigdalas.html



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Note added at 2002-06-21 22:55:35 (GMT)
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Lo que popularmente llamamos como anginas es una inflamacion de las amigdalas. Estas que se encuentran al final del paladar y en el inicio de la garganta, son especialmente sensibles a las infecciones, sobre todo en la infancia. Es muy frecuente que el inicio de esta dolencia sea un enfriamiento.
http://perso.wanadoo.es/mapise/anginas.html

Las amígdalas palatinas (anginas) son órganos linfáticos secundarios en los que predominan los linfocitos B. La percepción de la población general de que \"son defensas\", está pues parcialmente justificada. Sin embargo, los estudios sobre amigdalectomía y sus consecuencias en el sistema inmune demuestran que en ningún caso se produce una inmunodeficiencia significativa. Por tanto aunque \"son defensas\", no existen consecuencias inmunológicas cuando se eliminan y sin embargo, puede provocarse un grave daño general que incluye enfermedad cardíaca, renal o articular cuando no se extirpan si está indicado hacerlo.
http://www.rnw.nl/informarn/html/cie020319_amigdalas.html