Cardiovascular Emergencies Test No. 3 From Paramedic Emergency Care 3rd Edition Progress Indicator: Question 4 of 20 4.  Although the palatine tonsils are part of the lymphatic system, they affect the airway because: Choices: They cause asthma to develop in children. They cause the trachea to close when we swallow. They secrete saliva coating the cilia. When inflamed, they can impair breathing causing respiratory distress.