Tonsils
The tonsils are part of the immune system and help defend the body against infections, particularly in children. However, when the tonsils become chronically infected, swollen, or cause other health problems, a tonsillectomy may be recommended.
Tonsillitis
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Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils which is most common in children, but it can also affect adults. It is caused by either a virus or bacteria. Viral tonsillitis is more common and usually goes away on its own within a few days. Bacterial tonsillitis is less common and may require treatment with antibiotics.
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Symptoms of tonsillitis can include:
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Sore throat
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Difficulty swallowing
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Fever
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Swollen glands in the neck
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Earaches
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Bad breath
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If you or your child has any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause and get appropriate treatment.
Indications
Some reasons why a tonsillectomy may be recommended could be in cases of:
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Recurrent Infections. Tonsillectomies are often performed in cases of recurrent tonsillitis, which involves frequent and severe sore throat, fever, and difficulty swallowing.
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Chronic Tonsillitis. Chronic tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils remain inflamed and infected for an extended period, leading to persistent symptoms.
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Enlarged Tonsils. Enlarged tonsils can cause breathing difficulties, sleep apnea, snoring, or sleep disturbances, especially in children.
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Peritonsillar Abscess. A peritonsillar abscess is a painful collection of pus near the tonsils that may require drainage and, in some cases, tonsillectomy.
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Suspected Tonsil Cancer. In rare cases, when there is suspicion of tonsil cancer, a biopsy or removal of the tonsils may be necessary for diagnostic purposes.
Procedure
A tonsillectomy is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia, which means the patient is asleep and feels no pain during the surgery.
The surgeon uses one of several techniques to remove the tonsils, including:
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Cold Knife (Steel) Dissection - This traditional method involves the use of a scalpel to cut and remove the tonsils.
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Electrocautery - Electrocautery involves the use of a specialized tool that uses electrical current to cut and seal blood vessels, reducing bleeding during the procedure.
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Coblation - Coblation uses radiofrequency energy and saline to remove the tonsils while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
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Laser Tonsillectomy - Some surgeons use lasers to remove the tonsils, which can reduce bleeding and discomfort in some cases.
Recovery
Recovery from a tonsillectomy can vary from person to person.
Pain can be managed with pain medications prescribed by the surgeon. Initially, a soft diet and clear fluids are recommended. Avoiding acidic or spicy foods can help prevent irritation. Most individuals can return to light activities within a week or two, but strenuous physical activity should be avoided for a few weeks to prevent complications.