Tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of the tonsils. The tonsils are two small glands situated in the back of your throat. Tonsils are an essential part of the immune system, they contain white blood cells that help you fight infection, but they can also become infected.
Tonsillitis is a tonsil infection that makes your tonsils swell and cause a sore throat. You need a tonsillectomy if you experience frequent bouts of tonsillitis. Your throat may be red, and your tonsils may be covered with a whitish or yellow coating, which your doctor will observe. Swelling can sometimes go away on its own. Antibiotics or a tonsillectomy may be required in other circumstances.
Tonsils usually shrink with age, but this does not happen for everyone. As a result, the tonsils may become inflamed and overwhelmed. Although tonsil infections are usually harmless. There are a few symptoms that indicates you need a tonsillectomy:
Frequent throat infection
Tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils get infected when they get exposed to germs or viruses. Although viruses, such as the herpes simplex virus and the measles virus, can be the reason for tonsillitis, bacteria are accountable for up to 30% of cases. Tonsillitis is characterized by a painful sore throat that is frequently accompanied by redness and pus on the tonsils. Other symptoms include:
- Fever
- Nose congestion or runny nose
- Neck lymph nodes becoming swollen
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Bleeding spots on Tonsils
You might have chronic tonsillitis if you suffer:
- 7 infections in 1 year
- 3 infections per year for 3 consecutive years
- 5 infections per year for 2 consecutive years
The signs for tonsillectomy in adults are the same as in children, however tonsillitis is less common in adults since children’s tonsils shrink as they grow, making infection less likely.
Problems with antibiotics:
A tonsillectomy may be the best therapeutic choice in cases where an infection in the tonsils does not respond to antibiotics or in those who are allergic to antibiotics.
Enlarged tonsils
Enlarged tonsils can result in trouble swallowing or to obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that involves difficulty breathing during sleep. Sleep apnea can cause exhaustion, restlessness, and even high blood pressure over time. A tonsillectomy may be recommended if a doctor believes the swollen tonsils are affecting your sleep or overall health.
Enlarged tonsils are a more common reason of sleep apnea in children. Sleep apnea can strain the heart and lungs, as well as disturb hormones in youngsters, leading to obesity.
Growth on your tonsils
Viruses and bacteria can cause tonsil swelling, but there’s also the possibility that something else is at work. Certain viruses, such as the human papillomavirus (HPV), can cause malignant tumors on the tonsils. These tumors can cause symptoms that are similar to tonsil diseases. A biopsy can help rule out malignancies of the throat or other organs. A tonsillectomy is required before a doctor can conduct the biopsy.
A tonsillectomy may be the best course of action if you are suffering from above -mentioned problems.
How tonsillectomy is performed
Adult tonsillectomies are similar to the procedure that is conducted on children. The surgeon will carry out the procedure under general anesthesia. While the patient is asleep. Doctors can use one of the different techniques for removing the tonsils, depending on their preference. The entire procedure takes about an hour. There are several different ways to remove tonsils.
Cold knife dissection is a popular technique. Your surgeon will use a scalpel to remove your tonsils in this scenario. Another frequent approach for tonsillectomy is cauterization, which involves burning away the tissues. In some tonsillectomy techniques, ultrasonic vibration (sound waves) is also used.
During the recovery period after a tonsillectomy, patients may experience some discomfort along with a painful throat. You may also experience discomfort in your jaw, ears, or neck. Rest well, especially in the first two to three days following surgery. Tonsillectomy pain may be relieved by over-the-counter pain relievers and the avoidance of acidic foods.
For tonsillectomy a very skilled General Surgeon in Karachi is available. Saifee Hospital is also known for good surgeons, who can carry out this procedure.
