How Will You Know if You Need a Tonsillectomy?

If you’ve had recurring tonsillitis, you may have heard someone mention a tonsillectomy. Not sure about what a tonsillectomy is and whether you need one? Then give this article a read! We will highlight some of the circumstances under which a doctor might suggest a tonsillectomy.

What Is a Tonsillectomy?

A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove your tonsils. When preparing for a tonsillectomy, you must fast the night before the procedure and avoid anti-inflammatory medications. Also, ensure to plan your at-home recovery before undergoing the procedure. Recovering from a tonsillectomy can take anywhere between ten days to two weeks.

When Do You Need a Tonsillectomy?

While tonsillectomies are typically for treating tonsillitis, if you’ve experienced tonsillitis only once, it isn’t reason enough to undergo a tonsillectomy. This procedure is only recommended for people who are frequently sick with tonsillitis or enlarged tonsils causing obstructive sleep apnea.

Children are more likely to experience tonsillitis. However, this doesn’t mean teens or adults aren’t at risk of developing complications with their tonsils. Some of these complications, such as enlarged tonsils, might require a tonsillectomy to be treated.

If you have some of the following conditions, talk to your doctor to learn if tonsillectomy is something you should consider:

Complications Caused by Enlarged Tonsils

When you have enlarged tonsils, you could experience problems with snoring and sleeping. Large tonsils can also obstruct your airways and make breathing very difficult for you. A tonsillectomy can help treat both your breathing problems and obstructive sleep apnea.

Bleeding of Your Tonsils

When your tonsils are inflamed, it results in redness and broken blood vessels that could make it seem like they’re bleeding, but it is pretty rare for your tonsils to actually bleed. If your tonsils do bleed, it is likely because you have ulcers or sores on your tonsils. Some people may also experience persistent bleeding from burst blood vessels close to the surface of the tonsils. Consult a doctor if you notice heavy or continuous bleeding from your tonsils.

Other Diseases of the Tonsils

If you suffer from certain diseases or medical conditions that affect your tonsils, you might benefit from a tonsillectomy. For example, if there are cancerous/malignant or suspected malignant tissue growths on one or both of your tonsils, a doctor might recommend removing your tonsils.

If you have enlarged tonsils, there are high chances of food and other leftovers getting stuck in your throat. Over time, this food could give you bad breath or halitosis. A tonsillectomy will remove your tonsils so you don’t have to worry about food getting stuck in them.

Talk to your doctor to see if a tonsillectomy is the best option for your condition. Make an informed decision based on their professional advice and your extensive research.

If you’re looking for expert advice on tonsillectomies, contact our experts at Kentuckiana ENT, a division of ENT Care Centers. We offer efficient and convenient ENT care to patients in Louisville, Kentucky, and Jeffersonville, Indiana. Our experts can answer your questions and ease your concerns about tonsillectomies and also assess your condition to see if you need one. If you have any questions, please call 502-894-8441 or book an appointment with us.