Recommendations / 08/05/2019

Do you always have to get your tonsils removed?

When Would I Need Surgery? Typically, you’d get your tonsils taken out only if tonsillitis: Keeps coming back. Causes other problems, such as sleep apnea, a common disorder in which you briefly stop breathing many times a night.

Is there an alternative to removing tonsils?

Tonsillotomy (also known as intracapsular, subtotal or partial tonsillectomy) is becoming a popular surgical alternative in children with OSA.

What are signs that you need your tonsils removed?

Signs It’s Time for a Tonsillectomy

Severe throat pain.
White spots on your tonsils.
Painful or difficulty swallowing.
Fever.
Swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck.

Why are my tonsils naturally big?

Enlarged tonsils can be an ongoing problem or a temporary result of an infection. Your tonsils are part of your immune system, so they do get bigger as your body fights off illnesses. Doctors aren’t sure what causes chronically enlarged tonsils, but secondhand smoke and air pollution can make them larger.

What should I do if I have tonsils removed?

One of the reasons you don’t want to let your throat pain become unbearable is that you will need to be able to swallow liquids so that your body is hydrated and can work on healing. Popsicles or slushy drinks are a good way to get liquid into your body because their coolness feels good on your sore throat. Stick with soft foods.

What foods should I avoid before having my tonsils taken out?

Make sure your refrigerator is stocked with things like applesauce, broth, ice cream, and pudding. These foods are less likely to hurt as you swallow them. Avoid crunchy, hard, acidic, or spicy foods which may irritate your wound or injure the sensitive areas as they heal.

Can a person go home the same day after a tonsillectomy?

Most people can go home the same day after a successful tonsillectomy. A tonsillectomy is a very common, routine procedure. However, like with other surgeries, there are some risks with this procedure. These can include: Patients can experience some pain as they recover from a tonsillectomy. You might have a sore throat after surgery.

Can a adult have their tonsils removed for sleep apnea?

Adults who suffer from chronic sore throat and related sleep apnea can benefit from tonsillectomy. However, the recovery can be longer compared to that of a child. “There are always risks involved with any type of surgery,” Dr. Ingley notes.

When is the right time to have your tonsils removed?

There are two main reasons it may be time to undergo a tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils): You have chronic sleep apnea or snoring that disrupts your sleep. You experience recurrent tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils) caused by strep throat or other infections. Tonsillectomy may also be…

What happens if you don’t get your tonsils out?

In the short term, sleep apnea makes you tired during the day. For kids, it can even make them hyperactive. If it’s not treated, it can be serious. It may lead to obesity, heart problems, and other issues. Surgery to remove your tonsils can help.

What should I do if I have tonsillitis?

The best you can do is try to give yourself relief from symptoms, as you would do with a sore throat or fever. Plenty of rest is a good place to start. If bacteria are causing it, your doctor may give you antibiotics to kill them and clear up the infection. When Would I Need Surgery? Typically, you’d get your tonsils taken out only if tonsillitis:

What should I take for a sore throat after tonsillectomy?

If you qualify for this, I highly recommend talking to your doctor about a Lidocaine (viscous) prescription. Lidocaine is a topical anesthetic and works wonderfully to numb a sore throat. I used it when I had mono (and severely swollen tonsils) and used it post-operatively after my tonsillectomy.