A common condition that infects adults and children is tonsillitis, where the tonsils get inflamed or swollen. If the condition is at its initiation point, it can be resolved with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medication. However, if it becomes chronic or you are facing recurrent tonsillitis, then you have to seek immediate treatment. You need to book an appointment with the ENT before the condition gets complicated and affects the quality of life. So, here we are about to discuss when you need to seek more than just Tonsillitis removal.
Understanding Tonsillitis and Its Symptoms
At the back of the throat are two oval-shaped tissues, known as the tonsils, that are the first line of defense against pathogens. However, they often get infected, and you experience symptoms like:
- Sore throat, difficulty swallowing, swollen tonsils
- Tonsils with white or yellow patches
- Fever and bad breath
- In the neck region, the lymph nodes get enlarged
- Experiencing recurring throat infections
When you approach an ENT specialist, they will probably prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial infections or symptomatic care in case the infection is viral. However, if the tonsillitis is recurrent or chronic, then it requires a permanent solution—surgery. Browse https://drkhliment.com.sg/tonsil-stone-removal-singapore-tonsillitis-treatment-surgery to know more about the recovery and after-care guide.
When Tonsillitis Treatment Isn’t Enough?
At times, the surgery may not be enough. Several factors can lead to this. We have discussed some of the crucial ones below:
- Frequent Recurrence
If you face tonsillitis more than seven times in a year, or there have been five such incidences in the past two years, or you get three tonsillitis per year, which has been ongoing for the last three years, then these are clear signs of more than just infections. These problems disrupt your daily life and affect your work or studies.
- Chronic Tonsillitis
If recurrent tonsillitis infections lead to bad breath, throat pain, and difficulty swallowing, and even after antibiotics and other treatments, you have failed to resolve the issue, then surgery is the only solution.
- Complications
If you are suffering from breathing difficulties due to enlarged tonsils, particularly during sleep, then it can lead to a condition called obstructive sleep apnea, which is a severe issue. Also, if the abscess formation fails to respond to medication, you must get surgery.
- Tonsil Stones
Often, hard, calcified deposits are formed in the tonsils, which are known as Tonsilloliths. These deposits can cause pain, bad breath, and irritation. In this situation, an ENT specialist would recommend surgery.
What to Expect from Tonsillectomy?
The surgical procedure, which is performed to treat tonsillitis, is called a tonsillectomy. It is performed under general anesthesia, and based on the severity of the condition, the adenoids, too, might have to be removed. The commontechniques involved are:
- Cold Knife Dissection, which is done using a scalpel.
- Electrocautery, where heat is used to remove the infected tissue.
- Coblation Technology is a new technique where radiofrequency is used to minimize the damage caused to the surrounding tissue while removing the tonsils.
Conclusion
If you suffer from chronic or recurrent tonsillitis, tonsillectomy can relieve you. Along with this, it also reduces the chances of throat infections in the future. You do not have to struggle with breathing issues; those with sleep apnea will notice improved sleep quality.
