What Are Tonsils and Why Are They a Problem?
Tonsils are lymph glands in the mouth that help to fight infection. Unfortunately, they can become infected themselves in the course of fighting infection. This primarily occurs in children. In adults, tonsils can become a problem if they are large enough that they partially occlude the airway or throat, causing sleep apnea. Rarely do adults need a tonsillectomy due to tonsillitis.
Problems with the tonsils often include problems with the adenoids. The adenoids can be removed at the same time as the other tonsils, in a procedure called an adenoidectomy.
What is Tonsillitis?
There is a difference between tonsillitis and a sore throat. While tonsillitis does cause a sore throat, a sore throat may not be caused by tonsillitis.What is a Tonsillectomy or Adenoidectomy
A tonsillectomy may be performed independently, or performed along with an adenoidectomy.When is a Tonsillectomy Necessary?
The primary reasons for a tonsillectomy are:
- Tonsillitis
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Chronic cryptic tonsillitis (tonsilliths or tonsil stones)
How To Prepare a Child For Surgery
Recovering from Tonsillectomy
Recovering from a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy is different than you might think. No ice cream for the first 24 to 48 hours is only the beginning of what you need to know about recovering from a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy.Sources:
Fact Sheet: Tonsillectomy. American Academy of Otolaryngology. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/tonsillectomyProcedures.cfm
