Tonsils are meant to protect your body from invaders, but sometimes they end up doing more harm than good. If this is the case, our team of Physicians may suggest a tonsillectomy.
At ENT Specialists of Austin, they use the most advanced surgical methods, so you know you’re in the best hands. Schedule a consultation at their Austin or Cedar Park, Texas, locations online or over the phone.
Tonsillectomy Q & A
What is the Purpose of Tonsils?
Tonsils are the round lumps of tissue at the back of your throat. They’re one of your body’s first defenders against incoming foreign substances and play a role in your body’s immune system, filtering out viruses and bacteria before they enter the body. When they detect harmful germs, they activate the immune system and keep the germs from infiltrating.
When Do Tonsils Become a Problem?
Tonsils sometimes cause more problems than benefits and may need to be removed. Your ENT specialist may suggest a tonsillectomy for the following problems:
- Enlarged tonsils that cause breathing difficulties, especially during sleep
- Recurring tonsillitis
- Treatment-resistant tonsillitis
- Tonsil stones
What is Tonsillitis?
Since your tonsils are the first immune structures in your mouth to encounter germs, they’re susceptible to infection. Tonsillitis is the name for a tonsil infection. Symptoms of tonsillitis include:
- Red, inflamed tonsils
- Bad breath
- White or yellow pockets on the tonsils
- Sore throat
- Hoarse voice
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Noisy breathing
Chronic inflammation and recurrent infections may be a sign of chronic tonsillitis. Your ENT doctor may recommend a tonsillectomy if you or your child experiences frequent tonsillitis, especially if it’s resistant to antibiotics.
What Happens During a Tonsillectomy?
A tonsillectomy is a surgical outpatient procedure to remove the tonsils. Before the procedure, your specialist administers general anesthesia to help you or your child sleep through the procedure.
Once the anesthesia takes effect, your surgeon cuts or burns out the tonsil tissue. After removing the tonsils, your surgeon takes you or your child to a recovery room for observation. You can also go home a few hours after your surgery.
Adults and children who have a tonsillectomy frequently experience a sore throat and related ear, neck, or jaw pain. Your surgeon provides postoperative care instructions to help you recover, which usually involve rest, lots of fluids, and a soft-food diet for several days.
If you need your tonsils taken out, contact the experts at ENT Specialists of Austin online or over the phone for the most specialized care.