All about Tonsillectomy and its treatment
Overview
Tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove inflamed tonsils. At the back of your throat, there are two pads of tissues that are oval in shape known as tonsils. One tonsil each is located on either side of the throat. When your tonsils get infected, they get inflamed. You are likely to have a sore throat as a result of swollen tonsils. The lymph nodes located on the sides of your neck also become tender. Due to the sore throat, you are likely to find it difficult to swallow anything.
While the viral infection is the most common cause of tonsilitis, a bacterial infection can also trigger the inflammation of your tonsils. An accurate and prompt diagnosis of tonsilitis goes a long way in ensuring you get appropriate treatment for the condition. Tonsils play an important role in the body’s immunity as they house white blood cells. However, their surgical removal as a result of infected tonsils does not jeopardize the body's immunity in any way.
A higher number of children undergo tonsillectomy in comparison with adults. Nonetheless, inflamed tonsils can affect an individual at any age, and may call for a surgical procedure to remove tonsils. If you have the following medical problems, a tonsillectomy is also useful:
- Breathing problems as a result of inflamed tonsils
- If you suffer from loud and frequent snoring
- Sleep apnea
- If your tonsils are bleeding
- In case your tonsils turn cancerous
What are the possible causes of tonsilitis?
Viruses are a leading cause of tonsilitis. However, you are also likely to have tonsilitis as a result of bacterial infection. Streptococcus pyogenes has been identified as the main bacterium that causes tonsilitis. Tonsils are an important component of your body’s immune system. When viruses or bacteria enter your mouth, tonsils act as the first line of defense in the face of such an infection. Consequently, such infections expose your tonsils to inflammation and infection.
Past puberty, the immune system function of your tonsils, reduces. This explains why tonsilitis is a rare condition in adults, as compared to children.
The following risk factors make you highly vulnerable to tonsilitis:
- Age: Young age is in itself a risk factor for tonsilitis. Specifically, children between 5 and 15 years are highly vulnerable to tonsilitis. This is because bacteria is common in this age group.
- Exposure to germs: If you are frequently exposed to germs, this places you at a higher risk of tonsilitis. School-going children are highly exposed to germs on account of their close contact with the other children at school. This makes them highly vulnerable to bacteria and viral infection.
Recurrent tonsilitis may also point towards genetics as a potential cause. Biofilms located in the folds of the tonsils can also cause recurrent and chronic tonsilitis. These are communities of microorganisms characterized by increased resistance to antibiotics. Consequently, they are capable of causing recurrent infections.
Signs and symptoms of tonsilitis
Tonsilitis can be acute, recurrent, or chronic.
Some of the symptoms of tonsillitis are:
- Sore throat
- Stiff neck
- Pain or difficulty in swallowing
- Scratchy sound to the voice
- Chills
- Headache
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes, leading to tenderness around your neck and jaw
- Red and swollen tonsils
- Yellow or white spots on the tonsils
In the case of very young children with tonsilitis, poor appetite and irritability can be a symptom. Some children also drool excessively.
Acute tonsillitis is more pronounced in children. If you have symptoms of tonsillitis and they last for about10 days, it is diagnosed as acute tonsillitis. In case the symptoms last for more than 10 days or they recur several times in a year, it is indicative of chronic or recurrent tonsillitis.
In case of chronic tonsilitis:
- The lymph nodes around your neck remain tender for longer
- The sore throat persists for several weeks
- You are likely to develop bad breath
You may also develop tonsil stones, as a result of chronic tonsilitis. This is characterized by the accumulation of saliva, food, and dead cells in your tonsil’s crevice. Ultimately, such debris crystalizes and form small stones. The small stones might loosen up unaided. Your doctor might recommend a tonsillectomy to facilitate the surgical removal of your tonsils.
People with recurrent tonsilitis are also likely to suffer sore throat multiple times in a year.
How is tonsilitis diagnosed?
A diagnosis for tonsillitis starts with a physical exam of your throat.
The doctor looks into the throat, nose, and ears. This will help them in identifying possible sites of infection. In the case of strep throat, the condition often manifests in the form of a rash called scarlatina. Next, the doctor palpates the neck in order to gently feel for any swollen lymph nodes.
A stethoscope will also assist the doctor to listen to your breathing. An enlarged spleen may also result in inflamed tonsils. The doctor will also check if your spleen is enlarged.
Your doctor may also order a throat culture. The procedure involves the doctor gently swabbing the back of your throat where the tonsils are located. After taking a swab, it is then sent to the laboratory to determine the cause of infection.
Another diagnostic tool for tonsilitis is a complete blood count. Here, the doctor will order the nurse to draw a sample of your blood. The results of a complete blood cell count will reveal the various forms of blood cells. Using such information, the doctor can identify whether the infection is due to a viral or bacterial agent.
Through the complete blood count test, your doctor is in a position to tell whether your infection is a result of a bacteria or virus. It is important to identify the actual cause of your infection, as this will have implications on the treatment plan.
Treating tonsilitis
After your doctor has provided the correct diagnosis of tonsilitis, it is important that the infected tonsils be removed through surgical means. Your healthcare provider will furnish you with instructions on how you can prepare for a tonsillectomy. Some of the information your healthcare provider might require you to provide include:
- If you are on any medication, whether dietary supplements, prescription drugs, or over-the-counter medication and the dosage
- In case you or a member of your family has adverse reactions to anesthetics
- In case you or a member of your family has a history of bleeding disorders
- Any allergy to antibiotics or other types of medication
As you or your child gets ready for the surgery, your doctor may recommend that you do the following:
- Stop taking certain medication for a few days prior to the procedure. Alternatively, your doctor might decide to change the dosage of such medication
- Have an early dinner on the eve of the scheduled surgery and follow instructions about diet and water
Tonsillectomy is usually an outpatient procedure. In other words, you will be allowed to go back home and recuperate after the procedure. However, should you develop any complications after the procedure, your surgeon will recommend an overnight stay at the health care facility. This will allow our team of health experts to closely observe you.
Your surgeon will perform a tonsillectomy under general anesthesia.
After a tonsillectomy, you are likely to experience the following:
- Nausea and vomiting for several days
- Pain in the throat for a few weeks. The pain is usually moderate but can become quite severe
- You might develop a mild fever for a few days
- Swollen throat
- In the case of a child, there is a possibility of sleep disturbances or anxiety
Laser tonsillectomy
This is a medical procedure to treat tonsilitis using a laser. The procedure has a 100% success rate and is less painful in comparison with traditional tonsillectomy. Moreover, laser tonsillectomy is safer as the risk of bleeding following the procedure is significantly lower. The procedure also has a near-zero rate of infection. Moreover, it is characterized by a faster recovery period, usually about 7 days.
Post-op care and diet
After the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery room where your vital signs, including heart rate and blood pressure, will be monitored. If all parameters are stable, you will be allowed to go home. We will give you a detailed care plan to assist with your recovery back home.
The post-op care guidelines are as follows:
- Pain medication will be given to relieve pain after the procedure. You may take it as prescribed.
- Increase the intake of fluids post-surgery to avoid dehydration. In terms of food, it is recommended that you eat bland and soft food, so it is easy to swallow. Avoid intake of spicy and acidic food as it can cause bleeding and pain.
- Make sure that you get sufficient rest post-surgery. Avoid engaging in strenuous activities as riding a bike or running, at least until you have fully recovered.
- You can resume the routine chores and go back to work once you have fully recovered. By this time, you should be in a position to eat a normal diet.
Should you experience the following complications, seek prompt medical attention:
- In case of a fever
- Bright red blood in the saliva or nose
- Difficulty in breathing
- Dehydration
Tonsillitis is quite common as many patients suffer from this condition. When the tonsils are infected, they swell, cause pain and sore throat. Some patients experience frequent attacks of tonsillitis and suffer fever, inflamed glands near the neck, and have difficulty swallowing. Further, your throat may appear red. If the infection is recurrent, you need to approach a specialist that performs a Tonsillectomy.
Specialists in Bangalore are equipped to perform advanced laser tonsillectomy. The benefits of this surgery are as follows:
- Relief from breathing problems
- Treats sleep apnea
- Reduces heavy snoring
- Minimally Invasive
- No pain
- No loss of blood
- Painless and bloodless
- Eliminate infected tonsils
- Reduced use of medication
- Improved quality of Life
What do you get if you associate with Goficure for Advanced tonsillectomy surgery?
When patients approach us for assistance with medical care, they get a complete solution right from consultation to cure. Our customers gain access to some of the best specialists in this field without stressing and straining themselves. Some of the highlights of Goficure services for patients needing Tonsillectomy are as follows:
- Connecting patient with best tonsillectomy surgeon in Bangalore
- Slotting the next available appointment for surgery
- Complete responsibility for medical care, transportation, and processing insurance claims until completion
- Track and support post-operative care
- Enable nutrition and diet plan
- Offer support till patient recovers completely
goficure offers hassle-free and smooth facilitation of complete healthcare services to patients for advanced Tonsillectomy. It is an end-to-end cost-effective treatment under one roof.
Exclusive features you get with goficure
1. Dedicated Medi-Pal
A dedicated Medi-Pal is assigned to you. Your Medi-Pal will be your one point contact throughout the treatment and post-op period. They will always be available for you
2. Quick doctor’s appointments
After understanding your concerns, your Medi-Pal will schedule your consultation with a specialist doctor. Your doctor will carry out necessary tests and advise the course of treatment
3. Hassle-free treatment
If you opt to get the surgery done, goficure will take care of it completely. Right from booking your surgery, claiming your insurance to being with you throughout the procedure, your Medi-Pal will do it all
4. Post-op recovery support
Your Medi-Pal would ensure quick recovery. This includes booking your follow up consultations and helping you with doctor-recommended steps for diet & exercise
Guarantees
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Why Goficure?
Specialist doctors
Our doctors are vetted for their experience and skills. Rest assured, you are in safe hands. The best treatment for your condition is delivered all the time
Medi-Pal assistance
A dedicated Medi-Pal is assigned to take care of the entire process. This includes booking your appointments, scheduling the surgery, handling your documentation including claiming insurance, discharge, and post-op recovery
Affordability
Goficure delivers high-quality treatment to you at affordable prices. Superior treatment and best quality of service is assured while keeping costs reasonable
Post procedure care and follow-ups
Our engagement doesn't end after your surgery. It continue until you go back to your normal life. Free diet and exercise consultations during your recovery phase are offered to ensure a quick recovery
Comparison
With so many options, are you wondering what the right choice for your condition is? While you can opt for either an open surgery or a laser surgery, numerous studies have shown that laser surgeries are far more effective. Be it the duration of the procedure, post-operative pain or recovery time, laser surgeries always outrank open surgeries and are therefore, a better choice. Here is a quick comparison that will help you decide your course of action.
What you don’t undergo with goficure
1. Long waiting lines
2. Lack of personalized attention
3. Excessive billing/hidden charges
4. Running around for your treatment
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