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6 Signs You Might Need A Tonsillectomy As An Adult
Tonsillitis is widely regarded as a ‘kids’ disease. However, it is not uncommon in adults either. Nowadays, tonsillitis has become much more common in adults due to increased pollution, poor lifestyle, etc. There are certain cases, as described below, in which a tonsil removal surgery may even be considered necessary.
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What is tonsillectomy and when is it performed?
Tonsils are pads of immune tissues that function as a defense against bacteria and viruses that enter the mouth. Since they act as the ‘first line of defense,’ they are more vulnerable to infection and inflammation, also known as tonsillitis. Typically, they are a huge part of the immune system in children but shrink in size as they age.
For most people, sore throat is the most common indicator of tonsillitis, however, the most common infections behind tonsillitis are strep throat, influenza, mono (Epstein-Barr virus), etc. Generally, tonsillitis is managed through medications and lifestyle modifications. However, sometimes surgical intervention becomes necessary for relief. Some instances where tonsillectomy surgery is considered necessary are listed below.
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Tonsillectomy is considered necessary in adults for the following cases:
Constant throat infections
Patients with recurrent tonsil infections should consider tonsillitis. Patients with about 7 episodes of tonsillitis in one year, 5 or more episodes per year in the previous 2 years, or about 3 episodes a year in the past 3 years should consider getting a tonsillectomy for long-term relief.
Difficulty in sleeping
Obstructive sleep apnea is a common side effect of untreated tonsillitis. Tonsil enlargement blocks the airway making it harder for a person to breathe. Long-term sleep apnea can lead to mental fatigue, snoring, nightmares, high blood pressure, etc. If you have chronic insomnia or sleeping issues due to tonsillitis, you should consider a tonsillectomy.
Associated infections/tonsillitis complications
Often untreated tonsil infections can lead to infection of the surrounding tissues and cause health issues like ear infection, sinusitis, adenoiditis, etc. Moreover, these associated infections can’t be treated effectively if tonsillitis hasn’t been eliminated completely.
Halitosis
Halitosis or bad breath is often caused by food debris accumulation in the tonsil crevices in the enlarged tonsil tissues. It can be managed in the short term through gargles and other oral hygiene maintenance methods, but overall it can’t be treated without tonsil removal.
Suspicious tonsil growth
Often tonsil growths are benign and caused due to infections, however, some viruses like human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause cancerous growths on the tonsils. Medicines can’t be used to eliminate cancerous growths, and a tonsillectomy is the most recommended course of action in such cases.
Diminished quality of life
Adult tonsillectomy is the most recommended option of treatment, even in acute cases, if it's severely impacting their quality of life. Tonsil infections can make it harder for a patient to eat, breathe and sleep, which directly impacts their day-to-day life. Therefore, if a patient feels that their daily life is getting severely affected by tonsillitis, they can get a tonsillectomy even for quick relief, even in acute cases.
If you are suffering from any of the above-mentioned issues, or if you suffer from tonsillitis symptoms like pain or bleeding from the tonsils, difficulty in swallowing, etc., you should consult an expert ENT specialist near you for treatment immediately.
Read: A Complete Guide To Tonsillectomy
The tonsillectomy procedure remains similar whether it is performed in adults or children. The entire procedure takes about 30 to 45 minutes. The patient is anesthetized and moved to the operation theatre. It is generally performed under general anesthesia to avoid surgery-related trauma and complications, but in some cases, local anesthesia may be used.
Based on the patient's and doctor’s preference, the tonsils are removed using a steel blade or coblator. Following this, the patient is moved to the recovery ward for observation. Most patients recover completely within a couple of weeks and have no long-lasting complications or after-effects of the surgery. If the patient has any pain or discomfort during their recovery period, it is managed through over-the-counter painkillers, anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics.
What precautions should an adult maintain to prevent tonsillitis?
If you are susceptible to tonsillitis, you should follow the following precautionary tips to avert tonsil infections:
- Avoid contact with patients suffering from infectious diseases like sinusitis, tonsillitis, etc. Do not share any utensils with them while eating or drinking.
- Wash your hands with soap before and after meals, especially if someone near you has an infectious disease.
- Wear a face mask when going outside. Cover your mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing and seek proper treatment immediately.
If you think you have a tonsil infection, consult an ENT specialist immediately for proper treatment, as delaying the treatment can lead to unforeseen complications. You can get expert treatment for your tonsillitis from expert ENT specialists at Pristyn Care. Book an appointment right away.
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