Tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of inflamed tonsils. Tonsils are two oval-shaped pads of tissue at the back of the throat, one on each side of the throat. Tonsillectomy is done to treat sleeping disorders, breathing problems, and to cure frequent infections.
At Roanoke Valley ENT & Allergy, board certified Dr. Paul Lenkowski is an expert at tonsillectomy. His expertise includes ENT care for children and adults of all ages in need of tonsil removal.
When Is It Necessary
You might require tonsillectomy if you exhibit the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Painful swallowing
- Sleep apnea (sleep disorder)
- Difficulty in breathing during sleep (frequent snoring)
- Tonsillitis or swollen tonsils
- Bleeding of the tonsils
Concerns Based on Age of Patients
While you can experience tonsillitis at any age, tonsillitis is more common in children than adults. Children may experience recurrent tonsillitis and may also suffer from breathing problems during sleep.
Adults who suffer from chronic sore throat and related sleep apnea can benefit from tonsillectomy. However, the recovery can be longer compared to that of a child.
Recovery requires that the patient gets plenty of rest, sip water or eat ice pops to stay hydrated without hurting the throat. Warm, soft foods are ideal choices during early recovery. Take the medicines exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
How an ENT Decides Tonsillectomy is Necessary
Your physician will diagnose tonsillitis dependent upon your history of throat disorders after a thorough exam. If you have chronic tonsillitis, the doctor may recommend that you undergo a tonsillectomy. Symptoms post-surgery may include the following:
- Sore throat
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Tender lymph nodes in the neck
Chronic tonsillitis may trigger tonsil stones, where materials like dead cells, saliva, and food build up in the crevices of your tonsils. Eventually, the debris can harden into small stones, and they may need to be removed by a doctor.
Having your tonsils removed improves the quality of your life. That’s a life free of frequent throat infections, lesser use of medication, and comfortable sleep.
For an appointment with Dr. Lenkowski at Roanoke Valley ENT & Allergy, contact us at 540-655-1888. He will be happy to work with you to determine if tonsillectomy is the best option for your health needs.