Tonsils are two oval-shaped pads of tissue located at the back of your throat, one on each side. They are part of your immune system, filtering out germs that enter your body and containing white blood cells that help fight infection. A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove these tonsils. Tonsil removal is a medical procedure performed based on specific health criteria rather than just personal preference.
Reasons for Tonsil Removal
Recurrent tonsillitis, an infection causing swelling and a sore throat, is a common reason for tonsil removal. Medical guidelines consider tonsillitis recurrent if a person experiences seven or more episodes in one year, five or more episodes a year for two consecutive years, or three or more episodes a year for three consecutive years. These frequent infections can significantly affect a person’s quality of life, leading to missed school or work days.
Enlarged tonsils can also cause breathing problems, particularly during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea, where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, is a common issue addressed by tonsillectomy, especially in children. This occurs when enlarged tonsils block the airway, leading to disrupted sleep and potential health concerns. Less common but serious reasons for tonsillectomy include a peritonsillar abscess not responding to other treatments, or chronic tonsillitis persisting despite antibiotic therapy.
The Evaluation Process
The process begins with a consultation with your primary care physician. During this visit, your doctor will discuss your symptoms, review your medical history, and perform a physical examination. This assessment helps determine if your symptoms align with common indications for tonsil removal.
Your primary care physician will then refer you to an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist, also known as an otolaryngologist. The ENT specialist will conduct a thorough examination of your throat and tonsils. They will also review your medical history, focusing on the frequency and severity of your tonsil-related issues, such as recurrent infections or sleep-disordered breathing. The ENT specialist uses established medical criteria and clinical judgment to determine if a tonsillectomy is the appropriate course of action.
What to Consider Before Surgery
Before tonsil surgery, patients and doctors weigh several factors. Risks of a tonsillectomy include bleeding, pain during recovery, and a low risk of infection. There are also general anesthetic risks, such as headache, nausea, or muscle soreness, though serious complications are rare.
Alternatives to surgery are also considered. For recurrent infections, prolonged antibiotics may be attempted, or watchful waiting may be advised, particularly if the frequency of infections decreases over time. For mild sleep-disordered breathing, lifestyle changes or other non-surgical interventions may be explored. The decision to proceed with a tonsillectomy is a shared one, involving discussion between the patient and medical professional, balancing benefits against risks and exploring all options.