What To Expect From Having Tonsils Removed
The tonsils are a pair of small glands found in the back of the throat. The purpose of tonsils is to house the white blood cells that help fight infections. However, in an ironic twist, tonsils can become infected by themselves. When the tonsils become infected, it is referred to as tonsillitis. Some patients who have frequent tonsillitis episodes might benefit from a tonsillectomy, which is a procedure that removes the tonsils entirely. Before getting a tonsillectomy, however, it's important to know what to expect and how to prepare. Children are more likely to need a tonsillectomy than adults, but there isn't an age limit on who can require surgery to remove their tonsils.
With this in mind, get the full details on what to expect from a tonsillectomy now.
What A Tonsillectomy Treats
A tonsillectomy is performed to remove the tonsils. Though these glands help make the white blood cells that are vital to the immune system, individuals can live without them. The most common reason a tonsillectomy is performed is to treat tonsillitis, which occurs when the tonsils become infected, leading to swelling and a sore throat. In addition, patients might have trouble swallowing, a fever, and swollen neck glands. During a medical exam, the tonsils might have a yellow or whitish coating, and the throat might be reddened. Tonsillitis isn't automatically a case for a tonsillectomy. Many of these infections either resolve on their own or can be treated with a course of antibiotics. However, if a course of antibiotics doesn't treat the infection properly, or patients experience recurring bouts of tonsillitis, they might be a good case for a tonsillectomy. There are a few other reasons this procedure may be performed as well. Sometimes breathing issues like sleep apnea are exacerbated by the tonsils, and removing them helps open up the throat and respiratory pathways.
Learn about how patients can prepare now.
How Patients Can Prepare
Tonsillectomies are rarely performed as emergency surgeries. If a patient has an antibiotic-resistant infection, though, they might not have much time to prepare. It's important to remove the tonsils before the infection spreads or otherwise becomes more serious. The good news is most patients will have a few weeks of preparation time before the surgery. Two weeks before surgery, patients will have to stop any anti-inflammatory medications, including over-the-counter pain relievers like naproxen, ibuprofen, and acetylsalicylic acid. Because these drugs have anti-clotting factors, they can increase the chances of bleeding during or following the surgery. If patients take any vitamins, herbs, or other medications regularly, they must make sure they tell their doctor about them. On the day of the tonsillectomy, patients should fast after midnight, which means not drinking or eating anything, since an empty stomach will help reduce anesthetic-related nausea. Before the surgery, patients should also set up a plan for their at-home recovery. They'll need someone to drive them home from the hospital and help around the house for a few days. Most patients plan to take about a week off school or work.
Read about how the procedure works next.