The tonsils and adenoids are part of the lymphatic system and serve as defenders of the immune system protecting your body by preventing germs and bacteria from entering through your mouth and nose. Occasionally, they will develop problems themselves requiring the attention of an ENT specialist.
Tonsil Problems
The tonsils (located in the back of the throat) protect the body from illness, but sometimes fall prey themselves.
Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils that causes soreness and swelling. Affected tonsils appear red and may have white or yellow spots. Symptoms include sore throat, fever, bad breath, ear pain, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and difficulty swallowing. Surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) was a common practice in the past, but nowadays doctors prefer to treat the condition with antibiotics first. If a patient is subject to chronic tonsillitis, a tonsillectomy (and often an adenoidectomy, as well) may be recommended.
Enlarged tonsils and adenoids are another problem; they block the airways and cause soreness, ear infections, and breathing difficulties. Side effects include runny nose, snoring, and sleep apnea. Steroid treatment is sometimes helpful, but in many cases enlarged tonsils need to be removed surgically.
Recovering from Surgery
If surgery is required to remove the tonsils, recovery usually takes 7-10 days. The following steps are recommended to make it as painless and smooth as possible:
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- A soft diet is recommended initially.
- Increase activity slowly.
- Take pain medication as prescribed.
Keep in mind that scabs will form where the tonsils were removed. These should fall off 5-10 days after surgery. There should not be any bleeding other than a little spotting in the saliva. If bright red blood is seen, contact a physician immediately.
If you or someone you care for is experiencing problems their tonsils, please contact our office at (717) 728-9700 to schedule an appointment.
