What is Tonsillectomy and its recovery process? Sore throat attributes to various illnesses. There is no one specific illness attached to a sore throat. But if your sore throat is coupled with pain or difficulty in swallowing, red or swollen tonsils, white or yellow coating or spots on tonsils, then you might be having what is called tonsillitis.
Tonsillitis: In simple terms, Tonsillitis is defined as the inflammation of the tonsils. Tonsils are two oval-shaped pads of tissue situated at the back of the throat. Tonsillitis is a viral infection, which can also be caused by bacterial infection. Streptococcus pyogenes is a bacterium that causes tonsillitis most commonly. Adenoviruses, Influenza virus, Epstein-Barr virus, Parainfluenza viruses, Enteroviruses, and Herpes Simplex Virus will also lead to tonsillitis. Further, it is said that tonsillitis is contagious and can easily spread from person to person. Tonsillitis can be also caused by secondary illnesses. In these cases, tonsillitis is not contagious. The most common ways to spread tonsillitis are through coughing, sneezing, kissing or staying in close contact with the infected person. Genetic factors do have a role to play in tonsillitis. However, there are proofs suggesting that tonsillitis is hereditary. Tonsillectomy, as the name suggests is a surgery conducted to remove tonsils.
Diagnosis of Tonsillitis: The diagnosis of tonsillitis is done in the throat. A throat culture might be obtained by swabbing the back of the throat. At times, blood samples to identify viral or bacterial infection will be taken. Checking for enlarged glands (lymph nodes) by gently touching your child's neck might also be done. Using a lighted instrument, your kid’s throat will be seen to check for the white or yellow coating or spots on the tonsils. The ear and nose are also examined as they are prone to infection as well. Antibiotics are the most commonly prescribed medicines by doctors. Penicillin, in most cases, should be taken for 10 consecutive days if tonsillitis is caused by Group A, streptococcus. If the patient is allergic to penicillin, then alternatives are suggested. At times, tonsillitis heals by consuming plenty of fluids. Tonsillectomy & its types: Tonsillitis treatment includes surgery as well. If the patient is facing, • Difficulty in breathing during sleep, which might sound like snoring. • Recurrent throat infections with swollen tonsils Surgery is conducted. Through tonsillectomy, tonsils, present in the throat on each side are removed. This surgery causes mild pain. Electrocautery, Cold Knife (Steel) Dissection, and Harmonic Scalpel are the different ways through which the surgery is conducted. It can also be removed through radiofrequency ablation techniques, carbon dioxide lasers, Microdebriders etc., Tonsillectomy for teenagers or kids is classified into two types. 1. Traditional Tonsillectomy 2. Intracapsular Tonsillectomy In traditional tonsillectomy, both the tonsils are removed. In intracapsular tonsillectomy, only the affected tonsil tissues are removed. Recovery after surgery: Usually, the recovery period takes 10 days to two weeks. Post-surgery one might have a sore throat. There are chances of experiencing pain in the jaw, ears, or neck. Sipping water or taking ice pops helps you to stay hydrated without hurting the throat. It is preferred to avoid spicy foods until recovered. Snoring after the
surgery for one or two weeks is expected. If you have signs of fever after the surgery, contact the doctor. This applies if you have bleeding or breathing problems. Tonsil Stones: Tonsil stones or tonsilloliths are other issues related to tonsils. It is different from tonsillitis. Tonsil stones are composed of bacteria and debris that have built up in the crevices of your tonsils. The symptoms of tonsil stones include bad breath (halitosis), cough, earache, sore throat, and bad taste in your mouth. You might even spit small white or yellow stones. People who have been having tonsillitis are likely to get tonsil stones. In such cases, tonsil stones can be prevented only through the removal of tonsils. Tonsil stones can be avoided with good oral hygiene. To protect particles from being lodged in your tonsils and to eliminate bacteria, brush and floss your teeth often. Gargling after meals can help stop food accumulation. Though tonsillitis does not cause a severe, long-lasting health problem it is essential to consult an ENT specialist at an early stage itself. If you are searching for an Ent specialist in Coimbatore, visit Vikram ENT, for all the ear, nose and throat problems. We are here to provide you with the best treatment at affordable prices.