When do tonsils need removed

But how do doctors get the tonsils out of your throat? Will it hurt? And what exactly do tonsils do back there?

Let's find out. The night before surgery, you won't be allowed to eat or drink anything after dinner — not even water. That's because your stomach must be empty for surgery.

You'll also pack your suitcase if you're staying overnight in the hospital and bring anything you want to have with you. If you have a special stuffed animal or blanket, bring it. It's nice to have something that reminds you of home when you're in the hospital.

You'll probably go to the hospital on the day of your surgery. You'll check in and get a plastic bracelet that has your name on it. Then, you'll meet the nurses and other hospital staff who will take care of you. Your mom and dad can stay with you. Tonsil infections can be mistaken for sore throats or colds. However, these swollen pieces of tissue can cause some long-term discomfort if ignored. Look for the signs that are common with infection and see a doctor right away.

The doctor may try some non-surgical treatment first, but a tonsillectomy may be the best course of action. What are your tonsils?

Look for constant throat infections. Do you have trouble sleeping? Time for a tonsillectomy Adult tonsillectomies are similar to the procedure thousands of children have every year. Follow the signs to your doctor Tonsil infections can be mistaken for sore throats or colds. Related Posts. Let's learn more about a few signs that your sore throat could be something more serious like tonsillitis; when that tonsillitis might warrant having your tonsils removed, and how to recover after a tonsillectomy.

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Tonsillitis in and of itself is not contagious but the illness causing the inflamed tonsil is. Common infections that cause tonsillitis are strep throat, influenza, and mono Epstein-Barr virus.

However, not everyone with those illnesses develop tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is actually a very common issue and does not require a tonsillectomy in most case. The tonsillitis itself is treated by treating the illness that is causing it. For example, if your tonsillitis is caused by strep throat—a bacterial infection—your doctor will prescribe you an antibiotic and plenty of rest.

However, if you are experiencing frequent bouts of strep throat or other viruses that are causing repeated cases of tonsillitis, your doctor will most likely recommend a tonsillectomy. The frequency of tonsillectomies or tonsillectomies combined with adenoidectomies has slowly been increasing over the past 40 years.

However, the reasons for performing the surgeries have been changing. Few absolute criteria for tonsillectomy exist other than blockage severe enough to cause a lack of oxygen in the body and cardiopulmonary changes. The following may indicate the need for a tonsillectomy:. The child has a severe sore throat seven times in one year, or five in each of two years, or three in each of three years.

The child has a throat infection severe enough to cause an abscess, or an area of pus and swelling, behind the tonsils. As with all elective surgeries, the risks of surgery, including the risks of general anesthesia, hemorrhage, postoperative nausea and vomiting, as well as school absence for the child and work absence for the parent, must be weighed against the benefits.