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Tonsils are lymphatic tissues located on either side of the back of the throat. These small oval organs help protect the body from infection by catching germs and bacteria that are breathed in or swallowed.
While non-cancerous and not generally considered to be dangerous, tonsil stones can be an uncomfortable nuisance for some people, and so can a recurring sore throat be. Try the quiz to know if you should remove your tonsils or read on to get more information.
When you have recurring tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils that occurs when the body’s immune system misidentifies bacteria as a threat, causing the body to send immune cells to fight the bacteria, resulting in swelling. This swelling can be accompanied by pain and difficulty swallowing, but most people suffering from tonsillitis have high fevers and feel very sick.
Recurring tonsillitis is generally diagnosed when the infection occurs three or more times in six months. When you have recurring tonsillitis, you can expect to experience a recurring sore throat. If a doctor diagnoses you with tonsillitis, they may prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection. However, if you have recurring tonsillitis, it’s likely that bacteria will become resistant to the antibiotic.
When you have a recurring sore throat
A sore throat is a common and generally harmless symptom that many people experience during their lifetime. Sore throats are usually accompanied by a slight fever, a scratchy feeling in the throat, and the inability to speak or swallow without pain.
A sore throat can be caused by a number of different things, including a bacterial or viral infection, allergies, dry air, or even talking too much. A sore throat is often a symptom of an infection in the throat, which can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection. You can also experience a sore throat as a result of acid reflux, tonsillitis, or even a toothache. While a sore throat is uncomfortable, it is rarely serious.
Tonsil removal surgery recovery time
Tonsil removal surgery generally takes about an hour to perform, and you should be able to go home immediately after the procedure. After surgery, you will likely be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection, painkillers to manage any discomfort, and a liquid diet until the swelling in your throat goes down.
After surgery, it’s common to experience a few side effects, including a sore throat, swelling in your jaw, and difficulty swallowing.
Is tonsil removal surgery safe?
Surgery is generally safe, but like any medical procedure, it does come with risks, including bleeding, infection, and blood clots. However, the most common side effect of tonsil removal surgery is soreness in the throat.
There is also a risk that the surgery will result in long-term side effects, including a hoarse voice, chronic cough, and problems swallowing.
Keep in mind that tonsil removal surgery is not without risk. However, many people suffering from recurring tonsil stones choose to have their tonsils removed, and they say the benefits outweigh the risks of surgery.
Why is tonsil removal performed?
Tonsil stones are caused by a build-up of debris in the tonsils, particularly dead cells and debris caused by bacteria. The best way to treat tonsil stones is to remove the tonsils altogether.
Other options for reducing the amount of tonsil stones someone suffers from include reducing their size or removing them through a laser treatment. If you have recurring tonsillitis and tonsil stones, your doctor may recommend tonsil removal since antibiotics don’t always work.
Some people choose to have their tonsils removed to prevent recurring tonsillitis, while others have their tonsils removed after experiencing a tonsillitis flare-up or even contracting a bacterial infection.
Other treatment options to get rid of tonsil stones
If you have recurring tonsillitis and tonsil stones, but you do not want to have your tonsils removed, there are other treatment options to get rid of tonsil stones. These treatments can be used in conjunction with antibiotics to treat tonsillitis.
Some of these treatment options include:
- Washing your mouth out with a saltwater solution twice a day can help reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth and prevent tonsil stones.
- If you want to get rid of tonsil stones, you can use a loofah or a small brush to clean the crevices around your tonsils.
- The best way to prevent tonsil stones is to brush your teeth twice a day and avoid foods that are high in fat and/or sugar.
- Regularly cleaning your tongue with a tongue scraper can also help prevent tonsil stones. You can also use a mouthwash to help prevent tonsil stones.
Sources:
Summa Health
Mayo Clinic