Everything You Need To Know About A Tonsillectomy
People always say “health is wealth,” and no other statement could ever ring more true. We have one life to live, and if we care about it, we need to take care of ourselves. Unfortunately, life throws us curve balls in the health department; we all get sick from time to time. One ailment some of us struggle with is tonsillitis. It’s an illness that can affect a variety of ages and can cause significant problems for their well-being and health. If you are having issues with your tonsils, the experts at the office of Dr. Daniel J Leeman in Austin, TX can assist you with a tonsillectomy.
What Is Tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils, which reside in the back of your throat. The tonsils help to fight infection, but sometimes, they run into problems themselves. Infection of the tonsils can cause many health issues including trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, ear infections, and sleep apnea. Tonsillitis is most common among young children, but in adults, sometimes enlarged tonsils can cause frequent sore throats. Doctors will sometimes recommend surgery to have your tonsils removed if you have recurring health problems caused by them.
Who Is A Good Candidate For A Tonsillectomy?
You may want to consider having a tonsillectomy if you have pauses in your breathing while you are sleeping or have frequent tonsil infections (four or more per year). In general, if they affect your health in negative ways, you would probably be better without them. This can include cancer of the tonsils, bacterial tonsils don’t heal even with antibiotics, and tonsillar abscesses that drug treatment cannot solve.
Who Is Not A Good Candidate?
On the contrary, tonsillectomy just isn’t appropriate for some people. First and foremost, if they are not causing significant problems, there is no reason to remove them. Tonsils that are only infected on occasion (less than four times a year) do not warrant removal. In addition, if you suffer from any factors that can complicate surgery, it might not be right for you. These can include an intolerance to anesthesia, oral conditions that limit access to the tonsils, or chronic illnesses.
What Is The Procedure Like?
A tonsillectomy begins with a physician administering an anesthetic. You will be asleep during the entire surgery, making it an easy experience. Using the various tools provided to them, they will shrink or completely remove the tonsils. The whole process takes around 30 minutes, and after you are stabilized, you will be permitted to go home. This is a very minor procedure that has a 1-2 week recovery process.
Schedule Your Consultation!
There are many people who have had their tonsils removed and do not regret the decision to do so. If you are a parent with children who have issues with theirs, it may be best to take them to a doctor to have them checked out. Even if you are an adult who struggles with them, you may feel that your quality of life is better without them. In any case, if you have any questions about tonsillectomy, contact the office of Dr. Daniel J Leeman in Austin, TX to schedule your initial consultation today.