What to Expect from a Tonsillectomy
Tonsils are the lymphoid tissue lumps found in the back of your throat. They are almond in shape, small, and normally not bothersome. However, for some people, they can cause significant problems. A tonsillectomy is performed whenever a physician recommends it because of reoccurring infections, sore throats, or if a patient has ongoing difficulty swallowing because of discomfort or inflammation. The purpose of the procedure is to completely remove the tonsils. At the office of Dr. Daniel J. Leeman, we want you to understand what relief you can expect following a tonsillectomy so you can decide if the procedure may be right for you.
Resolution of Reoccurring Infections
If you suffer from repeated infections related to your tonsils, the most direct way to end the cycle is to remove them. There are several infections, including:
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Haemophilus influenza
- Streptococcus bacterial
- Pneumococcus bacteria
Even other viruses can affect the tonsils. Reoccurring infections can cause a great deal of suffering to children and adults alike. Ear-related complications can arise as well as fever, revolving courses of antibiotics, discomfort, and loss of time from work or school. Rather than continue to fight illness regularly, removing the tonsils is an effective way to address the conditions.
Resolution of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
A lesser-known issue caused by repeated irritation and infection of the tonsils is the effect it can have on your ability to breathe while sleeping. When the tonsils are swollen because of infection or enlarged because of abnormal growth, they can create a potentially dangerous condition called obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea causes the adult or child affected to stop breathing during sleep. By removing the obstruction, the apnea can be resolved.
Improved Breath
Tonsils do have a function in the body. One of their jobs is trapping dead cells and bacteria. The cells and bacteria they collect sometimes build up in the pockets of the tonsils. The result can be an unpleasant smell. The smell can lead to taste distortion because smell and taste are connected. Bad breath is not necessarily a reason to remove one’s tonsils. However, after a tonsillectomy, one of the benefits could be a fresher mouth.
With proper visual inspection, review of your medical history, and careful medical consideration, it can be determined if you may benefit from tonsil removal. For more information on if you are a good candidate for a tonsillectomy, visit the office of Dr. Daniel J. Leeman in Austin, TX. Contact us today to book a consultation!