why should the tonsils me remove? and what are the consequences?

Answer 1

A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure in which the tonsils are removed. Sometimes the adenoids are removed at the same time.

Tonsillectomy may be indicated when the patient:

Experiences frequent bouts of acute tonsillitis. The number indicating tonsillectomy varies with the severity of the episodes. One case, even severe, is generally not enough for most surgeons to decide tonsillectomy is indicated.
Has chronic tonsillitis, consisting of persistent, moderate-to-severe throat pain.
Has multiple bouts of peritonsillar abscess.
Has sleep apnea (stopping or obstructing breathing at night due to enlarged tonsils or adenoids)
Difficulty eating or swallowing due to enlarged tonsils
Is suspected of having cancer.
Most infections indicating tonsillectomy are a result of Streptococcus infection ("strep throat"), but some may be due to other bacilli, such as Staphylococcus, or viruses. However, the etiology of the condition is largely irrelevant in determining whether tonsillectomy is indicated. [1]

Most tonsillectomies are performed on children, though many are also performed on teenagers and adults. There has been a significant reduction in the number of tonsillectomies in the United States from several millions in the 1970s to approximately 600,000 in the late 1990s. This has been due in part to more stringent guidelines for tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (see tonsillitis and adenoid). Still, debate about the usefulness of tonsillectomies continues. Not surprisingly, the otolaryngology literature is usually pro-tonsillectomy and the pediatrician literature is the opposing view.[citation needed] Enlarged tonsils are being removed more often among adults and children for sleep apnea (airway obstruction while sleeping), snoring, and upper airway obstruction. Children who have sleep apnea can do poorly in school, are tired and fatigued during the day, and have some links to ADHD. [2][3]

Tonsillectomy in adults is perhaps more painful than in children, though everyone's experience is different. Post-operative recovery may take 10-20 days, during which narcotic analgesics are typically prescribed. A diet of soft food (e.g. pudding, eggs, soft noodles, soup, etc.) is recommended to minimize pain and the risk of bleeding; the duration of diet restriction varies from patient to patient and may last from several days to two weeks or more. Proper hydration is also very important during this time, since dehydration can increase throat pain, leading to a vicious cycle of poor fluid intake. At some point, most commonly 7-11 days after the surgery (but occasionally as long as two weeks after), bleeding may occur when scabs begin sloughing off from the surgical sites. The overall risk of bleeding is approximately 1-2% higher in adults. [4] Approximately 10% of adult patients develop significant bleeding at this time. The bleeding may quickly stop naturally, or via mild intervention (e.g. gargling cold water). Otherwise, a surgeon must repair the bleeding immediately by cauterization, which presents all the risks associated with emergency surgery (most having to do with the administration of anesthesia on a patient whose stomach is not empty). There are several different procedures available to remove tonsils, each with different advantages and disadvantages. In children and teenagers it may be the case that there is a noticeable change in voice [5] after the operation

Ear pain: Many children will complain of ear aches after tonsillectomy. This is caused by pain coming from throat and not the ears. Give pain medications and encourage liquid intake.
Fever: Many patients have a low-grade fever after tonsillectomy - up to 101.5 degrees (380 C.). Give Tylenol and plenty of fluids. Higher prolonged fever should be reported to your surgeon.
Bad looking (and bad smelling) throat: Most tonsillar areas (after surgery) are covered with a white exudate - sometimes with bad breath - for up to 12 days. There be some redness and swelling as well. The uvula (the thing hanging down in the middle) is occasionally swollen.

Answer 2

Well you should include more info. in your question. For instance how old are you (assuming you are the person who needs there tonsils removed). Why do you need them removed? Is it from recurring infections? Or enlarged tonsils that are causing loud snoring or sleep apnea related problems? If you are a child, the recovery time from tonsillectomy is short and not too much bad side effects. If you are an adult, recovery usually is complete within 10 days however your pain will be extremely high. So don't do the surgery unless you must. There will be no long term after affects from having them removed. I just had this procedure done, so if you have any other questions feel free to email.

Answer 3

Insight Into Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy

Tonsils and adenoids are masses of tissue that are similar to the lymph nodes or "glands" found in the neck, groin, and armpits. Tonsils are the two masses on the back of the throat. Adenoids are high in the throat behind the nose and the roof of the mouth (soft palate) and are not visible through the mouth without special instruments.

Tonsils and adenoids are near the entrance to the breathing passages where they can catch incoming germs, which cause infections. They "sample" bacteria and viruses and can become infected themselves. Scientists believe they work as part of the body's immune system by filtering germs that attempt to invade the body, and that they help to develop antibodies to germs.

This happens primarily during the first few years of life, becoming less important as we get older. Children who must have their tonsils and adenoids removed suffer no loss in their resistance.

for more detail look at the link

Answer 4

If you have repeated infections, it might be better for you to have them removed, however, I had mine taken out a 7 months ago and I can still feel something unpleasant in my throat when I yawn. It is not recommended for adults as it is extremely painful for them (a lot more than for kids). To give you an idea, I went through 2 knee surgeries and it was painful but nothing compared t the tonsillectomy.

Answer 5

In previous days Physicians cautioned to do away with tonsils to avert swelling of it. mutually as swollen it created uneasiness in eating. yet, now they propose against eliminating it. Tonsil (it somewhat is gland) acts as a sentry that block infections in abdomen & different inner organs of the physique. mutually as battling it gets swollen which could be taken care of particularly.

Answer 6

I AM 32 AND JUST HAD MINE REMOVED IN JUNE. WELL THE PAIN SUCKED AND I DIDNT GET TO EAT FOR A WEEK WHICH HELPED WITH WEIGHT LOSS. LOL. I HAVE BEEN FEELING SUPER GREAT SINCE THEN I HAVE CAUGHT A COLD BUT GOT OVER IT IN A WEEK WHERE BEFORE IT WOULD TAKE 2 TO 3 WEEKS AND I WOULDNT BE ABLE TO BREATHE OR SWALLOW. AND I WAS SICK AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH IT WAS AWFUL. GLAD I DID IT.

Answer 7

Ive had mine out since i was 5 if you have tonsillitis and your fever keeps going up then they take them out