How do you know if you need to get your tonsils out?

Question

Mine always seem swollen. I have crappy insurance so I have bad docs and they always say" It's a respiratory infection" without even doing any tests. Then they prescribe antibiotics that dont even work. It's been over a year now, and I kinda give up on traditional medicine. I just got another cold, and my throat is swollen again, and I'm all clogged up. I'd like to not have to get my tonsils out if possible, but I dont know how to tell.

Answer 1

I had mine removed when I was about 23 years old. I had a history of strep throat, and they should have been taken out when I was a lot younger,because then I developed tonsilloliths. If you can basically show that you've had a history, or find a Dr to give you a referral to an ear, nose, and throat specialist in your network, they would be able to help you get them out if you insist you've had a history of serious discomfort. I had strep throat about once a month... that's the type of serious discomfort I'm talking about. If it happens seasonally for you, they may prescribe antihistamines for you to take to see if that helps before deciding to have you go into surgery to take them out.
It's an interesting experience, and I have yet to be sick since having them taken out -- and I'm asthmatic on top of it. So you may very well want to buck up and pressure someone to start listening to your problems concerning your tonsils, but trying antihistamines out first might help if you're not dealing with strep throat problems or tonsilloliths.

You might want to check out this site :
http://www.pedisurg.com/PtEducENT/tonsils.htm

Good luck!

Answer 2

If your tonsils are diseased the doctor will suggest an operation, they should have green or big yellow spots on them. See another doctor and asked for an ear, nose and throat specialist.