5 Signs You Should Consider a Tonsillectomy

Tonsils are part of your body’s lymphatic system and help your body fight off infections. Unfortunately, this means they’re also on the front lines when bacteria or a virus comes calling, and they can become seriously inflamed or even infected. So how do you know when you need a tonsillectomy? 

South Louisiana Ear, Nose, Throat & Facial Plastics (SLENT) has locations in Mandeville, Slidell, and Hammond, Louisiana. Our team can treat cases of tonsillitis, and we can also let you know if it’s time to consider having your tonsils removed completely.

Tonsillitis basics

At the back of your throat are two lymphatic masses known as your tonsils. You can see them if you open your mouth widely enough, sitting at the back of your throat like the sentries they are, ready to alert your body of incoming danger.   

If a viral or bacterial infection inflames your tonsils, you have tonsillitis. Common symptoms of tonsillitis include: 

• Swollen, red tonsils
• White, yellow, or green spots on the surface of your tonsils 
• Tenderness in your throat and jaw
• A hard time swallowing
• Dry mouth
• Headache 
• Fever 

Most cases of tonsillitis are minor. If they’re caused by a virus, they usually go away on their own. Tonsillitis caused by a bacterial infection can be treated with antibiotics.

5 signs you should consider a tonsillectomy 

Most people who get a tonsillectomy these days suffer from repeated, severe bouts of tonsillitis or have developed additional problems. Here are five reasons you may want to consider a tonsillectomy. 

1. A peritonsillar abscess 

If a tonsil infection isn’t treated, you can end up with infection in the surrounding tissue. The most common kind of secondary infection is a peritonsillar abscess, which can grow big enough to cause a pus-filled sac that acts as a blockage in your throat. This pus must be drained before your tonsils can be removed. 

2. Chronic bad breath

If you have frequent bouts of tonsillitis and constant bad breath, your tonsils could be to blame, because the “tonsil crypt” is the perfect environment for anaerobic bacteria to multiply. Check with your doctor to see if your halitosis could be tonsil-related. 

3. Sleep apnea

Chronically inflamed or enlarged tonsils can cause sleep apnea, which causes the soft tissues in the back of your throat to relax when you’re sleeping, blocking your airway. Your body automatically jerks after around ten seconds without oxygen, tightening the muscles and opening your airway, without you even waking up.

However, you won’t get restful sleep, and daytime fatigue can be dangerous, especially when driving. A tonsillectomy may rectify your sleep apnea.

4. Treatment-resistant tonsillitis 

If your tonsillitis episodes are very difficult to treat, lasting a long time and not responding to multiple treatments, a tonsillectomy may be the best way to deal with the situation permanently. 

5. Chronic (frequently recurring) tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is considered chronic if you have:

• Three cases per year across three subsequent years 
• Five cases a year across two subsequent years
• Seven (or more) cases of tonsillitis in a single year 

Frequent cases of tonsillitis indicate that you may have underlying inflammation that never completely goes away, which is a good reason to have your tonsils removed.

You can find out if a tonsillectomy is right for you by consulting with our team at SLENT. Get in touch by calling any of our locations, or visit the contact page for more information.