Tanner Health System MyChart


  • Home
  • When Is It Time to Take Out Your Tonsils?

When Is It Time to Take Out Your Tonsils?

For some — especially children — getting their tonsils removed brings thoughts of eating all the ice cream they want. They can be almost giddy about the possibility of surgery. But when is the right time to have the tonsils removed?

What is a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy?

A tonsillectomy is the removal of the two oval-shaped pads located at the back of the throat. An adenoidectomy is the removal of adenoids — two small lumps of tissue at the back of the nose and the top of the mouth.

While these surgeries can be performed separately, they are often performed together.

Why might a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy be right for you or your child?

These two surgeries are most often performed on children, but they can be performed on adults as well. When deciding the right course of treatment, your healthcare provider will help you make the decision that is best for you or your child.

While there is not a universally set criteria of symptoms that determine if these surgeries are needed, they are most often recommended for the following for several reasons.

A tonsillectomy might be recommended for the following:

  • Recurring throat infections. This is usually seven more infections in a one-year period, five or more infections in a two-year period or three or more infections in a three-year period. Throat infections are usually identified when there is a sore throat accompanied by fever, swollen neck glands, drainage from the tonsils or a positive step tests.

If you or your child has recurring throat infections and any of the following, a tonsillectomy might be advised:

  • Antibiotic issues. If you or your child cannot take or are allergic to antibiotics — but have frequent throat infections — a tonsillectomy may be recommended.
  • Episodes of fever, sores in the mouth, swollen neck glands or sore throat.
  • An infected area near the tonsils.

A tonsillectomy also may be the right treatment if the tonsils are large, causing trouble breathing through the nose or difficulty swallowing. Abnormal breathing while sleeping may also be a reason for a tonsillectomy.

An adenoidectomy may be recommended for:

  • Long-term sinus infections.
  • Recurring middle ear infections.
  • Chronic middle ear infections with fluid and the patient already has tubes in place.

What is the recovery for a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy?

Both surgeries are usually completed as an out-patient procedure and take about 30 to 45 minutes to complete.

Patients should expect to have normal post-operative discomfort and will be given medication for pain. The throat will be extremely sore for the first two days and some pain may last up to two-weeks.

Post-operative care tips include:

  • Drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Avoid milk, orange juice or other acidic citrus juices.
  • Take pain medication as directed.
  • Eat soft, warm food. Avoid hard or spicy foods.
  • Get plenty of rest. If your child feels like being active, that is generally allowed but refrain from hard or rough play.
  • Avoid contact with any who has a cold or other respiratory infection.

For more information visit healthlibrary.tanner.org.

Children's Health Care, Family Health Care




0 Comment(s) so far | Skip to comment form



Name:
Email:
Address Line 1:
Address Line 2:
City:
State:
Zip:
Comments:
 

keyboard_arrow_up