A tonsillectomy is the removal of tonsils by surgery. It is done to treat problems while sleeping and to cure various tonsil related infections. This blog will discuss some facts you should know about tonsillectomy.
What is Tonsillectomy, and Why is This Procedure Done?
This procedure removes the tonsils, which are located at the back of your throat. Tonsils are part of the immune system, but removing them is fine as they do not decrease the immune response to an infection. The need to remove the tonsils is not related to age. Tonsil removal has benefitted both the young and adults.
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There are few reasons to remove tonsils if they create problems or are infected severely. The two most common reasons why people prefer to remove infected tonsils are:
- Tonsils, when infected, cause trouble in breathing when sleeping. This leads to frequent snoring, which can become painful over time.
- There is a high chance of getting a throat infection.
- Swollen tonsils result in severe throat pain, making it difficult to eat or drink.
These are a few reasons that people tend to go for tonsillectomy.
The Procedure of Tonsillectomy
There are some methods through which tonsillectomy is carried out.
- The most common method is the dissection of tonsils with a scalpel (known as cold knife dissection). In this method, the surgeon removes your tonsils with a steel knife.
- Cauterization or Electrocautery is another method to remove tonsils. In this method, the surgeon burns away the tissues.
- In some tonsillectomy procedures, ultrasonic waves, radiofrequency ablation, and microdebrider remove tonsils.
These are a few tonsillectomy procedures that surgeons use to remove the tonsils. The best ENT specialist chooses which method depending on the patient’s suitability. The surgery usually takes 20 to 30 minutes and is performed on the patient using general anesthesia so that the patient won’t feel any pain.
Home Remedies
Some people avoid tonsillectomy and prefer home remedies to treat infected tonsils and get comfort.
Some home remedies are:
- Drinking plenty of fluids.
- Intake of cold foods.
- Use of a humidifier to moisten the air in your home.
- Gargling with warm salt water comforts your throat and reduces pain and irritation.
- Painkillers like Ibuprofen relieves pain and reduce inflammation.
- Quitting smoking.
These are some home remedies, but these remedies won’t work in severe cases where a tonsillectomy is absolutely necessary.
How Long is the Healing Process?
The healing process differs from person to person. The age factor and severity usually decide the healing process.
- There is a chance of bleeding in the initial days post surgery.
- There is a discoloration near the area of tonsillectomy. It gets better after healing entirely in 3 to 4 weeks.
- It is better to stay at home for at least 2 weeks to avoid any mishap.
- Patients should take medicine as prescribed by their doctor.
- The patient should contact their doctor in case of excessive bleeding, fever or pain.
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Contact the Best ENT Doctor in NYC for a Tonsillectomy
Some people think that they can treat infected tonsils at home. Sometimes this is true, but for severe conditions, it is better to get a tonsillectomy by a professional like Dr. Michael C. Burnett at Ear, Nose & Throat of New York.
Reach out to us now to get the services from our ENT specialist, and relive your throat issues.
Dr. Michael C. Burnett
115 East 57th Street
Suite 600
New York, NY 10022
212-867-4813
