Why would palatine tonsils be removed

The tonsils typically shrink with age; but for some people, this does not happen. As a result, the tonsils can become overwhelmed and infected. While tonsil infections are generally harmless, there are 3 unmistakable signs that a person needs a tonsillectomy.

Tonsils become infected from exposure to excess bacteria or viruses, commonly called tonsilitis. The result is swelling, inflammation, soreness, and pain. Most infections go away with antibiotics and similar medications. For some adults, tonsilitis can become chronic. If the infection happens 5 or more times a year, the doctor will propose removing the tonsils. The swollen tonsils can cause sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can happen if something blocks the upper airway during sleep.

As a result, some people stop breathing, start snoring or wake up gasping for breath. Long-term sleep apnea could lead to fatigue, restlessness, and even high blood pressure.

If a doctor suspects the swollen tonsils can affect sleep and overall health, a tonsillectomy may help. Certain viruses, like human papillomavirus HPV , can leave masses on the tonsils that may be cancerous.

Rarely, bleeding might happen during the surgery, right after it, or up to 2 weeks later. Call the doctor right away if your child coughs up, throws up, or spits out bright red blood or blood clots. Doctors might need to do another procedure to stop the bleeding.

Kids should rest at home for a few days following surgery and take it easy for a couple of weeks. They can return to school or childcare when they can eat normally, are sleeping well, and don't need pain medicine.

Offer plenty to drink, and soft foods like pudding, soup, gelatin, or mashed potatoes until your child is ready for solid foods. Kids should avoid blowing their nose for 2 weeks after surgery, as well as any rough playing or contact sports. Call the doctor right away if your child vomits blood or something that looks like coffee grounds, or has trouble breathing. After tonsillectomy, kids can still get colds, sore throats, and throat infections.

They won't get tonsillitis unless the tonsils grow back, which is uncommon. Even though the tonsils are part of the immune system, removing them doesn't affect the body's ability to fight infections.

The immune system has many other ways to fight germs. Reviewed by: Patrick C. Barth, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is a Tonsillectomy? Why Are Tonsillectomies Done? Kids usually have a tonsillectomy because: Their tonsils are so big they block the airway and make it hard to breathe.

Swollen tonsils can make it hard to breathe, especially during sleep. Brand Logo. All rights reserved. Terms Of Use. Privacy Policy. About Our Ads. Children's Privacy Policy. Sign up now. Search Box Clear.

Want more tips and offers sent directly to your inbox? Products Categories Goals Brands. Our Commitment Our Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program brings oral health education to more than half a billion children around the world. Learn more about our commitment to oral health education.

Lingual Tonsils and Your Immune System. Top Articles. What Are Tonsils? Potential Issues with Your Lingual Tonsils Tonsillectomy of the Palatine Tonsils The Mayo Clinic defines tonsillitis as an inflammation of the tonsils typically caused by a virus, but it can also be bacterial in nature. Signs of lingual tonsillitis include the following: Difficulty swallowing A severe sore throat Tenderness around the hyoid bone You'll need a laryngoscopy to determine if you or your child has lingual tonsillitis.

Lingual Tonsillar Hypertrophy A study published in Clinical Case Reports discusses lingual tonsillar hypertrophy, or swollen lingual tonsils, and its unique mix of symptoms.

When to Have Lingual Tonsils Removed Although your lingual tonsils may have helped your body fight off infections when you were a young child, when your tonsils themselves become frequently infected, it may be time for their removal.

Was this article helpful? Like Neutral. You also might like.