Our tonsils are important structures consisting of lymphoid tissue that protect us against harmful microorganisms. Overgrowth of tonsils may cause breathing difficulties. After the age of 3, its contribution to the immune system decreases. Therefore, tonsils can be removed from the age of 3. There are two tonsils, one on the right and one on the left, in the back neighborhood of our tongue. Our tonsils are important structures composed of lymphoid tissue that protect us against harmful microorganisms. Overgrowth of tonsils may cause breathing difficulties. After the age of 3, its contribution to the immune system decreases. Therefore, tonsils can be removed from the age of 3. There are two tonsils, one on the right and one on the left, in the back neighborhood of our tongue.
Tonsillitis
It is the infection of the tonsils with microorganisms. The most common bacterial infection agent is group A beta hemolytic streptococcus.
Symptoms and Findings
Tonsillitis usually manifests itself with sore throat, fever, weakness, difficulty swallowing and painful swelling in the neck (lymphadenopathy). . The disease can cause serious disability. Redness in the tonsils, rash and painful lenadenopathy in the neck are common examination findings.
Heart valve damage, joint involvement and kidney inflammation may develop due to tonsil infection. Movement disorder (Sydenham chorea) may occur, although rarely. Starting treatment early and using medication for a sufficient period of time is very important to prevent involvement of the relevant tissues. Particular care should be taken in patients with frequent febrile tonsil infections.
When the tonsils grow excessively, they can cause snoring, shortness of breath during sleep, or difficulty swallowing. It can cause breathing problems and growth retardation in children. Frequently recurring tonsil infection may cause growth in the spaces called crypts in the tonsils. Over time, foul-smelling tonsil stones may accumulate in these spaces. Speech disorder, jaw development disorder may be observed.
Exact indications of tonsillectomy (tonsillectomy):
Frequently recurring tonsil infection (more than five times a year and more than 3 times a year for two consecutive years ), difficulty in swallowing, history of abscess near the tonsil, suspicion of malignancy Removal of tonsils (tonsillectomy) is necessary in cases of difficulty breathing during sleep, lung and heart failure due to breathing difficulties, and uncontrolled tonsil bleeding.
Factors to consider before tonsillectomy:
Tonsillectomy is not recommended for people with bleeding disorders. Since the risk of bleeding will decrease 1 week after the use of aspirin and oral blood thinners (anticoagulant) drugs, surgery can be performed during this period. A patient with acute tonsillitis should have surgery after the infection has resolved because the risk of bleeding will be less. If an abscess has developed near the tonsil, tonsillectomy is recommended after the abscess is drained and the infection is resolved.
What is done in tonsillectomy surgery?
Our tonsils remain separate from the surrounding muscle tissues with a structure called capsule. Our tonsils are released and taken out through a plane between this structure called the capsule and the surrounding muscle tissue. Bleeding control is provided during the operation.
Diet after tonsillectomy:
Solid, hard, hot and acidic foods should be avoided for at least two weeks after the surgery.
For the first 2 days, consume warm and cooled liquid foods (water, milk, buttermilk, fruit juice) is recommended. Plain ice cream can be started on the 2nd day.
On the 3rd and 4th days, foods such as fruit puree, yoghurt, potato puree, pudding, pudding are recommended.
After the 5th day, semi-solid foods ( bread crumbs, pasta, soaked biscuits) can be used.
Note: For informational purposes only. Physician control is required for correct diagnosis and treatment.
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