Tonsils are a type of lymph nodes located on both sides of the oral cavity. Although they are one of the body's defensive tissues, in some cases they begin to cause harm rather than benefit to the patient. Tonsillitis is a common disease in children. Patients often have a rapid onset of severe sore throat along with fever, sweating and chills. Severe sore throat causes the patient to have difficulty swallowing. Depending on the type of infection, there may also be painful swelling in the lymph nodes in the neck. General weakness, feeling unwell and muscle aches can be observed depending on the severity of the disease.
Most tonsillitis can resolve on its own. However, from time to time it may cause abscess in the throat, neck abscess and infection mixing with the blood. If the bacteria that cause inflammation in the tonsils is of the beta group, it can cause acute rheumatic fever and kidney diseases (glomerulonephritis) if left untreated.
The treatment of tonsillitis is supportive treatment if the causative agent is a virus. Patients whose inflammation is thought to be caused by beta group bacteria must complete a 10-day antibiotic treatment. In addition to antibiotics, supportive treatment should include antipyretics and ensure that the patient drinks plenty of fluids. The patient experiences relief 3 days after the start of treatment.
Tonsil surgery should be performed only when necessary. The conditions under which tonsils should be removed are clearly defined. The decision for tonsillectomy should only be made if the following conditions exist.
WHEN SHOULD THE DECISION TO REMOVE TONSILLS BE MADE
If the patient has frequently recurring tonsil infection.
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5-6 times a year
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5 times a year for 2 years
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3 times a year for 3 years
When the tonsils become too large, they come into contact with each other. In this case, they should be removed if they become obstructive in terms of breathing and nutrition.
If very enlarged tonsils cause apnea during sleep, they should be removed.
If one of the tonsils is normal in size and the other one is rapidly growing in size, It may need to be taken for diagnostic purposes and sent to pathology to eliminate the suspicion of tumor.
It should be removed if the tonsillitis has gone beyond the borders of the tonsil and caused an abscess in the throat, including its surroundings.
Although it is not necessary to remove the tonsils in the following cases, they should be removed to improve the patient's quality of life.
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Disturbing bad breath due to frequent tonsillitis,
Accumulation of white residues (tonsil stones) in the tonsils,
Snoring,
Growing tonsils cause difficulty in swallowing and speaking,
Beta group bacterial carrier (especially in those with heart and joint rheumatism),
If the cause is frequent tonsillitis in a child who has seizures due to high fever.
Children. They do not get sick more often because their tonsils are removed; Because other lymph node tissues that function like tonsils in the body can perform the same functions adequately. Every event, no matter how simple it may seem, is worrying for you and your child. Your physician can help you prepare for the surgery by telling you what to expect.
The best decision is the one made as a result of the physician's examination.
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