What are Tonsils?
Tonsils are lymph tissues, one of the most important parts of the immune system, located at the back of the tongue on both sides of the throat, preventing airborne bacteria and infections from entering the body through the mouth. These lymph tissues, called tonsils in the medical literature, are visible when viewed from inside the mouth.
What are the symptoms of tonsillitis?
- A severe sore throat
- Fever, sweating, chills
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Weakness, malaise, feeling of weakness
- Earache
- Bad breath
- Voice changes
- Pain in joints
- Red and swollen tonsils appear
- Nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, which are more common in children
Why Does Tonsillitis Occur?
Although the duty of the tonsils is to protect the bacteria that enter our body, some microorganisms that enter the body can further multiply in the tonsils and cause inflammation on the tonsils. We mostly encounter this condition, which manifests itself in conditions such as enlargement, redness and swelling of the tonsils, in children. It manifests itself more clearly with various viral infections, especially during the winter months. In addition, group A beta hemolytic streptococcus, also known as Beta microbe, is a microbe that manifests itself especially in children and causes tonsillitis. With beta microbes, children may experience headaches and abdominal pain, increased fever, and yellow and white inflammations on the tonsils. Although tonsillitis is more common in children, it is also a condition that we encounter in young people and adults.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Tonsillitis
The diagnosis of tonsillitis is made with various throat cultures and blood tests, as well as a physical examination by an ear, nose and throat specialist. With this examination, an appropriate treatment method is created. Tonsillitis can often resolve on its own. However, if the cause of tonsillitis is Beta microbe, it can cause acute rheumatic fever (heart rheumatism) and glomerulonephritis (kidney disease) if left untreated. Therefore, the cause of tonsillitis should be thoroughly investigated and a correct treatment method should be applied. The most commonly used treatment method in the treatment of tonsils is ant. is the use of ibiotics. However, frequent use of antibiotics brings with it many side effects and also causes the body to become immune to the antibiotic and its therapeutic properties disappear. During this process, antipyretics and painkillers prescribed by your doctor may also be used. In addition, paying attention to oral and throat hygiene, resting and consuming plenty of fluids is recommended by your doctor.
In Which Situation Is Tonsillectomy Required?
In case the tonsils reach a size that blocks the airway, in cases of frequently recurring tonsillitis due to frequent infection, When the use of antibiotics causes some side effects, if tonsil infection causes heart and rheumatic diseases, if it causes jaw joint disorders and speech disorders, and if growth retardation occurs especially in children, then some interventions can be performed to surgically remove the tonsils. Post-Surgery Process
In the post-operative period, children's recovery time is faster than adults. After the surgery, patients are prohibited from eating solid food for 10 days. Patients are recommended a watery and cold diet during this period. Our pediatric patients are particularly pleased to be asked to increase their ice cream consumption during this period. Because cold foods reduce the risk of bleeding by causing the vessels to contract. Again, the most important thing we recommend in this process is to consume plenty of water. If you do not drink enough water, high fever may occur due to fluid deficiency. Earache may occur for 4-5 days in children and approximately 7 days in adults. Bad breath problems may occur for 4-5 days after the operation. Sore throat, earache and bad breath are common conditions in this process. However, when the healing process is over, these problems will completely disappear. After the surgery, the medications recommended by the doctor should be used regularly and no other medications should be used. You should definitely contact your doctor in case of bleeding from the mouth or blood in the saliva after this surgery, which occurs in 1 in 50-80 patients, although it is rare.
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