The United States National Library of Medicine classifies tonsils as part of the body’s lymphatic system, which fights infections. These two soft lymph nodes are located on both sides of the throat’s rear. While tonsils grow when children are between 3 and 7 years old, they begin to shrink during their teenage years. They can even nearly disappear altogether in several cases. Although they contribute to keeping the body healthy, tonsils can get infected when overwhelmed or overworked. Tonsil problems are relatively common. According to JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, about 300,000 people above 15 years old undergo tonsil surgical removal every year. There are three categories of tonsillitis- chronic tonsillitis, acute tonsillitis, and recurrent tonsillitis. Tonsil inflammation or swelling due to chronic tonsillitis may lead to complications like obstructive sleep apnea, tonsillar cellulitis, and peritonsillar abscess.
What Do Tonsils Do?
They are designed to trap and prevent bacteria, viruses, and other germs that go into the nose and mouth from going deeper into the body, acting as the body’s first defense line due to their location. They have immune cells that generate antibodies that eliminate pathogens before spreading to the rest of the body.
Tonsils also prevent foreign objects from going into the lungs. The body relies heavily on tonsils to trap foreign material and bugs in early life when the lymph glands are not fully developed. Lymph nodes take over most of the work done by tonsils after the initial six months of life, rendering them out of a job eventually. The tonsil tissue is especially good at trapping unwanted particles because it has holes and valleys, giving it a bigger surface area.
Dealing with Tonsillitis
As an individual gets older, germs and food can deposit in the crypts and valleys, causing infections that lead to tonsillitis or sore throat. Some of these infections can increase the tonsils’ size. Enlarged tonsils can cause snoring, block the airway, speech problems, and difficulties swallowing.
The common cause of tonsillitis is the Streptococcus bacteria. Other prevalent causes are influenza virus, adenoviruses, enteroviruses, parainfluenza viruses, and Epstein-Barr virus.
If one notices tonsillitis symptoms, they should have them checked by a physician to see if the tonsils have pus, are swollen, or red. They will also feel the neck sides for pain and swelling, look in the nose and ears to check for infection signs, and if the patient is running a fever.
The remedies of tonsillitis involve treating the cause. For instance, if a throat swab, rash, or blood test reveals a bacterial infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics in pill or injection form. If a virus causes it, the body will fight it independently, but home remedies also help.
Having Tonsils Removed
While Tonsillectomy surgery used to be a standard procedure, doctors now avoid removing tonsils when possible. They only recommend taking out the tonsils for individuals with recurrent or persistent tonsillitis or swollen tonsils.
Doctors usually use a scalpel to take out tonsils, but other options include ultrasonic energy, radio waves, electrocautery, or lasers. The patient needs to consult the doctor on the options to choose the one that suits them most.
Tonsillectomy typically lasts shy of an hour, with patients free to leave the hospital a few hours later. The recovery takes between 6 to 10 days, accompanied by a slight pain in the jaw, throat, neck, or ears. It is recommended that patients take plenty of fluids and rest during recovery and avoid dairy products during the first 24 hours.
The patient may experience a low fever and a little blood in the mouth or nose for many days following the surgery. However, the patient should call the doctor if the fever is more than 102 or see bright red blood in the mouth or nose.
Tonsillitis Prevention
Observing good hygiene is the best tonsillitis prevention method. This includes washing hands regularly, keeping away from people with tonsillitis or sore throat, and avoiding sharing drinks, food, personal items, or utensils with anybody.
Although tonsil problems are more common among children, recurring from time to time, they can also affect adults. Tonsillitis can be quite painful and, if left untreated, may cause complicated effects. Therefore, it is essential to practice the best prevention measures and treat them early to lead a much healthier and enjoyable life.