How A Tonsillectomy Can Improve Everyday Life
Older millennials and earlier generations are probably more familiar with the idea of having tonsils removed than later cohorts. Once a go-to treatment for tonsillitis, today tonsillectomies are less commonly recommended and only in specific conditions. While both adults and children can have the procedure, historically the process is more commonly applied to kids. However, no longer a standard treatment, some specific scenarios exist where a tonsillectomy can greatly improve an individual’s quality of life.
When obstructions exist
Sometimes, the tonsils, and even the adenoids, can grow so large that blockages are created. When such an event occurs, breathing becomes difficult and might even encourage snoring. In more serious cases, the condition can progress to the point of being diagnosed as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In extreme scenarios, OSA can cause health and even behavioral issues in children. Depending on how severe the case is, surgery may be the best solution to improve sleep quality.
Recurrent throat infections
Tonsillectomies were once the standard solution for throat infections, but these days, doctors are far more sparing about recommending the procedure. To meet the benchmark for surgical recommendation, several symptoms need to be present. A sore throat alone won’t be enough to suggest an operation. Other indicators will need to be present, such as fever, pus on the tonsils, enlarged lymph nodes, and even a confirmed strep culture. However, even though, in severe cases, a tonsillectomy can help, research suggests that many children outgrow recurrent throat infections with age.
Halitosis
While not discussed as much as OSA or tonsillitis, bad breath, which is formally known as halitosis, can be a motivating factor to put a person on the list for a tonsillectomy. Specifically, debris known as tonsil stones can routinely get stuck in crevices and may encourage offensive odors. Usually, repeated tonsillitis is also a culprit. However, undergoing surgery to remove the tonsils can help to prevent future infection-related bad breath.
Cancerous tissue
Although less pleasant to consider, one other reason experts may recommend a tonsillectomy is to remove cancerous tissue. However, if cancer is suspected, the procedure is considered most beneficial for individuals in stage I or II, where the affected tissue is more likely to be localized in the throat and hasn’t spread to the lymph nodes.
Adults can benefit, too
Although most conversations around tonsillectomies focus on children, many of the above scenarios also apply to adults. Sleep apnea, recurrent infections, halitosis, and even potential cancer diagnoses can all be treated with surgery in older individuals. However, people need to understand that recovery is usually prolonged as compared to younger patients.
Choosing what is best
The choice to undergo a tonsillectomy isn’t done lightly. Usually, a person will have to exhibit serious issues related to the tonsils before doctors will recommend the operation. In most cases, symptoms must greatly impact daily life for experts to agree that surgery is recommended. If recurrent throat infections that don’t respond well to traditional medications, snoring, or other tonsil-related complications are impacting quality of life, consider speaking with a specialist.
