What Is Tonsilitis?
Unfortunately for many people, however, the tonsils themselves become infected and inflamed. We call this situation tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is most often caused by streptococcus, but can also be caused by various versions of influenza, parainfluenza, adenoviruses, enteroviruses, and others. For those whose tonsils seem to be susceptible to infection and inflammation, some scary symptoms can keep them up at night:
- Sore throat
- Difficulty breathing (the tonsils swell, narrowing the airway)
- Difficulty swallowing and talking
- Hoarseness
- Tonsils become red or covered with white or yellow coating
- Swelling in the neck area by the jaws
- Fever and chills
- Ear pain
- Halitosis
What Is a Tonsillectomy? Will It Affect My Immune System?
If swollen tonsils and sore throats become frequent and significantly disrupt you or your child’s life, visit Wyoming Otolaryngology for a clear diagnosis and to discuss whether having a tonsillectomy (surgery to remove enlarged and infected tonsils) is the right option. Although the tonsils serve as part of the immune system, studies have found that people who have had a tonsillectomy don’t suffer a decrease in immunity when they lack tonsils.
Tonsillectomies are performed under anesthesia and often result in an overnighter at the hospital. But by following recovery instructions (including plenty of rest, quiet, lots of liquids and soft foods for several days), you or your child will be feeling better soon.
