What are Tonsils?
The Tonsils are a pair of soft tissues located at the end of your throat that help to fight infections but the removal of the tonsils will not increase the chances of an infection. Tonsils differ in size from person to person and the sizes often change in response to infection. The problem is that sometimes germs like to hang in the tonsils where they cause infections. So instead of fighting infections, they get infected and this is referred to as "Tonsillitis" While this infection of the tonsils is far more common in children, it can turn into a problem for any age group.

What Causes Tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is caused mainly by a host of bacteria and viruses. The major bacterium causing tonsillitis in the throat is known as Streptococcus pyogenes.

What are the Symptoms of Tonsillitis?

1. Yellow or white spottings on the tonsils
2. Red and swollen tonsils
3. Ulcers in your throat
4. Sore throat
5. Sharp pains when swallowing
6. Breathing problems and sleep apnea
7. Constant bad breath
8. Fever and chills
9. Appetite loss
10. Headache

What is Tonsillectomy?

A Tonsillectomy is the surgery done to remove the tonsils. A tonsillectomy is most often done in a hospital or health facility. You will be able to go home the same day or may be required to stay overnight at the facility for close monitoring.

The full recovery period is usually between 1 to 2 weeks and in this time, extra care and caution is to be taken as you are susceptible to infections within this period.

What are the types of Tonsil Surgery (Tonsillectomy)
The major types of tonsillectomy include;

1. Conventional dissection tonsillectomy

2. Ultrasonic scalpel tonsillectomy

3. Laser tonsillectomy


How to prevent Tonsillitis
Cultivating good hygiene practices can help reduce the likelihood of getting tonsils. Some of the habits which are advisable to adopt in this regard include;

1. Regularly washing your hands after contact with surfaces and after using restrooms

2. Avoid dipping dirty fingers into your mouth or nose

3. Avoid sharing eating utensils

4. Do not Kiss an affected individual or someone whose health status you are unsure of

5. Maintain a good oral hygiene and replace your toothbrushes frequently

6. Do not keep your hands or foreign objects in your throat: there is a likelihood of introducing or dislodging micro-organisms.

7. Avoid close contact and inhalation around someone who is sick

8. Use hand sanitisers as often as possible

9. Cover your toothbrushes neatly and carefully place them in clean containers after each use

What is the cost of Tonsil Surgery?
This is usually determined by the following factors;

1. Choice and location of the hospital

2. Choice of surgeon

3. Severity of tonsillitis

4. Method of removal

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What surgery is best for tonsillitis?

Tonsillectomy is the best surgery to permanently cure recurrent tonsil infections.

2. Is tonsil surgery a major surgery?

Some Hospitals consider it a major surgery while others consider it a minor surgery and it is also largely determined by the type of surgery. But it is a minor surgery in children.

3. How many hours is tonsil surgery?

This varies according to the Surgeon but it is usually completed under an hour.

4. What are tonsil stones?

These are hardened whitish-yellowish calcified lumps or stone-like materials that can be found in the tonsils. They are usually formed by bacteria mixed with debris in the mouth. They vary in size and usually have a pungent smell.

5. What are tonsillitis?

These are another name for tonsil stones found at the back of your throat (tonsils)

6. Why do I have bad breath?

Medically referred to as halitosis, there are a host of reasons for bad breath which may include tonsilitis due to the infection of the mucus membranes of the tonsils of the mouth causing them to produce a foul stench.