How serious is getting your tonsils removed?

Tonsillectomy, like other surgeries, has certain risks: Reactions to anesthetics. Medication to make you sleep during surgery often causes minor, short-term problems, such as headache, nausea, vomiting or muscle soreness. Serious, long-term problems are rare, though general anesthesia is not without the risk of death.

Is getting your tonsils removed a serious surgery?

Tonsillectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States. It is a major surgery that can lead to serious complications such as bleeding, dehydration, and vomiting. Read on to learn more about the risks, recovery, and reasons for a tonsillectomy.

What are the risks of tonsil removal?

Is it worth removing your tonsils?

For some, the tonsils harbor bacteria that foster chronic infection. “The good news is, having your tonsils removed has proven to significantly reduce the rate of infection for chronic sufferers. And you don't need your tonsils, so there are no long-term consequences for having them removed,” Dr. Ingley says.

How long does tonsil surgery take?

The surgery takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour, but the recovery from anesthesia can take a few hours. Your child might be prescribed medications after the surgery. Your child might need a blood test before the surgery to see if he or she has any increased risk for bleeding.

Tonsils and Adenoids Surgery

Does tonsil removal Change your voice?

Conclusions Chronic tonsillitis and tonsillar hypertrophy cause alterations in some acoustic measurements, which make the voice dysharmonic and harsh. Tonsillectomy eliminates nasalance and lowers shimmer. Overall, it does not significantly alter dysphonia owing to disease.

What is a good age to get your tonsils removed?

A child at any age can have a tonsillectomy if the indications are severe. However, surgeons generally wait until children are 3 years old to remove tonsils because the risk of dehydration and bleeding is greater among small children.

Can tonsils grow back?

It is possible for tonsils to partially grow back. During a tonsillectomy, most of the tonsils are removed. However, some tissue often remains, so tonsils occasionally can regenerate (regrow) — although they probably won't grow back completely or to their original size.

How long is tonsil surgery recovery?

A tonsillectomy may also be necessary to treat breathing and other problems related to enlarged tonsils and to treat rare diseases of the tonsils. Recovery time for a tonsillectomy is usually at least 10 days to two weeks.

Can you talk after tonsillectomy?

At first, your voice may sound different. Your voice probably will get back to normal in 2 to 6 weeks. It's common for people to lose weight after this surgery. That's because it can hurt to swallow food at first.

Is Getting tonsils removed painful?

Procedure Details

The surgery usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You will not feel any pain while the doctor is removing the tonsils. All of the tonsils are usually removed, but some patients may benefit from a partial tonsillectomy.

What can you eat after tonsil surgery?

Stick to soft, easy-to-swallow foods, such as applesauce, custard, yogurt, creamy breakfast cereals (oatmeal, Malt-o-Meal), pudding, soup, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, refried beans, and pureed fruits. Most people stick to a soft diet for a day or two after surgery. After that, you can try introducing other foods.

Can you brush your teeth after tonsillectomy?

Looking after your mouth and throat

You can brush your teeth after the first night. You may have bad smelling breath as you heal. Avoid mouthwash for 1 week. You may gargle gently with a solution made of 1 teaspoon of baking soda mixed with 250 ml (1 cup) of water.

How do you remove tonsils at home?

How do you sleep after a tonsillectomy?

Postoperative Instructions for Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy. Activity Level: Light activity and adequate rest are recommended for the first few days. Sleeping with the head elevated 30 to 45 degrees or in a recliner for 3-4 days will reduce the swelling in the throat.

Can your tonsils burst?

The abscess causes one or both tonsils to swell. The infection and swelling may spread to nearby tissues. If tissues swell enough to block the throat, the condition can become life-threatening. It is also dangerous if the abscess bursts and the infection spreads or is breathed into the lungs.

How can you tell if your tonsils need to be removed?

Do tonsils affect height?

The chronic tonsillitis, has also an impact in the patient's weight and height, where the retardation varies about 10% from the children with normal development (5, 6).

Can you bleed to death from tonsillectomy?

Tonsillectomy is said to be “the ultimate test of hemostasis.” Hemorrhage can lead to shock, airway obstruction, and death (those sound bad).

Why did they stop removing tonsils?

Today, however, this once common procedure is no longer a standard operating procedure. Why? Dr. DeMarino says that, “There are fewer tonsillectomies due to skepticism in the medical community over its usefulness in infection control and more stringent guidelines.”

Why is a tonsillectomy worse for adults?

Adults also report experiencing more pain than children after a tonsillectomy. This could be related to adults have more scar tissue on their tonsils, making them more difficult to remove. Scar tissue builds on the tonsils with each infection, and adults have had more time to accumulate scar tissue.

Can tonsils affect your gag reflex?

Although trigger points in the mouth may vary, a gag reflex will typically occur when something stimulates the base of the tongue, the uvula, or the tonsil area. Some people may gag from a very gentle touch on a trigger point, while others may be able to tolerate a more intense sensation before gagging.

Does removing tonsils stop snoring?

Tonsillectomy or Adenoidectomy for Snoring

When snoring is linked to enlarged tonsils or adenoids, surgery may be recommended to remove them. Removing the tonsils or adenoids is a relatively straightforward procedure and it can be very effective at treating snoring.

Can I take a shower after tonsillectomy?

You must remain at home for one week after surgery, but can usually return to non-strenuous work or school after one week. It is very important that you AVOID TRAVEL, FLYING, GYM and STRENUOUS ACTIVITIES such as sports for 2 WEEKS after surgery. Also, no hot showers, sunbathing or swimming.

What do you wear to tonsillectomy?

Wear comfortable clothes that are easy to change. Do not wear jewelry, rings or earrings of any kind. A child may bring a comforting toy or blanket. For adults, someone will need to drive you home after the operation, so arrange in advance for that person to come with you or to be waiting at the hospital for you.