Benefits and risks of tonsillectomy

SKĐS - The tonsils are a mass of lymphatic tissue located on either side of the throat, acting as the body's first line of defense. However, when the tonsils become excessively and repeatedly inflamed, they no longer serve as a shield but instead become a breeding ground for disease-causing bacteria. So, should tonsils be removed?

Content

• Should tonsils be removed? Who should have their tonsils removed?
• The advantages and disadvantages of tonsillectomy.
• Should recurrent tonsillitis be treated with surgery?
• Doctor's advice

The tonsils help produce antibodies to fight off invading bacteria and viruses through the respiratory tract.

However, when the tonsils become excessively inflamed and repeatedly infected, they no longer act as a shield but instead become a breeding ground for bacteria that cause disease. At this point, the question arises: should tonsil removal be performed to completely eliminate this source of infection?

When the tonsils become swollen (usually grade 3 or 4), it can seriously interfere with daily activities.

Should tonsils be removed? Who should have their tonsils removed?

Tonsillectomy is not a treatment option for all cases of tonsillitis. Surgical intervention is usually indicated by ENT doctors based on the severity of the condition and the patient's overall health.

Recurrent tonsillitis (frequency)

This is the most common reason for surgery. Should recurrent tonsillitis be treated with surgery? The answer is YES, if it meets one of the following criteria:

• I had 7 episodes of acute inflammation within one year.
• Acute inflammation occurred 5 times a year for 2 consecutive years.
• Acute inflammation occurred 3 times a year for 3 consecutive years.

Enlarged tonsils (causing airway obstruction)

When the tonsils are severely swollen (usually grade 3 or 4), it can seriously interfere with daily activities:

• Loud snoring, especially obstructive sleep apnea (osa).
• Difficulty swallowing, feeling like something is stuck in the throat, affects a child's eating habits and development.
• One tonsil is swollen (suspected malignant tumor).

Dangerous complications

When tonsillitis is the cause of serious complications that medical treatment is ineffective:

• Peritonsillar abscess (a severe purulent infection) has occurred at least once.
• Tonsillitis can cause complications in distant organs such as rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis (due to group A hemolytic streptococcus).
• Persistent bad breath is caused by tonsils containing numerous cavities filled with cheesy material (tonsil stones), resulting in an unpleasant odor.

Appropriate age: Tonsillectomy is usually performed on children aged 4 years and older. In children under 4 years old, the tonsils still play an important immune role, so removal should be limited, except in cases where the tonsils are excessively large and cause sleep apnea.

The advantages and disadvantages of tonsillectomy.

Tonsillectomy is a safe and common surgery, but it is not without certain risks.

Benefits of having your tonsils removed

The harms and risks of tonsillectomy.

Should recurrent tonsillitis be treated with surgery?

If you or your child suffers from recurrent tonsillitis (frequently, several times a year), the decision to have tonsils removed usually depends on how severe it is:

1. If the infection recurs frequently and severely affects health/daily life, surgery should be considered. Maintaining a chronic infection (requiring frequent antibiotic use) harms the body and increases the risk of complications affecting the heart, joints, and kidneys.
2. If recurrences are infrequent or only mild acute inflammation, it can be cured with medication: surgery is not recommended. Prioritize medical treatment, strengthening the immune system, and maintaining regular oral hygiene.

Tonsillectomy is a highly effective surgical solution for ending chronic inflammation and complications.

Doctor's advice

Tonsillectomy is a highly effective surgical solution for ending chronic infections and complications. However, this decision must be made by an ENT specialist after a thorough examination and assessment of the patient's medical condition, infection history, and overall health.

You should not request a tonsillectomy on your own just because you fear recurrence; always follow medical instructions.

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Source: https://suckhoedoisong.vn/loi-ich-va-rui-ro-khi-cut-amidon-169251211011541289.htm