What Kind Of Doctor Removes Tonsils: What To Know
Posted by: ENT & Sleep Specialists in Snoring on July 16, 2024
Medically reviewed by Dr. Atur Patel
Wondering what kind of doctor removes tonsils? You’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will discuss who are the best doctors to address tonsil problems and specifically what kind of doctor removes tonsils. Let’s dive in.
What Is A Tonsillectomy?
Tonsillectomy is the removal of the tonsils. It is one of the most common procedures in the United States. This surgery is often recommended for people with frequent tonsil infections, chronic tonsillitis, or obstructive sleep apnea.
Location of the tonsils
What Kind Of Doctor Does A Tonsillectomy?
But who performs this type of surgery? This job is for ENT doctors, also known as otolaryngologists or throat doctors.
What Do ENT Doctors Do?
ENT specialists are doctors who take care of problems related to the ear, nose, and throat. In order to become an ENT surgeon, a person must earn a college degree and then attend 4 years of medical school. After this they will complete a 5 year residency that specializes in diseases and surgical procedures of the ear, nose and throat.
An ENT doctor will help you with health problems such as throat infections, trouble breathing, and airway obstruction. ENT doctors are surgeons who have years of training so that they are able to perform surgeries like tonsillectomies and removal of the adenoids.
Why Would Someone Need A Tonsillectomy?
Tonsillectomies are done for many different reasons. Board-certified otolaryngologists are the best types of doctors to evaluate whether or not you need this outpatient surgery.
Recurrent Or Chronic Tonsillitis
- Recurrent Infections: If a person has multiple episodes of tonsillitis each year, it can lead to frequent sore throats and discomfort. Having frequent tonsillitis from frequent infections like strep throat can be reasons for tonsil removal. Bacterial tonsillitis can be especially painful.
- Chronic Tonsillitis: Persistent inflammation of the tonsils can cause ongoing pain, bad breath, and other symptoms.
Tonsils with signs of infection
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Airway Obstruction: Enlarged tonsils can block the airway, leading to obstructive sleep apnea, where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.
- Daytime Sleepiness: Difficulty breathing at night can result in poor sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness.
Peritonsillar Abscess
A peritonsillar abscess is a fairly serious infection. It is a collection of pus beside the tonsil. It is often caused by bacterial infections which can be more severe than viral infections. It can cause severe throat pain and difficulty swallowing.
Difficulty Breathing Or Swallowing
Some patients can have enlarged tonsils. For these patients, overly large tonsils can cause trouble breathing, especially during sleep, and difficulty swallowing.
Tonsil Hypertrophy
Tonsil hypertrophy means that the tonsils are significantly enlarged. This problem can lead to chronic symptoms like snoring, mouth breathing, and disrupted sleep.
Suspected Malignancy
The word malignancy means cancer. This is a more rare reason for having a tonsillectomry. But, sometimes tonsils need to be removed to check for cancerous cells, especially if there are unusual growths or persistent lumps.
Frequent Ear Infections
Enlarged tonsils can affect the Eustachian tubes, leading to frequent ear infections and hearing problems.
Impact On Quality Of Life
Tonsil problems can really impact the quality of life of a patient. If you are constantly having painful sore throats, infections, and other related health problems, it can significantly impact daily life. In these cases, having a tonsillectomy can a beneficial option.
Sleep-Disordered Breathing
Snoring and Apnea: Sleep-disordered breathing conditions, such as snoring and sleep apnea, can be improved by removing the tonsils.
Failure to Respond to Other Treatments
When tonsillitis or related conditions do not respond to antibiotics or other medical treatments, surgery may be recommended.
Each of these reasons can significantly affect a person’s health and quality of life, making a tonsillectomy a necessary intervention in many cases. It’s essential to consult with an ENT specialist to determine the best course of action based on individual health needs.
Preparing For Surgery
Before the day of surgery, your child’s health care provider or ENT doctor will review the medical history and might order blood tests to check for any medical conditions. This helps ensure that the surgery is safe and that any possible risks are understood.
The removal of a child’s tonsils or adult tonsils is typically an outpatient procedure. Talk to your doctor about how long you will be in the surgery center.
The Day of Surgery
On the day of the surgery, patients are given general anesthesia to make them sleep and not feel any pain during the operation. The surgery usually takes place in a surgery center or hospital operating room. ENT doctors remove the tonsil tissue from the sides of the back of the throat using various methods, including cold knife dissection or ultrasonic vibrations.
After Surgery
After the surgery, patients are taken to the recovery room or recovery area to wake up from the anesthesia. Nurses monitor vital signs such as heart rate and blood pressure. Most tonsillectomies are outpatient procedures, meaning you can go home the same day, although sometimes an overnight stay is needed.
Recovery Process
The recovery period lasts about a couple of weeks. During the first week, patients should eat soft foods and bland foods, avoid strenuous activity, and drink plenty of fluids. Ice cream is often recommended because it is soothing and easy to swallow.
Pain medication or pain medicine will be prescribed to manage throat pain. It’s important to watch for bright red blood. If you see this, this could be a sign of bleeding and it needs immediate attention from a medical professional,
Improving Quality of Life
Removing the tonsils can significantly improve the quality of life for those with chronic infections, frequent sore throats, or obstructive sleep apnea. With plenty of rest and following the doctor’s instructions, most people recover well and experience fewer health problems related to their tonsils.
What Kind Of Doctor Removes Tonsils: Summary
Tonsillectomy is a common and generally safe surgical procedure performed by ENT specialists or throat doctors. Symptoms of tonsillitis can be very painful especially in the case of a severe tonsil infection.
Whether dealing with chronic tonsillitis, frequent infections, or obstructive sleep apnea, this surgery can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall health. Always consult with a board-certified otolaryngologist or healthcare provider to discuss the best options for you or your child’s health.
