What it is
The tonsils are two pads of lymphoid tissue at the back of the throat. Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils, caused by a virus in most cases and by bacteria, such as streptococcus, in some.
It causes a painful throat, pain on swallowing, fever and swollen glands in the neck, and sometimes bad breath, earache and white patches on the tonsils. An episode usually lasts three to seven days.
When removal is considered
A common guide is seven or more significant episodes in one year, five or more a year for two years, or three or more a year for three years, each bad enough to stop normal activities. Keeping a note of the dates of each episode and any visits to a doctor helps the decision.
Removal is also considered after a quinsy (an abscess beside the tonsil), when large tonsils cause snoring and pauses in breathing, particularly in children, and when one tonsil is larger than the other or looks unusual.
Warning signs
See a doctor urgently if you cannot swallow fluids or your own saliva, if pain is much worse on one side with difficulty opening the mouth or a muffled voice, which can mean a quinsy, or if there is any difficulty breathing.
Tonsillectomy
The tonsils are removed through the mouth under general anaesthetic, with no cuts outside. Most patients go home the same day or the next morning.
The throat is sore for about ten days to two weeks, often with earache, and adults usually find recovery harder than children. Regular pain relief, plenty of fluids and soft food help healing. The main risk is bleeding, which can happen up to about two weeks after surgery; any bleeding needs prompt attention.
Common questions
Will I have fewer sore throats afterwards?
Most people have fewer and milder throat infections after tonsillectomy, but sore throats from other causes, such as colds, can still happen.
Do I need my tonsils to fight infection?
Removing them has not been shown to weaken the immune system in any important way. Many other lymph glands do the same work.
Is recovery different for adults?
The operation is the same, but recovery is usually more painful and slower in adults. Plan for about two weeks off work.
This page is general information, not medical advice for your situation.
