The tonsils are two masses of soft tissue that are situated towards the back of the throat.
The tonsils are designed to assist in fighting various infections in the immediate vicinity. Even though tonsils have an important role in a person’s health, they aren’t actually necessary for staving off infection, which is they are usually removed when they become infected. This procedure is referred to as a tonsillectomy and can be performed by an ENT surgeon in Los Angeles.
What Is a Tonsillectomy Used to Treat?
The tonsillectomy procedure can be used for the treatment of a wide range of health conditions, the most notable of which include severe or chronic tonsillitis, bleeding of one or both tonsils, enlarged tonsils, and the development of cancer tissue in the tonsils. Tonsillitis is a condition that occurs when the tonsils become inflamed or infected. Since the tonsils are most active before puberty hits, this condition is common among younger children. In most cases, the inflammation or infection will eventually dissipate without issue. However, surgery by an ENT surgeon in Los Angeles is recommended if you or your child suffers from more than seven cases of tonsillitis each year.
What Does a Tonsillectomy Entail When Provided By an ENT Surgeon in Los Angeles?
A tonsillectomy is a minor surgical procedure that will typically allow you to go home the same day as the treatment takes place. This treatment is performed with general anesthesia, which means that you will lose consciousness throughout the duration of the surgery. The ENT surgeon in Los Angeles will likely use a scalpel to remove the damaged tissues that are causing the recurrent or severe infections. They also focus on stopping any bleeding that’s occurring.
Risks Attributed to This Procedure
Even though a tonsillectomy is a minor procedure, there are a variety of risks that you should be aware of before you undergo this treatment. For one, it’s possible that you will react poorly to the anesthesia that you’re provided with. Some of the more common short-term problems with anesthesia include nausea, headaches, vomiting, and muscle soreness. Swelling and bleeding are also possible, the latter of which can occur during and after the surgery. Both of these symptoms are common and should go away after a few days. On rare occasions, you might develop an infection.
What to Expect From Recovery
The recovery process that comes with a tonsillectomy can be short and simple as long as you don’t go through any issues with the treatment site. Pain in the throat and ears is common following a tonsillectomy, which can subsist for a couple of weeks. In order to reduce the pain that you’re experiencing and to expedite the recovery process, it’s recommended that you take pain relieving medications, drink plenty of fluids to stave off dehydration, consume soft foods, and get plenty of rest. You should also avoid strenuous activities for a couple of weeks. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience dehydration, a fever, or breathing issues as you recover.