Making A Decision About Tonsillectomy For Children
Tonsillectomy is mainly done in children to treat snoring, obstructive sleep apnoea or frequent tonsillitis. If symptoms are mild, a wait and see approach is recommended as problems often get better as children get older.
You and your doctor are in the best position to decide if this operation will help your child.
Safer Care Victoria has developed a Making a decision about tonsillectomy fact sheet to support parents in making an informed decision about tonsillectomy for their child together with their doctor.
Safer Care Victoria have also developed several videos where parents share their thoughts about how they made the decision to have their childs tonsils removed.
Your Local Urgent Care Can Help
You dont have to suffer with uncomfortable symptoms! The team at San Ramon Urgent Care can quickly get to the bottom of your issues. Whether you have allergies, the common cold, or a different condition altogether, we will diagnose and treat your condition. Call us to learn more, or stop by our clinic today!
Symptoms To Get Checked Out
Sometimes the hardest part can be knowing when it’s more than the common cold or allergies. For a regular cold, you don’t really need a doctor and you don’t have an infection that requires treatment. So, how do you know if you have a problem with your sinuses or tonsils that is more severe than a common cold? If you have any of these symptoms, make sure you see a doctor:
- Mucus that is not clear for more than 3-5 days. Yellow or dark mucus is signs of an infection.
- Red or swollen tonsils accompanied by a sore throat for more than 3-5 days.
- Facial pain for more than 3-5 days. If you have an infection, your face might be sore to the touch.
Don’t waste time assuming you have a cold that does not require any treatment. If you leave sinusitis untreated that’s when you can have more complicated problems, as a sinus infection could affect your tonsils. If you see an ENT specialist early to treat your infection with medicines, then you should be able to prevent a more serious illness from coming your way.
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How Are Sore Throats With Colds Treated
Although there is no cure for a sore throat caused by a cold virus, there are ways to help you feel more comfortable. Drinking warm liquids, gargling with warm salt water, sucking on ice chips, or taking an over-the-counter medicine may relieve symptoms of pain or fever. When you are sick with a cold, it is also important to get enough rest, eat a healthy diet, and drink plenty of fluids.
Your First Protective Barrier
We dont think much about our tonsils unless we get a sore throat or some other infection. What exactly are tonsils for and are they really of any use? These two clumps of tissue in our throat actually play an important part of your immune system and act as a filter. They fight off germs and other pathogens that enter our mouth and nose.
They filter out bacteria, viruses, and debris like allergens, especially pollen and food particles. Unfortunately, and ironically, they are prone to infections.
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Why Do Allergies Cause A Sore Throat
First, allergies 101: If youre allergic to something, your body sees proteins in that substance as a foreign invader. And when those proteins get into your systemsay, by breathing in a whiff of dust or getting pollen blown into your eyesyour immune system launches an inflammatory response in an attempt to protect you.
Part of that inflammatory response involves producing lots of extra mucus. The mucus helps propel the debris out of your body, but it can give you a runny nose and congestion. And thats not all. The ears, nose, and throat are all physically connected, so problems in one area can affect another, says William Reisacher, M.D., director of allergy services at New York-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medicine in New York.
As a result, that mucus can cause postnasal drip, where the gooky stuff dribbles down the back of your throat and makes it feel raw and irritated. Allergens can also trigger the tissues in the back of your throat to become inflamed, which only adds to the discomfort, says Dr. Mehdizadeh.
Tonsil Stones & Allergies: Can Allergies Cause Tonsil Stones In Your Throat
Estella used to have a happy life..
Until one day she was affected by a serious allergy. Thats it she started getting those gross stones in her throat. From that day onwards, whenever she was affected by allergies, she started getting tonsil stones again and again.
But why?
Why is this happening? Can food, pollen, dust, fur, and other allergies really cause tonsil stones? If so, how is it possible?
First of all, How is a tonsil stone formed?
Without knowing how a tonsil stone is actually formed, it is almost impossible for anyone to understand/follow the process of tonsil stone elimination. This is the reason why I repeat this section in almost all of my articles.
Now, How is a tonsil stone formed on ones tonsils?
Tonsils are important glands that are present on both sides of a persons throat. Medically, when stones are formed on these tonsillar glands, we call them the tonsil stones or the tonsilloliths.
A tonsil stone is nothing but a hardened calcium particle, that is a homogeneous accumulation of mucus, dead cells, bacteria, food particles, and other waste materials. See How to get rid of my tonsil stones Quickly tonight?
Now.. Coming to the main point..
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Pharmacy First Scotland: Sore Throat Treatment From Your Pharmacy
You dont usually need to get medical advice if you have a sore throat however your pharmacist may advise you see your GP if:
- your symptoms are severe
- you have persistent symptoms that havent started to improve after a week
- you experience severe sore throats frequently
- you have a weak immune system for example, you have HIV, are having chemotherapy, or are taking medication that suppresses your immune system
If theyre not open, you should phone the NHS 24 service
If you have a persistent sore throat , you should see your GP who may refer you for further tests. This is because your sore throat may be a symptom of a more serious condition. Some possibilities are described below.
Visit your nearest accident and emergency department or call 999 for an ambulance if you have severe symptoms such as:
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- current or past stomach problems, such as a stomach ulcer
- current or past liver or kidney problems
Children under the age of 16 should never be given aspirin.
Take painkillers as necessary to relieve your pain. Always read the manufacturers instructions so you do not exceed the recommended or prescribed dose.
How To Get Rid Of White Pus On Tonsils
When you open your mouth, and look at the mirror only to see white spots is likely to surprise you. This might keep you wandering about the causes. There are so many explanations that can be made to explain this. They may be STDs, tonsillitis or even oral infections.
It is likely that the spots can spread to various areas of your mouth to even your tongue, lower throat and the cheeks. There are various remedies that you can go for so as to get relief and healing from this condition.
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Immediately After A Tonsillectomy Operation
After the operation you can expect:
- When you wake up, you will be lying on your side this is to prevent choking if any bleeding occurs from the tonsil pad
- A sore throat
- Pain-relieving medication, if necessary
- The nursing staff will regularly check your pulse, blood pressure, breathing rate and your throat for any signs of bleeding
- For the first four hours after the operation, you will probably not be allowed to have any food or liquids
- You may find it difficult to eat or drink, but you will be encouraged to do so the more often you use your throat, the better
- You can expect a hospital stay of just one day or so.
Can Allergies Cause A Sore Throat
Yes, sometimes allergies can cause a sore throat among other symptoms. Its all part of the way your body protects itself against allergic reactions.
- After exposure to an allergic trigger, your body releases chemicals called histamines into your bloodstream1. This can cause reactions like itchy eyes, sneezing and that general stuffy feeling.
- Histamines increase your bodys production of mucus, which is used to keep your throat, mouth and nose from drying out2. At normal levels of production, you wont notice mucus, even as it performs important tasks like neutralizing harmful bacteria.
- However, when histamines ramp up your bodys production of mucus, you may feel excess mucus in your throat caused by post-nasal drip. This can irritate your throat and cause a scratchy feeling3.
Histamines are your bodys natural reaction to any allergy trigger. So whether youre exposed to pollen as a hay fever sufferer, or to dust by opening an old book, your body springs into action resulting in the discomfort you feel during an allergic reaction.
If youre experiencing a sore throat as an allergy symptom, there are potential ways to find relief.
But that doesnt mean its not an annoyance! So lets find out how to help or stop a sore throat being caused by allergies.
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Other Causes For Swollen Tonsils
- Your tonsils can swell and become inflamed due to allergies.
- Sexually transmitted diseases may also cause swollen tonsils. Syphilis can cause sores in the mouth, and gonorrhea causes burning and sores.
- LPR reflux disease causes acid to back up into the throat leading to irritation, swollen tonsils, a constant need to clear ones throat, coughing, and trouble swallowing.
- Cancer in the tonsils or throat can develop due to the HPV virus.
Contact Premier Urgent Care Center if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of swollen tonsils, or if this is a chronic problem.
For further questions or to schedule a visit, please call today.
Swollen Tonsils Caused By Allergies
Few allergies trigger swollen tonsils as a sole symptom. However, if you have pollen, fiber, food or other allergies then swollen tonsils might occur alongside other familiar symptoms. In some cases this will subside after a few hours.However, if your allergy triggers a serious reaction, it may swell the tonsils and throat to a point where they restrict breathing.
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White Pus Pockets On Tonsils
When you get sore throat, it is likely that your throat will form white spots. These spots are in most cases filled with pus.
According to the journal of the College of Family Physicians of Canada, it is caused by the strep bacteria. It is so common in the sense that 1 in every 10 people have the infection.
Recovery & Support For Tonsillitis & Adenoiditis
Most children with tonsillitis and adenoiditis experience dramatic symptom relief after treatment, which may include medications and surgery. Tonsillitis and adenoiditis occur when infection-fighting tissue in the throat and behind the nose, respectively, become enlarged for various reasons.
If needed, our doctors refer you to specialists who can treat your child for conditions, such as allergies, that may be causing the enlarged tonsils or adenoid tissue. Specialists at Hassenfeld Childrens Hospital at NYU Langone can also teach your child the importance of using medication as directed to get the most benefit out of this type of treatment.
We also offer child and family support services and resilience programs provided by Sala Institute for Child and Family Centered Care.
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When To Call Your Doctor If You Have Swollen Lymph Nodes
If your swollen lymph nodes come and go and dont get significantly large, then youre probably OK to wait and see if allergy medication helps, Dr. Besser says.
But, if the swelling persists for several days, doesnt seem to be getting better, and is even getting worse, its a good idea to talk to your doctor. Ditto if you develop a fever or if you are seriously uncomfortable around your lymph nodes. That could be a sign of infection, Dr. Mehdizadeh says.
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Viral Infections Causing Your Tonsils To Become Swollen
Swollen and inflamed tonsils is known as tonsillitis. Although this condition is usually more common in children, adults can also get tonsillitis. When accompanied by fever, weight loss, lumps in the neck or elsewhere in the body, and if it becomes a chronic problem, adults should see Premier Urgent Care Center right away for treatment.
Viral infections causing swollen tonsils include the following:
- Adenovirus is the virus that causes the common cold, which is usually accompanied by a sore throat and sometimes bronchitis.
- Known as the kissing disease, mono or Epstein-Barr is caused by infected saliva.
- The HSV-1 or herpes simplex virus can lead to cracked blisters on the tonsils.
- HHV-5 is a virus which stays dormant in the body, but will flare up in a person with a compromised immune system. This can also occur in pregnant women.
- Measles is a very contagious virus affecting the respiratory system.
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Other Symptoms Of Tonsillitis
In addition to swollen tonsils, its common for other symptoms to be present. Sometimes, these symptoms are noticed before a patient sees that the tonsils are swollen. Or, you might see the swollen tonsils before additional symptoms develop.
What do swollen tonsils feel like? Watch for these symptoms to see if you have tonsillitis:
- Scratchy, sore throat
- Coating or white spots visible on the tonsils
- Fatigue
- Bad breath
Its possible that swollen tonsils without other symptoms are normal, especially in children. But if an adult has swollen tonsils with no other symptoms, then it could be an indication of cancer. When you notice that your tonsil swelling doesnt go away, then it might be time to talk to an ENT for a professional diagnosis.
Enlarged Tonsils And Adenoids In Children
, MD, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
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Enlarged tonsils and adenoids in children may result from infections but may be normal.
-
Enlargement usually causes no symptoms but can occasionally cause difficulty breathing or swallowing and sometimes recurring ear or sinus infections or obstructive sleep apnea.
-
The diagnosis is based on nasopharyngoscopy and sometimes on the results of a sleep study.
-
Antibiotics may be used if a bacterial infection is present, and sometimes, if infections are recurring, the tonsils and adenoids are removed.
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What Are Lymph Nodes Again
Lymph nodes are part of your lymphatic system, a network that routes lymph fluid throughout your body, according to the American Cancer Society . Your lymph system is a crucial part of your immune system.
The job of your lymph system is to collect fluid, waste material, viruses, and bacteria that are in your tissues and send them to your lymph nodes. These nodes are small structures that work as filters for harmful substances, the ACS explains. They help fight infection by attacking and destroying germs that are carried to them by lymph fluid.
You have hundreds of lymph nodes located all around your bodysome are deep in your body, like between your lungs or around your bowel, and others are closer to your skin.
After lymph fluid flows around your body, it dumps filtered fluid, salts, and proteins back into your bloodstream.
Can Medications Relieve Symptoms Of A Sore Throat With A Cold
Over-the-counter cold medications may relieve cold and sore throat symptoms. However, the benefits of these drugs are minimal. Some cold medications include:
- Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen and naproxen, to relieve the aches and pains of a cold and sore throat.
- Sore throat sprays and lozenges to soothe your throat and numb the throat pain temporarily.
- nasal sprays to relieve a sore throat caused by postnasal drip — nasal drainage that runs down your throat.
Antibiotics should not be used to treat a cold virus and sore throat. Antibiotics are effective only against bacteria. They will not work on sore throats associated with colds, which are caused by viruses.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Advice From An Ear Nose & Throat Doctor
Since we visit with many patients who have swollen tonsils, its common for us to answer similar questions about this condition. Here are the answers to a few of your most common questions:
- How do you get swollen tonsils to go down? When the symptoms are minor, then its possible for swollen tonsils to go down with self-care treatment at home. Drink plenty of liquids, get some rest, use a humidifier, and suck on lozenges to reduce the pain.
- What causes tonsils to swell? Swollen tonsils are often caused by an underlying health condition, such as a viral or bacterial infection.
- How long do swollen tonsils last? Most of the time, tonsillitis clears up within 4 to 10 days. Chronic tonsillitis can persist for weeks or months.
Do You Need to See an ENT for Swollen Tonsils?
Just because your tonsils are swollen doesnt mean that you need to schedule an appointment right away. Here are a few common indications that you need to talk to an ENT:
- Timeline: If tonsillitis lasts for more than a few days, then it might be time to talk to a doctor about your symptoms.
- Breathing: When the swelling of the tonsils interferes with breathing, then you should seek medical attention immediately.
- Discomfort: When symptoms are severe or you are experiencing extreme discomfort.
- Asymmetrical: When one tonsil is larger than the other, then it could be a sign of cancer or other health conditions.
