When You May Need A Tonsillectomy

Do you have a sore throat, or do you need your tonsils taken out? You can rely on the doctors at Ear, Nose & Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery Center in Fredericksburg, VA, who also serve Stafford, VA to perform a full examination and determine how serious your symptoms are and what the course of treatment should be.

What Are the Symptoms of Tonsillitis?

As a general rule, the primary symptom of tonsillitis is a very painful sore throat. Typically, redness and puss on your tonsils accompany the sore throat. You will also likely have a stuffy or runny nose, fever, difficulty swallowing, and swollen lymph nodes.

What Are the Signs of Chronic Tonsillitis?

Chronic tonsillitis is generally classified as having anywhere between three and seven infections in the span of one year, five infections each year for two straight years, or three infections each year for three straight years.

Signs a Tonsillectomy May Be Needed

There are several different signs that you need to undergo a tonsillectomy in Fredericksburg, VA, or Stafford, VA. Here are a few of them.

Recurrent Strep Throat Infections

One of the main reasons that a tonsillectomy must be done is due to recurrent infections, such as strep throat. Every doctor will have their own number that they go by, but when you continue to have strep throat, surgery is often recommended.

Enlarged Tonsils

Swollen tonsils aren’t just uncomfortable, but they can lead to other health issues like sleep apnea. Therefore, if you are having trouble sleeping, it can be a result of enlarged tonsils. Long-term sleep apnea can result in high blood pressure, fatigue, and other health problems. If the enlarged tonsils are suspected to be contributing to your overall health and sleeping patterns, surgery may be recommended.

Tonsil Stones

Believe it or not, it is possible for food particles, dead cells, and many other substances to get trapped on your tonsils. When this happens, it creates what is known as tonsil stones. Although less invasive options are available, the permanent option to remove tonsil stones is a tonsillectomy.

Tonsil Cancer

It is possible to develop cancer in your tonsils. Roughly 70 percent of cancers in the oropharynx, which includes the tonsils, are related to HPV, which is a sexually transmitted virus. As part of your overall cancer treatment, a tonsillectomy may be recommended.

If you are concerned about your tonsil health, reach out to an ear, nose, and throat doctor like those at Ear, Nose & Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery Center in Fredericksburg, VA, who also serve Stafford, VA. You can give us a call at (540) 371-1226 to schedule an appointment for an examination.

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