Rhinoplasty

If pain in the back of your throat is persistent and accompanied by headaches, fever, and ear pain, you may have tonsillitis. The tonsils are a collection of tissues located in the back of the throat, which act as the first line of defense against harmful organisms like viruses and bacteria, as well as germs. Since the tonsils are regularly exposed to these types of disease causing-organisms, they commonly become swollen, inflamed, and infected, a condition known as tonsillitis. In extreme cases, Douglas Anderson, MD may recommend a tonsillectomy. A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils.

Symptoms of Tonsillitis

In addition to swelling and inflammation, tonsillitis can also result in:

• Chills and fever
• Redness of the tonsils
• Nausea and a decrease in appetite
• Pain in the ears
• Throat pain and/or blisters in the throat
• Headache
• Abdominal pain

What Happens During a Tonsillectomy?

Since properly functioning tonsils are part of a healthy immune system, your doctor will make every attempt to save them. After conducting a throat swab and finding bacteria present, you will be given antibiotics to cure the infection. For people with recurrent tonsillitis (three or more times per year), your doctor may recommend removing the tonsils surgically. The surgical procedure to remove the tonsils is known as a tonsillectomy, and is performed as an outpatient procedure at Ogden Clinic.

A tonsillectomy is performed under general anesthesia, which keeps patients from experiencing any pain or fear during the procedure. To remove the tonsils, the doctor may cut out the tonsils using a scalpel, or a special tool which uses heat or sound waves to remove and destroy the tissues.

After the tonsillectomy procedure, your doctor will recommend various steps to reduce pain and have a successful recovery including taking pain medications, drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, eating bland food that is easy to swallow, and resting for several days after surgery.

Are you concerned that your condition is tonsillitis? To learn more about the tonsillectomy procedure, reach out to Douglas Anderson, MD in Ogden, Utah to schedule your appointment today!