Why are Tonsils Important?

Tonsils are the pink lumps of grape-sized tissue located on both sides of the back of the throat. Their purpose is to trap bacteria and viruses in the throat and produce antibodies that stop the germs from spreading to other parts of the body.

Symptoms of Tonsillitis

Sometimes the antibodies produced by the tonsils cannot fight off infection, causing the tonsils to become infected and swell. Symptoms of tonsillitis include:

• Red, swollen tonsils
• Sore throat
• Fever
• White or yellow coating in the back of the throat
• Pain when swallowing
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Bad breath
• Pain or swelling in the neck
• Snoring

It is not uncommon for many children to have swollen or enlarged tonsils. Therefore, the existence of large tonsils is not necessarily an indication of tonsillitis. If your child has a combination of the signs of tonsillitis mentioned here, the pediatricians at Boys Town Pediatrics recommend visiting your child’s doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment of Tonsillitis

In most cases, your child’s doctor will prescribe an antibiotic to get rid of the bacteria. However, he or she may recommend removing the tonsils if your child experiences:

• Persistent or recurrent tonsillitis, sore throats or throat infections
• Breathing difficulty due to swollen tonsils
• Difficulty swallowing
• Sleep apnea

What to Expect

If your child’s doctor determines that surgical removal of the tonsils is the best solution, you and your child should know what to expect before and after surgery.

• In most cases, a tonsillectomy is performed on an outpatient basis at the hospital. Some children will need a blood or urine test that is conducted a few days before the surgery at the doctor’s office, a medical laboratory or the hospital.
• The night before the surgery, your child cannot eat or drink (not even water or gum) after dinnertime. Any food or liquid in the stomach can make it dangerous for your child to receive anesthesia.
• Before surgery your child will be given general anesthesia that will make him sleep during the surgery.
• The surgery does not require the surgeon to cut your child’s skin. He or she will remove the tonsils through your child’s open mouth. The entire procedure takes about 20 minutes.
• Most children get to go home the same day as the operation. Doctors and nurses will monitor your child for several hours after the surgery. Once your child has stabilized and is breathing normally he or she will be released to go home.

Recovery