Tonsillitis in Adults: What You Need to Know
Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils, often caused by a viral or bacterial infection. While it’s more common in children, adults can also experience frequent or severe tonsillitis, leading to symptoms such as a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, and swollen tonsils.
If you suffer from recurring tonsillitis (more than 5-7 episodes per year) or have persistent pain despite treatment, it may be time to consider a tonsillectomy (tonsil removal). Surgery is typically recommended when the infections significantly affect your quality of life, cause complications like abscesses, or are not responding to antibiotics.
The tonsillectomy procedure is generally performed under general anaesthesia and can be done through traditional methods or using newer techniques like coblation for reduced pain and quicker recovery.
While tonsillectomy is a safe procedure, there are risks, including bleeding, infection, and difficulty swallowing during recovery. Post-surgery, you may experience pain for up to two weeks, which can be managed with medication.
If you have ongoing issues with tonsillitis or are finding it difficult to manage, an ENT consultant can help assess whether surgery is the best option for you and provide tailored treatment recommendations.