Tonsils are glands that sit at the back of your throat that act as part of your immune system to fight and process infection. They are particularly active in childhood and often get smaller and less functional as you get older. You can usually see your tonsils as two lumps at the back of your throat. Removing the tonsils does not have a negative impact on your immune function.
Tonsillitis is an infection or inflammatory process affecting the tonsil tissue. It can be caused by viruses or bacteria.It often causes sore throat which can be severe, with bad breath and difficulty swallowing. Sometime there are painful glands in your neck. If the tonsils become very enlarged they may cause problems with breathing such as snoring at night or even sleep apnoea.
Tonsillitis is very common and most people can be treated with painkillers, rest and sometimes antibiotics. Some people with recurrent tonsilitis can be treated with surgery to remove the tonsils. In severe tonsillitis fluid can collect around the tonsil (quinsy). This usually needs treatment by draining the fluid away. This is usually done within a hospital and you may need to be admitted. The hospital team may recommend you have your tonsils removed if it happens more than once.
If you are on a waiting list to have your tonsils or adenoid removed but want to get it done more quickly then please contact us.
