Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils.  The tonsils are located at the back of the throat.
The main symptoms of tonsillitis are:

• A painful throat and difficulty swallowing
• The pain may spread to the ear
• The throat is red, and the tonsils may be covered in spots
• You may have swollen neck glands and a high temperature

Tonsillitis may be caused by either a virus or bacteria.  If it recurs frequently, then your GP will refer you to a specialist.  The tonsils may need to be removed surgically by the ENT specialist.

Tonsillectomy

This is an operation to remove the tonsils.  It may be carried out for a number of reasons including tonsillitis, snoring, bad-breath and, if the tonsils are unequal in size.  The patient usually stays overnight after the operation if under five years old or an adult.

The operation is usually carried out under general anaesthetic and you should not eat or drink anything for six hours prior to the operation.

This is a very common operation in the UK and there is plenty of data on the best way to carry out the procedure.

As it is impossible to keep the operated area still, it is common to experience pain after tonsillectomy.  The pain may also be experienced in the ears. It usually resolves within a few days.  Occasionally the pain gets worse on the fifth day, as the scab falls off.

It is important to eat and drink normally after this procedure as saliva production helps keep the mouth clean.  It does not matter what you eat or drink.  Please avoid pineapple juice, which contains an enzyme that makes the throat very painful after this procedure.

It is important to take pain-killers for the first week.  Occasionally antibiotics are prescribed.  The full course should be taken.

Adults may return to work after two weeks.  Children may return to school after one week.

You will be followed up in the out-patient clinic after two weeks.