Welcome to my site about tactics you can use to cope with hospitalization. I am Edward Collins. I created this site after a long hospitalization left me feeling uncomfortable and dying to go home. I was ill-prepared for the lengthy stay at that facility. Despite my nurses and doctors’ best efforts, I felt lonely, bored and somewhat isolated during my stay. On this site, I will help you prepare for hospitalization well before you need your next medical procedure. Please come by my site daily to learn the information you need to know. Thank you for visiting my website about preparing for hospitalization.
If you are an adult with intact tonsils, you can still get tonsillitis. While tonsillitis is less common in adults compared to children, you can still get it. In some cases, you may even require surgery. Here is more information about tonsillitis in adults, when to see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeon and how to keep your tonsils healthy.
What Is Tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils. Tonsils are two lymph nodes located in the back of the throat on each side. They work together with your adenoids to trap and remove pathogens entering your airway. When they are infected, they can cause several problems including fever and severe sore throats. You may also experience a hoarse voice and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
How Do Adults Get Tonsillitis?
Adults get tonsillitis much in the way that children do. Usually, you get it from a virus or bacteria. Cold viruses, the Epstein-Barr virus, and the flu virus can cause tonsillitis. The measles virus can also lead to tonsillitis if you were not vaccinated. In adults, especially, streptococcus bacteria is a significant trigger for tonsillitis.
When Is Surgery Required?
Tonsil removal surgery is known as a tonsillectomy. This was a common childhood procedure at one time. Doctors also removed the tonsils if you had a severe infection, breathing issues, or chronic sore throats. Often, surgeons removed the adenoids at the same time. Nowadays, doctors will also remove them for a sleep apnea issue.
However, many modern doctors are more conservative about tonsil removal. Your doctor may wish to treat tonsillitis first if the tonsils are not otherwise a problem. However, if you have infection complications, recurring infections, tonsil stones, or severe sleep apnea, then you may be a possible surgical candidate.
How Can Adults Prevent Tonsil Problems?
One thing you can do to prevent tonsil problems is keeping in good health. Practice good oral hygiene and overall good health habits. You should not smoke, and you should eat right to reduce your chance of tonsillitis. Don't wait to see your doctor if you have a prolonged severe sore throat. This could be a sign of a strep infection that could cause further problems.
If you have a problem with recurring throat issues, see an ENT doctor for an examination. Problem throat issues may be a sign of a chronic problem your immune system can't shake. In some cases, you may need surgery to preserve your health. Your doctor can give you advice as to what treatments are available to you or if you are a good candidate for ENT surgery.
Share8 March 2021
