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There are several reasons to remove your tonsils, including to treat sleep-related breathing issues or frequent infections.
Tonsils make up part of the human immune system. They are made of lymphoid tissues that help to first filter, then fight, pathogens that enter through our nose and mouth.
Tonsils are two oval-shaped pads of tissue found in the back of your throat that help fight off germs.
Tonsil surgeries, known as tonsillectomies, are performed less often than they used to be. However, it is still a common procedure today. In fact, over 500,000 tonsillectomies are done in the US each year.
Tonsillectomies are usually an outpatient procedure, meaning that you can go home the same day. The exception to this might be if you're experiencing complications, in which case the medical team might advise you to stay longer.
Once you've had your tonsils removed, you will be transferred to a recovery area where your vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels) will be checked to make sure you're doing well post-surgery.
In most cases, a tonsillectomy takes only 20 to 30 minutes to complete. However, in more serious or complicated cases, it can take longer.
There is some discomfort to be expected with tonsillectomies, especially for adult patients. This is a completely normal side effect and should ease with time.
To recover from a tonsillectomy, be sure to get lots of rest, stay hydrated, and ask your doctor if it's okay to take over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage any pain.
It usually takes up to two weeks to heal from a tonsillectomy.
Yes, even if you don't have tonsils, you can get a sore throat. The tonsillectomy might help you have fewer infections or sore throats but it's unlikely it will eradicate them altogether.
Research shows that having a tonsillectomy doesn't mean your immune system will suffer. In fact, many people who have tonsillectomies report an improved immune response.
One study found that 95% of people who were surveyed after tonsil surgery said the procedure was effective at getting rid of their sore throats.
There are many other things that can cause throat infections including allergies, viruses, smoke, and dry air.
Additional risk factors include if you've experienced allergies, upper respiratory infections, or have a history of acute tonsillitis before having your tonsils removed.
Tonsil regrowth is relatively uncommon. However, some research shows this phenomenon might be more common if your tonsils were removed at a very young age or if you have a tonsillotomy instead of a standard tonsillectomy.
Having your tonsils removed does lower the chances of developing strep throat, an infection caused by Streptococcus (Strep) bacteria.
If you develop an infection or other health problem once your tonsils grow back, your doctor will likely recommend antibiotics to help.
You don't need your tonsils to survive, and as mentioned, removing them doesn't put you at risk of developing more infections.
In some rare cases with severe symptoms, your doctor may recommend another tonsillectomy surgery.
Even though it's unlikely your tonsils will grow back once they've been removed, it can happen. This occurrence shouldn't necessarily be cause for concern, but be sure to talk with your doctor.
Around 5% of children will need a second surgery because the partially removed tonsils have grown back.
Sources: (Healthline) (CNN Health) (Cleveland Clinic) (Medical News Today)
See also: What you need to know about persistent sore throat
As children, many of us had our tonsils removed after repeated throat infections and missed school days. Today, for most of us, that surgery is but a blip in our memories. But for some, tonsil regrowth has occurred over the years and needs to be dealt with. Did you know that there are individuals who actually have two tonsillectomies in their lifetime?
In this gallery, you'll find out more about tonsils in general as well as the specifics of tonsil regrowth and how to handle it if it happens to you.
Curious about whether your tonsils will grow back? Click through now to find out more.
Can your tonsils grow back after surgery?
Everything you need to know about this interesting phenomenom
HEALTH Medical mystery
As children, many of us had our tonsils removed after repeated throat infections and missed school days. Today, for most of us, that surgery is but a blip in our memories. But for some, tonsil regrowth has occurred over the years and needs to be dealt with. Did you know that there are individuals who actually have two tonsillectomies in their lifetime?
In this gallery, you'll find out more about tonsils in general as well as the specifics of tonsil regrowth and how to handle it if it happens to you.
Curious about whether your tonsils will grow back? Click through now to find out more.