People are born with two tonsils in the back of their throat. Tonsils are glands and a part of the immune system. In the past, it was not thought these glands did much of anything. In recent times, it has been discovered that tonsils are actually a first line of defense for many viruses. However, a person can live a healthy life without tonsils. Tonsillectomies are one of the most common surgeries performed on children. Some adults also have the surgery. There are a few warning signs that may suggest you need a tonsillectomy by an Ear Nose And Throat Doctor in Bethlehem PA.
The first sign you may need a tonsillectomy is recurring throat pain and swelling of the tonsils. This is usually the result of an infection called tonsillitis. Both viral and bacterial forms of this infection exist. Some people are more prone to catching tonsillitis than others. Tonsillitis makes it difficult to speak and swallow. If someone has several bouts of tonsillitis over the course of a single year, an Ear Nose And Throat Doctor in Bethlehem PA may recommend a tonsillectomy to remove the glands.
In other instances, strange growths on the tonsils may require a tonsillectomy to correct. A doctor will first examine the lump to figure out the cause. In some cases, an abscess behind the tonsils may have formed due to a bacterial infection. When this happens, the doctor will first surgically drain the puss from the abscess. If there is damage to the tonsils, they will be removed. Other patients may have a tumor form on one of their tonsils. In this case, the tonsils must be removed and a biopsy of the tumor is performed. Cancer of the tonsils is rare, but it has been diagnosed more frequently in recent years.
If you experience severe pain in the back of your throat on a regular basis, it’s time to schedule an appointment with a throat specialist. The doctor will run tests to determine if you would benefit from a tonsillectomy. Visit to learn about other conditions that are treated by ear, nose, and throat physicians. It’s best to seek treatment from a local doctor before your pain becomes chronic.
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