Tonsil and Adenoid Diseases

Treatment of acute inflammation of tonsils and adenoid is usually made with drugs.  Even though tonsils and adenoid that do not cause serious problems and frequent infections can be treated with drugs, sometimes tonsils and adenoid should be removed by surgery.  There is no age restriction for adenoid, however tonsil surgery is not made for those under age three except obligatory cases.  Big tonsils that obstruct respiration may be removed under age three.  In general age range of those for whom tonsil surgery is realized is between 3 and 10 years old.  It is not possible to determine the upper age limit.

Tonsil and adenoid surgeries are frequently performed.  When drugs are not useful, they are removed surgically.  Tonsillectomy is realized for adults who do not have any serious problems that shall hinder the operation.   There are some criteria that are used to decide to make this operation:

• Upper respiratory tract is obstructed depending on the size of the tonsils and adenoid
• Abscess forming around the tonsils
• Malignant tumor suspicion (unilateral growth of tonsil tissue may be the indication of lymphoma or other malign diseases)
• Adenoid and tonsil growth that destroy the chin structure
• Enlargement of tonsils and adenoid so that swallowing is difficult, even though there is no infection
• Frequent accumulation on the tonsils that causes bad breath
• Causing otitis media and hearing loss
• Causing frequent sinusitis and lower respiratory tract problems
• When person has fever tonsillitis for 7 times in the last 1 year; or 5 times per year in the last two years; or 3 times per year in the last three years; tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy is performed.
• The most important risk of the tonsillectomy is bleeding.  Today, advanced general anesthesia conditions and improved facilities in the hospitals reduce this risk to a large extent.  However, tonsillectomy is a surgery that seems simple technically, but preparation for the surgery should be made in all seriousness.