Tonsil Check

Our 16-year-old daughter, Shelby, had her tonsils out yesterday. She has had chronic tonsillitis for the past year. She has missed school on many occasions due to strep throat. Earlier this week, she woke us up crying and in severe pain. Her throat looked worse than it ever has. She had a fever and was vomiting. Her tonsils were extremely enlarged and actually bleeding. Even though a strep test came back negative, the ear, nose and throat specialist recommended a strong course of antibiotics and a tonsillectomy. Luckily, we were able to get the surgery scheduled quickly and on her road to recovery.

Many times I see patients with large, cryptic tonsils and ask them about their strep/tonsillitis history. Often, they have had problems similar to Shelby’s, and I recommend they consult with an ENT. I had my tonsils out at age 26. It was a miserable two weeks, but I have not had a sore throat since. Certainly, not every patient with large tonsils needs them removed, but when chronic infection recurs, there is a need to intervene. Patients can also have problems with snoring, sleep apnea and oral malodor due to enlarged, debris-filled tonsils.

I know we have a tough week ahead of us, but Shelby will be a much healthier and happier teenager.

Welcome to my life.
Lisa