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Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils and generally occurs in
children. It is caused by either a virus or a bacterium, which is known
as streptococcus, the same bacterium that causes strep throat.
What are tonsils
The tonsils are organs which are small and almond shaped that are
located in the mouth on both sides of the throat. Tonsils are seen as
the main defense against disease which cause germs to enter the body
through the mouth, nose and throat. They protect against germs during
early childhood by producing antibodies. By attacking bacteria and
viruses, antibodies play an essential role in the immune system. The
only problem is that, when going through the process of protecting the
body, the tonsils can become in actual fact infected themselves. This
can often result the need for tonsillectomy.
What is tonsillectomy
Tonsillectomy is a process whereby the tonsils are surgically removed.
They are masses of lymphatic tissue which are located in the back of
the throat. Tonsils are generally only removed when the patient has
inflammation or infection in the tonsils.
It is one of the most common operations performed on children in the
United States today, and new methods such as laser and electrosurgery
have been introduced and continue to be developed to improve the
technique of tonsil surgery in order to decrease pain and discomfort.
Side effect of tonsillectomy
By having tonsillectomy, the patient can suffer afterwards with bad
breath. This is due to the healing process in the back of the throat.
It is also caused by the fluid which comes out of the infected
lymphatic tissue. This fluid can in actual fact coat the teeth and
inner mouth which will result in bad breath.
Tips to speed up recovery after tonsillectomy
It is always essential that after undergoing a tonsillectomy, you rinse
and gargle with a solution of salt water to improve bad breath. By
chewing gum you can also decrease the smell of the breath. It is common
that most patients breathe through their mouth when sleeping and snore
during the recovery period. This is due to the swelling in the back of
the throat. However, this generally only lasts for two to three weeks.
Though the patient may be inclined to rinse the mouth with an everyday
mouthwash to help eliminate bad breath, it is advised that such
mouthwashes be avoided whilst going through the recovery period. It is
important to continue with the salt water solution. This is because
such off-the-shelf mouthwashes can in actual fact cause the patient to
have a dry throat and mouth which will cause discomfort.
Another reason for the bad breath after tonsillectomy is that the
consumption of solid food is not possible. Therefore different dietary
needs are required, which means that you will be eating different foods
than your body is normally used to, which may also result in bad breath.
» left by lauren from california (346 days 14 hours ago.)
can a tonsillectomy affect the way you talk even after a week since the surgery? i still talk like a chipmonk. did my vocal cords get damaged? Respond to this comment
Tonsillectomy itself shouldn't affect vocal cords, but if you were intubated (given a breathing tube down your throat) during the surgery, it could have injured the vocal cords. Let your doctor know that you're having this problem. Respond to this comment
» left by Michelle Pearl from Ireland (1 day 13 hours ago.)
Yes this article was great thank you. Just one question my 3 year old daughter Laura had a tonsillectomy 4 months ago and her breath still really smells what can i do as she is to young for mouth washes etc. Thanks
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