When Is a tonsillectomy necessary?

16/09/2024 10:24

A tonsillectomy, the surgical removal of the tonsils, is a procedure that many might remember from childhood stories or personal experience. However, the reasons behind this common surgery go beyond mere tales of sore throats.

Dr. Trần Quốc Huy*

A medical expert checks a patient's throat. Photo freepik.com

A tonsillectomy, the surgical removal of the tonsils, is a procedure that many might remember from childhood stories or personal experience. However, the reasons behind this common surgery go beyond mere tales of sore throats. Here's a closer look at the primary medical conditions that lead doctors to recommend a tonsillectomy:

1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA):

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a serious condition where the airway becomes blocked during sleep, enlarged tonsils might be the key factor in many patients. This blockage can lead to interrupted breathing, causing significant health risks if left untreated. Removing the tonsils can help clear the airway, ensuring a better and safer night's sleep.

2. Recurrent throat infections:

For individuals who experience frequent throat infections, such as tonsillitis or strep throat, a tonsillectomy can offer much-needed relief. These infections, particularly when severe or resistant to other treatments, can disrupt daily life and lead to numerous sick days. Surgical intervention is often seen as a way to break the cycle of recurrent illness.

3. PFAPA Syndrome:

Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis and Adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome is a lesser-known condition characterised by repeated episodes of fever, mouth sores, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes. For those suffering from PFAPA, a tonsillectomy can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of these episodes, offering a path to a more stable and comfortable life.

4. Peritonsillar abscess:

When an abscess forms around the tonsils, it can be incredibly painful and challenging to treat with antibiotics alone. In cases where these abscesses recur or fail to respond to other treatments, a tonsillectomy may be the best course of action to prevent further complications and ensure long-term health.

5. Other conditions:

Beyond these primary indications, there are additional reasons a tonsillectomy might be necessary. Chronic tonsillitis, significant hypertrophy causing difficulties with swallowing or speech or too many tonsil stones causing a really bad breath, or even a suspicion of malignancy in the tonsils, can all lead to a recommendation for surgery.

Each case is unique and the decision to remove the tonsils is made with careful consideration of the patient's overall health and well-being.

In conclusion, while a tonsillectomy might seem like a routine procedure, the reasons behind it are diverse and deeply rooted in the pursuit of better health. Whether it's to combat obstructive sleep apnea, break the cycle of recurrent infections or address other serious health concerns, this surgery continues to be a vital tool in the medical toolkit. Family Medical Practice

Dr. Trần Quốc Huy. Photo courtesy of Family Medical Practice

*Dr. Trần Quốc Huy is an Ear Nose Throat (ENT) doctor at Family Medical Practice, District 2, offering expert care in both Vietnamese and English. After earning his medical degree from Huế University and a Master’s from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, HCMC, he gained valuable experience at Chợ Rẫy and Gia Định Hospitals. Dr. Huy has served as Head of ENT at Nguyễn An Phúc Clinic and as an ENT surgeon at FV Hospital and Vinmec Central Park. Currently, he brings his extensive expertise to Family Medical Practice, providing specialised care to patients locally and internationally.

To book an appointment with Doctor Trần Quốc Huy, contact our FMP clinic at 95 Thảo Điền, District 2, HCMC; via phone at (+84) 28 3744 2000; or emaild2.reception@vietnammedicalpractice.com.

Family Medical Practice - FMP Healthcare Group operates medical centres in major cities including HCMC, Hà Nội, and Đà Nẵng, offering consultations with international doctors, check-up centres and emergency ambulance services. In HCM City, we have clinics in Districts 1, 2, and 7, along with the Care1 - Executive Health Check-Up Centre and internationally accredited *9999 emergency ambulance services.

Theo vietnamnews.vn
https://vietnamnews.vn/life-style/1663043/when-is-a-tonsillectomy-necessary.html
Copy Link
https://vietnamnews.vn/life-style/1663043/when-is-a-tonsillectomy-necessary.html
Bài liên quan
  • 500 healthcare professionals discuss cancer and osteoporosis care in VN
    Non-communicable diseases, including cancers such as lung, liver, and breast cancer, account for 77 per cent of total deaths in Việt Nam. This makes the need for effective and affordable cancer treatments even more pressing, according to healthcare professionals at the Sandoz Specialty Summit 2024.
  • HCM City bustles with end-of-year festivities
    HCM City’s tourism industry prepared over 80 activities for residents and visitors to fully enjoy a vibrant end-of-year festival season.
  • Vietnam attends Ikebana International Fair in Japan
    Spouse of the Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Thai Thu Hong joined spouse of the Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiko Ishiba and others in a Japanese Ikebana (flower arrangement) exhibition in Tokyo on December 10.
  • Phú Yên ranks first in the 2024 PAI Index on Việt Nam's filming environment
    Phú Yên Province has maintained its leading position in the Production Attraction Index (PAI) rankings, as announced at the Forum on Film Crew Attraction Index and Film Production Environment in Việt Nam, hosted by the Việt Nam Film Development Association (VFDA) and the People's Committee of Ninh Bình Province.
  • Sustainable yacht project honoured at Green Economy Forum
    Việt Thuận Transport Co., Ltd. was honoured with two prestigious awards, including Top 10 Green Enterprises and Sustainable Development and Green Eco-Friendly Tourism Products for its sustainable yacht project at the Green Economy Forum for a Sustainable National Development 2024.
  • Tourism to accelerate sustainable growth in rural areas
    Rural tourism has been listed as a key factor on the 2021-30 master plan for sustainable development in the countryside of Việt Nam, helping to boost agriculture, traditional crafts and lifestyle, ecological and environment conservation, along with building on multi-value and inclusive economic structure transformations.
  • Da Lat set to host Korean cultural day
    A mixture of traditional musical performances, songs, dances, and cultural activities put on by Vietnamese and Korean artists will serve to light up the Korean cultural day held on December 13 in Da Lat city in the Central Highland province of Lam Dong.
Highlighted VietBao
Don't miss
When Is a tonsillectomy necessary?
POWERED BY ONECMS - A PRODUCT OF NEKO