Considering a Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy?
If you’re considering a tonsillectomy you should greatly consider having an adenoidectomy as well. Tonsil stones can form in the tonsil as well as the adenoids! This is why some people who suffer from tonsil stone-like symptoms who have their adenoids, but had their tonsils removed, are confused and wonder why they still have chronic bad breath.
Essentially, the tonsils and adenoids are a mass of immune cells, sometimes referred to as lymphoid tissue. Common symptoms of tonsil or adenoid infection are swelling, reoccurring bad breath, sore throats, difficulty breathing and swollowing.
Complications and Risks
Firstly, the effects a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy will differ greatly from patient to patient. These procedures are mostly performed on children and young adults, and the risks and complications grow as the age of the patient increases. Talk to your doctor before deciding whether or not the benefits of the surgery outweigh the risks associated with your current condition and age.
Some risks include, reoccurring sore throats post-sugery. Sinus infections post-sugery. Unusual bleeding can occur in some people, to the extent that further surgery or attention by doctors is needed. In rare cases there’s symptoms of dehydration, infection, and pain in excess of 2 months.
Follow-Up Instructions
Typically 1-2 weeks after a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy you’ll be scheduled to return to the doctors for a post-checkup on your healing progress. The absolute most important instruction we can give is to drink lots and lots of fluids, staying away from anything that would irritate and cause further bleeding of the throat. Stay away from hot foods including peppers, anything spicy. Some foods that are helpful to eat are Popsicles, puddings, jello, and even ice cream are all nice treats that don’t aggravate the tonsil and adenoid area.
You will experience pain most likely lasting around 1 week after the sugery, which is normal. The areas that received the treatment will scab over which isn’t a sign of infection, it’s normal and expected to happen. Bad breath will still occur for up to 4 weeks after surgery, not from tonsil stones but from the healing process. You should typically allow at least a week off of school or work giving time to heal.
For those people that suffer from chronic bad breath and have tried everything, this could be a viable solution to your bad breath problems. The only issue you should find is trying to find a doctor that will perform the surgery, knowing the risks, just because you have bad breath. Some will not do it, others do it all the time so it’s really random.
If you do have bad breath from tonsil stones and have tried everything, take a look at grapefruit seed extract (GSE) , or take a minute and read over our article on grapefruit seed extract to get more information.