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What are tonsils? -

Tonsils make up part of the human immune system. They are made of lymphoid tissues that help to first filter, then fight, pathogens that enter through our nose and mouth.

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Where are the tonsils located? -

Tonsils are two oval-shaped pads of tissue found in the back of your throat that help fight off germs.

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Why would you remove your tonsils? -

There are several reasons to remove your tonsils, including to treat sleep-related breathing issues or frequent infections.

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Symptoms of tonsillitis - Common symptoms of tonsillitis to be aware of include sore throat, cough, difficulty swallowing, and fever.

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Symptoms of tonsillitis - Further symptoms can include headaches, ear pain, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.

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Possible severe symptoms - You should be especially worried and seek medical attention if you have white, pus-filled patches on your tonsils, swollen neck glands that feel similar to lumps, or foul-smelling breath.

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How often are tonsils removed? -

Tonsil surgeries, known as tonsillectomies, are performed less often than they used to be. However, it is still a common procedure today. In fact, over 500,000 tonsillectomies are done in the US each year.

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Tonsillectomy - While most of the time, surgeons will remove all parts of your tonsils during this procedure, some people might only need a partial tonsillectomy.

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How long does a tonsillectomy take? -

In most cases, a tonsillectomy takes only 20 to 30 minutes to complete. However, in more serious or complicated cases, it can take longer.

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Outpatient procedure -

Tonsillectomies are usually an outpatient procedure, meaning that you can go home the same day. The exception to this might be if you're experiencing complications, in which case the medical team might advise you to stay longer.

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Who needs a tonsillectomy? - Most tonsillectomies treat children but adults can also benefit from the procedure.

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After a tonsillectomy -

Once you've had your tonsils removed, you will be transferred to a recovery area where your vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels) will be checked to make sure you're doing well post-surgery.

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Recovery time -

It usually takes up to two weeks to heal from a tonsillectomy.

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Is a tonsillectomy painful? -

There is some discomfort to be expected with tonsillectomies, especially for adult patients. This is a completely normal side effect and should ease with time.

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Does having no tonsils impact your immune system? -

Research shows that having a tonsillectomy doesn't mean your immune system will suffer. In fact, many people who have tonsillectomies report an improved immune response. 

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How to recover -

To recover from a tonsillectomy, be sure to get lots of rest, stay hydrated, and ask your doctor if it's okay to take over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage any pain.

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Can you still get a sore throat if you don’t have tonsils? -

Yes, even if you don't have tonsils, you can get a sore throat. The tonsillectomy might help you have fewer infections or sore throats but it's unlikely it will eradicate them altogether. 

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Study -

One study found that 95% of people who were surveyed after tonsil surgery said the procedure was effective at getting rid of their sore throats.

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What else causes throat infections? -

There are many other things that can cause throat infections including allergies, viruses, smoke, and dry air.

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Can you still get strep throat without tonsils? -

Having your tonsils removed does lower the chances of developing strep throat, an infection caused by Streptococcus (Strep) bacteria.

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Do you need tonsils? -

You don't need your tonsils to survive, and as mentioned, removing them doesn't put you at risk of developing more infections. 

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What is the risk of tonsil regrowth? -

Tonsil regrowth is relatively uncommon. However, some research shows this phenomenon might be more common if your tonsils were removed at a very young age or if you have a tonsillotomy instead of a standard tonsillectomy. 

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Additional risk factors -

Additional risk factors include if you've experienced allergies, upper respiratory infections, or have a history of acute tonsillitis before having your tonsils removed.

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Treatment - It's possible that if your tonsils grow back after surgery, you might not need any treatment at all. You should consult a medical professional or doctor if you start experiencing symptoms.

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Antibiotics -

If you develop an infection or other health problem once your tonsils grow back, your doctor will likely recommend antibiotics to help.

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Rare cases -

In some rare cases with severe symptoms, your doctor may recommend another tonsillectomy surgery.

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Takeaway -

Even though it's unlikely your tonsils will grow back once they've been removed, it can happen. This occurrence shouldn't necessarily be cause for concern, but be sure to talk with your doctor.

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How common is tonsil regrowth? -

Around 5% of children will need a second surgery because the partially removed tonsils have grown back.

Sources: (Healthline) (CNN Health) (Cleveland Clinic) (Medical News Today)

See also: What you need to know about persistent sore throat

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