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Intracapsular tonsillectomy (1 of 5) - What are tonsils and what problems can they cause?

 

 

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Intracapsular tonsillectomy (1 of 5) - What are tonsils and what problems can they cause?


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Intracapsular tonsillectomy

PART 1 OF 5

What are tonsils and what problems can they cause?

Click on each of the following questions to discover the answers.

 

WHAT ARE TONSILS?

 

Tonsils are glands.

They sit at the back of the throat.

There is one on the left and one on the right.


 

They help fight germs and infections.

 

DOES MY CHILD NEED TONSILS?

 

Tonsils are important to fight germs when you are a young child.


 

After the age of three, they become less important.

 

 

You can still fight germs without tonsils.


 

The tonsils may need to be removed if they are making you poorly.

 

WHAT PROBLEMS CAN TONSILS CAUSE?

 

TONSILLITIS


 

QUINSY


 

SLEEP-RELATED BREATHING DISORDER

 

WHAT IS TONSILLITIS?

 

TONSILLITIS is an infection of the tonsils.

The picture shows large red tonsils covered in white spots.


 

It can be caused by a virus or bacteria.


 

Tonsillitis can give you:

- a high temperature


 

- a sore throat

- swollen glands in the neck

- pain when swallowing


 

Your child feels very tired and unwell for 3 to 4 days.


 

Some children miss a lot of school when they have a lot of tonsillitis

 

HOW DO YOU TREAT TONSILLITIS?

 

Tonsillitis caused by a virus is treated with painkillers and lots of rest.


 

Saltwater mouth rinses can make tonsillitis less painful and reduce how often your child gets it.

Some young children find mouth rinses difficult.


 

Tonsillitis caused by bacteria is treated with antibiotics.

Painkillers and lots of rest are important too.


 

Too many courses of antibiotics can cause other problems.

 

WHAT IS A QUINSY?

 

Pus can collect next to the infected tonsil. This is called a QUINSY.


 

It can cause a high temperature and a very sore throat.

Usually, one side feels worse than the other.


 

Your child may find it hard to open their mouth.


 

The pus will need to be removed to get relief.


 

This can be done under local anaesthetic in older children.

Local anesthetic is a medicine that makes one spot on your body sleepy. This will stop you feeling any pain.

 

 

Younger children will need to be asleep under general anaesthetic.

General anaesthetic is a type of medicine that makes your whole body go to sleep. You have this during operations.


 

The tonsils are removed, and the pus is drained while your child is asleep.


 

Your child will also be given painkillers and antibiotics.

 

WHAT IS A SLEEP-RELATED BREATHING DISORDER?

 

SLEEP-RELATED BREATHING DISORDER


 

Large tonsils can cause snoring.

 

 

It can also cause breathing pauses when your child sleeps.

It may sound like your child has stopped breathing for a few seconds.


 

It can make your child feel very tired during the day.

 

WHAT IF MY CHILD HAS A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THEIR TONSILS?

 

Your child might need an operation called tonsillectomy.

 

 


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Disclaimer: This publication is designed for the information of patients. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the information contained may not be comprehensive and patients should not act upon it without seeking professional advice.


 

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Date Published: 14/01/2025 Review Date: 14/01/2028

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