Tonsils or in medical language we call them tonsils, are lymphoid tissue in our throat area, the location that we often see is on the right and left called the palatine tonsils, actually there are many tonsils, as for the other area at the bridge of the nose, namely the tonsils pharyngeal and at the base of the tongue, namely the lingual tonsil. Some common conditions that can occur in the tonsils involve inflammation or infection.
Some common tonsil conditions involve:
- Tonsillitis (Tonsillitis): This is a condition where the tonsils become inflamed and can be caused by bacteria or viruses. Symptoms include sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
- Tonsil Stones: Sometimes, deposits of calcium and other substances can build up in the crevices of the tonsils, forming "tonsil stones" that can cause bad breath and throat irritation.
- Overgrowth of Tonsils: Tonsils can grow too large, causing difficulty breathing or other problems.
- Chronic Tonsil Infections: Some people may experience recurrent or chronic tonsil infections, which may require additional medical attention, even surgery.
Alert! Tonsil Condition Requires Surgery
Surgery on the tonsils, known as tonsillectomy, is usually recommended for certain conditions that cause significant health problems. The following are several conditions of the tonsils that generally require surgery:
- Airway obstruction: If overgrown tonsils can block the airway and cause problems such as sleep apnea , difficulty breathing, especially during sleep. If enlarged tonsils impede breathing and cause sleep problems, a tonsillectomy may be recommended.
- Specific form of tumor or cyst: there is a suspicion of a tumor, if one side of the tonsil is enlarged, the surface of the tonsil tends to be uneven, it must be immediately removed and examined by PA or anatomical pathology to see the tissue
- Inflammation can cause peritonsillar abscess or pus in the peritonzial cavity
- Recurrent chronic tonsillitis: If a person experiences recurrent attacks of tonsillitis or chronic tonsil infections, in 1 year there are more than 7 recurrences, or in 2 years in a row there are 5 times or in 3 years 3 times in a row, especially if they do not respond to medical treatment, a doctor may recommend tonsillectomy.
- Tonsils due to bad breath or halitosis.
Chronic Tonsil Conditions
Chronic tonsillitis, or chronic tonsillitis, is a condition in which the tonsils are constantly inflamed or infected. Some symptoms and characteristics of chronic tonsillitis include:
- Recurrent sore throat: Chronic sufferers may experience recurring sore throats for no apparent reason.
- Swollen tonsils: Tonsils that are constantly inflamed can become swollen and enlarged.
- Bad breath: Chronic infections or the presence of tonsil stones can cause bad breath.
- Fever: Some people with chronic conditions may experience a fever or increased body temperature.
- Frequent infections: Chronic sufferers tend to be more susceptible to upper respiratory tract infections.
- Difficulty swallowing: Swollen tonsils can cause difficulty in swallowing food or liquids.
If you or someone else experiences significant and recurring chronic symptoms, your doctor may recommend a variety of treatment options.
Treatment may involve a conservative approach such as antibiotics in some cases, or if the problem persists, surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) may be considered.
How to Prevent Chronic Tonsillitis Conditions
Prevention of chronic tonsillitis involves taking steps to reduce the risk of infection and inflammation of the tonsils. Here are some steps that can help prevent chronic tonsillitis:
- Practice hand hygiene: Washing your hands regularly with soap and water is an effective way to prevent the spread of infections that can lead to tonsillitis. Avoid touching your face, mouth or nose with unclean hands.
- Keep the environment clean: Avoid contact with people who are sick, especially if they suffer from respiratory infections. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in the home and public places.
- Avoid smoking and exposure to smoke: Smoking or exposure to cigarette smoke can stimulate inflammation of the tonsils and worsen the condition of tonsillitis. Avoid cigarettes and smoky environments.
- Maintain a good immune system: Adopting a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, getting enough rest, and exercise can help maintain the body's immunity, which can help fight infections.
- Avoid contact with people with throat infections: If someone around you has a throat infection or other infectious disease, avoid close contact with them during the infectious period.
It is important to remember that these preventive measures may vary depending on the specific cause of chronic tonsillitis in each individual.
If you or someone around you experiences symptoms and conditions of the tonsils like this, a tonsillectomy can be performed by consulting a health professional for proper assessment and discussion regarding the benefits and risks of tonsillectomy.
Article written by dr. Ferry Herjanto, Sp. THT-KL (Ear Nose Throat – Head and Neck Specialist at EMC Cikarang Hospital).