Tonsils are small glands in the throat, which fight infections. As a person grows older, the tonsils usually shrink in size and become less important for fighting infections. Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils, commonly caused by viral or bacterial infections. It is primarily a childhood disease, as the tonsils in most adults have atrophied. However, in rare cases, the tonsils may persist right into adulthood, sometimes resulting in severe tonsillitis.

Some symptoms of tonsillitis are red tonsils, white patches on the tonsils, sore throat, cough, headache, fever and chills. If you are suffering from these symptoms, you should consider consulting with an ENT specialist, who will be able to diagnose and treat the problem. In most cases, tonsillitis can be treated with antibiotics or other medications. An ENT specialist may advise surgery only in rare cases, such as when:

• Patients do not respond to treatment.
• The tonsils cause recurrent sore throats, despite treatment with antibiotics.
• Enlarged tonsils block the airway.
• An abscess (quinsy) develops alongside the tonsil.
• The ENT specialist suspects that there is a tumour within the tonsil.

If an ENT specialist advises surgery to treat the problem, they should explain to the patient why surgery is necessary. A patient can change their mind about surgery at any time prior to the procedure, even if they have signed a consent form. Patients may also ask their ENT specialist or GP, to arrange for a second opinion, if needed.

Surgery to remove the tonsils is usually performed under general anaesthesia, and can generally be completed in about 30 minutes. During the procedure, the ENT surgeon will remove the tonsils through the mouth, before stopping the bleeding. Most ENT surgeons would usually advise an overnight stay at the hospital, unless the patient lives near the ENT clinic. After the surgery, the patient’s throat may feel sore for about ten days. The ENT surgeon will usually prescribe painkillers to make the patient feel more comfortable during this healing period.

ENT London is a highly reputed ENT clinic in central London, which specialises in treating tonsillitis, as well as other ear, nose and throat problems. The team of ENT surgeons at ENT London have years of experience in performing different ENT surgeries, and will do their utmost to ensure maximum patient comfort.

ENT London has a team of some of UK’s leading ENT surgeons, and can be contacted on 0207 580 6970.