Dr. Trần Quốc Huy*
A medical expert checks a patient's throat. Photo freepik.com
A tonsillectomy, the surgical removal of the tonsils, is a procedure that many might remember from childhood stories or personal experience. However, the reasons behind this common surgery go beyond mere tales of sore throats. Here's a closer look at the primary medical conditions that lead doctors to recommend a tonsillectomy:
1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA):
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a serious condition where the airway becomes blocked during sleep, enlarged tonsils might be the key factor in many patients. This blockage can lead to interrupted breathing, causing significant health risks if left untreated. Removing the tonsils can help clear the airway, ensuring a better and safer night's sleep.
2. Recurrent throat infections:
For individuals who experience frequent throat infections, such as tonsillitis or strep throat, a tonsillectomy can offer much-needed relief. These infections, particularly when severe or resistant to other treatments, can disrupt daily life and lead to numerous sick days. Surgical intervention is often seen as a way to break the cycle of recurrent illness.
3. PFAPA Syndrome:
Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis and Adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome is a lesser-known condition characterised by repeated episodes of fever, mouth sores, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes. For those suffering from PFAPA, a tonsillectomy can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of these episodes, offering a path to a more stable and comfortable life.
4. Peritonsillar abscess:
When an abscess forms around the tonsils, it can be incredibly painful and challenging to treat with antibiotics alone. In cases where these abscesses recur or fail to respond to other treatments, a tonsillectomy may be the best course of action to prevent further complications and ensure long-term health.
5. Other conditions:
Beyond these primary indications, there are additional reasons a tonsillectomy might be necessary. Chronic tonsillitis, significant hypertrophy causing difficulties with swallowing or speech or too many tonsil stones causing a really bad breath, or even a suspicion of malignancy in the tonsils, can all lead to a recommendation for surgery.
Each case is unique and the decision to remove the tonsils is made with careful consideration of the patient's overall health and well-being.
In conclusion, while a tonsillectomy might seem like a routine procedure, the reasons behind it are diverse and deeply rooted in the pursuit of better health. Whether it's to combat obstructive sleep apnea, break the cycle of recurrent infections or address other serious health concerns, this surgery continues to be a vital tool in the medical toolkit. Family Medical Practice
Dr. Trần Quốc Huy. Photo courtesy of Family Medical Practice
*Dr. Trần Quốc Huy is an Ear Nose Throat (ENT) doctor at Family Medical Practice, District 2, offering expert care in both Vietnamese and English. After earning his medical degree from Huế University and a Master’s from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, HCMC, he gained valuable experience at Chợ Rẫy and Gia Định Hospitals. Dr. Huy has served as Head of ENT at Nguyễn An Phúc Clinic and as an ENT surgeon at FV Hospital and Vinmec Central Park. Currently, he brings his extensive expertise to Family Medical Practice, providing specialised care to patients locally and internationally.
To book an appointment with Doctor Trần Quốc Huy, contact our FMP clinic at 95 Thảo Điền, District 2, HCMC; via phone at (+84) 28 3744 2000; or email d2.reception@vietnammedicalpractice.com.
Family Medical Practice - FMP Healthcare Group operates medical centres in major cities including HCMC, Hà Nội, and Đà Nẵng, offering consultations with international doctors, check-up centres and emergency ambulance services. In HCM City, we have clinics in Districts 1, 2, and 7, along with the Care1 - Executive Health Check-Up Centre and internationally accredited *9999 emergency ambulance services.
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