Definition Alternative Names Children and tonsillectomies Information Today, many parents wonder if it is wise for children to have the tonsils taken out. Tonsillectomy may be recommended if your child has any of the following: Difficulty swallowing Obstructed breathing during sleep Throat infections or throat abscesses that keep returning In most cases, inflammation of the tonsils can be successfully treated with antibiotics. There are always risks associated with surgery. You and your childs doctor may consider a tonsillectomy if: Your child has frequent infections (7 or more times in 1 year, or 5 or more times over 2 years) Your child misses a lot of school Your child snores, has trouble breathing, and has sleep apnea Your child has an abscess or growth on their tonsils
Most people know that sleep apnea is a leading cause of death from heart attacks and strokes. However recent research has revealed that sleep apnea is a leading cause of death from many causes, even in people judged to be healthy.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore revealed that men aged 40 to 70 with severe sleep apnea were twice as likely to die as men in the same age group who did not suffer from the disorder. Many accidents are caused by people who fall asleep at the wheel, a common result of sleep deprivation caused by sleep apnea. It's believed that over 12 million Americans have obstructive sleep apnea.
If you suspect you have sleep apnea, ask for a referral to a sleep lab for tests. If the tests prove positive, the preferred method of treatment is a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure)machine . However, as well as the CPAP or other means of treatment prescribed by your doctor, there are several factors that make sleep apnea worse.
Tonsillectomy is the surgical procedure for removal of the tonsils. Chronic infections of the tonsils, called tonsillitis , is the main reason to have a tonsillectomy. What alternative treatment can be recommended? Will surgery be recommended? What anesthetic will be used? How long will the person be anesthetized? F How long does the surgery take? What can be expected after surgery? Will any medications be prescribed? What are the side effects? Will the tonsils grow back?
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