They protect against foreign substances that you inhale or ingest through the nose or mouth.
Tonsil enlargement is not always considered a problem.
This is called atonsillectomy.
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There are two types of tonsillectomies: complete removal and partial removal.
At one time, physicians removed tonsils after just one or two infections.
That said, tonsillectomy still is frequently performed in the United States, and complications are rare.
Combined, these procedures are referred to by the abbreviation T&A.
Typically, T&A is less painful for younger children than it is for either adolescents or adults.
Uncomplicated T&A is performed either in a hospital or clinic and is an outpatient procedure.
However, very young children or children with severe obstructive sleep apnea may have to stay overnight.
Furthermore, mild pain is often experienced after T&A.
Adolescents and adults, however, often experience more severe pain.
Options for pain control include pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and prescription medications.
During recovery, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids and eat a soft diet.
Some people lose weight during this period of convalescence because it can hurt to eat.
2017;3(3):176-182. doi:10.1016/j.wjorl.2017.01.001
