Now, many of those kids are adults with problems like snoring, throat infections, and halitosis. Adult tonsillectomies are a better option than they used to be because of new technologies. On The Early Show, we discussed these new techniques with Dr. Jonas Johnson. Tonsils, being the body's first line of defense against disease, are easily infected. People with intact tonsils can have crypts, deep pockets in the tonsils that can catch food and cause pain.
Some people experience recurring infections.
For children, if they are having upper respiratory infections that occur more than six times a year, having the tonsils removed should be considered an option. While new techniques still leave several questions unanswered, they are performed with less discomfort, and make for a smoother healing period. The procedure can now be done as an outpatient service, which means you can go home the same day. Only 1 to 2 percent will experience bleeding a few hours after the surgery. There is a possibility that bleeding could occur for some a week or two later when a scab falls off, but it should be minor.