Recurrent sore throats are an annoying problem, and can happen in both children and adults. Whereas someone might normally get one sore throat a year, patients with this condition can get 3-4 or more sore throats per year.

What Are The Characteristics and Symptoms of Recurrent Sore Throats?

• Sore throats recurring 3-4 times per year despite proper antibiotic treatment
• Swollen/enlarged tonsils and adenoids

Who Is Most Likely To Have This Condition?

• Anyone can develop recurrent sore throats, although they are most commonly seen in children.

Treatment for Recurrent Sore Throats:

First-line treatment for recurrent sore throats is with antibiotics, with penicillin being the drug of choice. However, recurrence despite the treatment is the problem at hand. Therefore, surgical intervention may be advisable.

What Does Surgery Involve?

Removal of the tonsils and adenoids is accomplished using standard, “cold knife” dissection, electrocautery, or radiofrequency (RF ablation).

CO2 Lasers can also be used to quickly and easily vaporize and remove tonsil tissue.

Are You A Candidate?

You may be a good candidate for tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy if:

• You have recurrent sore throats and ear infections
• You have breathing difficulties, including sleep apnea, caused by enlarged tonsils/adenoids

What Are The Advantages Of Surgery for Recurrent Sore Throats?

The advantage of the procedure is that tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy provides a permanent solution to an annoying, recurrent problem (infections and/or sleep apnea).

How Long Does It Take?

Usually the procedure takes about 30 minutes-1 hour.

How Many Treatments Are Required?

One.

What Are My Alternatives?

• Over-the-counter sinus medication

Will I Have Pain?

There may be minor pain and swelling for a few days; a short course of pain relievers is usually given.

When Can I Go Back To Work Or School?

For children, about 7-10 days. Adults are much slower to recover from tonsillectomy, with 2-3 weeks off of work not being out of the ordinary.

Who Will Perform My Treatment?

The surgery will be performed by one of our highly-trained ENT specialists.

How Much Does It Cost?

Please call TopSurgeons at 800-506-8084 for more information.

Will My Insurance Cover?

Insurance companies should cover this procedure.