What to do Next

See your doctor

If you suspect that you or your child are having a problem with tonsils, make an appointment to see your doctor. Your doctor will want to discuss your health history, any symptoms that you have noticed, and will talk to you about any changes in health or sleeping habits.

Download the discussion guide and take it with you to your appointment. During the examination your physician will examine the head and neck, including the ears, nose, and throat using a tongue depressor, a mirror, and small flashlight to see the tonsils.

If the tonsils appear to be enlarged and are causing sleep disturbances, your doctor may refer you to an ENT specialist. Treatment for sleep disturbances includes weight loss , and tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy.

If the tonsils appear to be infected, your doctor may take a throat culture to determine if a bacterial infection is present. A blood test may also be performed. If you have bacterial tonsillitis, the doctor will probably prescribe an antibiotic to help fight the infection. If you or your child have tonsillitis frequently, your doctor may refer you to an ENT specialist.

Visit an ENT specialist

Depending on the results of the tests and the diagnosis, your doctor may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist (otolaryngologist) for further examination. Before you visit the ENT specialist, learn as much as you can about tonsils, the tonsillectomy procedure, and your treatment options.

Use the Physician Finder to locate an ENT specialist in your area.

The ENT specialist (otolaryngologist ) will review the information provided by you and your doctor and perform an examination of the upper airway and possibly other tests.

Learn about your options

Learn more about available treatment options, such as low-temperature bipolar RF tonsillectomy, that have been shown to reduce pain and recovery time.

If enlarged or infected tonsils and pose a significant health or quality of life problem to the patient, the ENT specialist may recommend a tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. The ENT specialist may also recommend a specific method for performing the surgery.



Tonsillectomy technology is changing

New low-temperature procedures may reduce pain and recovery time.

Find an ENT Specialist


Advanced Search Go
or use the Quick Finder below:
Zip code:
Distance:
Submit

Tonsillectomy technology is changing

New low-temperature procedures may reduce pain and recovery time.