Hieu experienced tonsillitis about 10 times a year. Initially, he responded well to medical treatment, but for the past year, he has shown signs of antibiotic resistance and has suffered from a tonsillar abscess twice, requiring antibiotic treatment. Recently, he had a mild sore throat, gargled with saline solution daily, took medication, and consumed vitamin supplements, but his condition didn't improve.

Dr. Tran Thi Thuy Hang, Head of the Otolaryngology Department at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, performed an endoscopic examination and found a large abscess around Hieu's tonsils. His tonsils were swollen and red, the area around the tonsils was edematous, pus had accumulated behind them, and his uvula was displaced. A tonsillar abscess is a common complication in children with chronic tonsillitis. Inadequate treatment allows bacteria to spread to the soft tissues around the tonsils, forming a pus-filled pocket under the throat's lining. If not treated promptly, the infection can spread to the neck, causing difficulty breathing, suffocation, mediastinitis, and sepsis.

Dr. Hang drained the abscess for the young patient. After a week of combined antibiotic treatment to eliminate the abscess, Hieu underwent a tonsillectomy using the Coblator plasma technology. This method uses low-temperature energy waves, at about 60-70 degrees Celsius. After about 30 minutes, the inflamed areas were completely removed with minimal bleeding. Hieu's health was stable, and he recovered well after 24 hours. He was discharged and scheduled for a follow-up appointment.

Dr. Hang (left) performs a tonsillectomy using Coblator on a young patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Dr. Hang (left) performs a tonsillectomy using Coblator on a young patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Many parents are concerned that tonsillectomy reduces a child's resistance to disease. Dr. Hang explained that tonsils are a small part of the body's overall immune system, and their removal does not compromise the child's ability to fight off illness. If tonsillitis recurs frequently, the crypts in the tonsils accumulate pus, bacteria, and viruses, ceasing to function as an "immune barrier" against pathogens. The tonsils then become a source of chronic inflammation, a haven and breeding ground for bacteria, leading to prolonged infections that are difficult to treat. This can cause children to refuse food, have frequent fevers, snore, and experience sleep apnea, impacting their development. After a tonsillectomy, children are less prone to minor illnesses, eat better, sleep more soundly, and have improved physical development.

"Tonsillectomy is the ultimate and optimal solution to definitively treat this condition," said Dr. Hang. A tonsillectomy is indicated when tonsillitis recurs more than 5 times a year, when enlarged tonsils obstruct the upper airway, causing sleep apnea, or when a peritonsillar abscess does not respond to antibiotics.

The mucous membranes of a child's throat are delicate and susceptible to viral and bacterial attacks, making them prone to recurrent tonsillitis. To prevent the illness, parents should avoid giving children cold food and drinks and encourage them to participate in outdoor physical activities to boost their resistance. Children should also develop the habit of gargling with saline solution daily. Families should maintain an air conditioning temperature of around 26-28 degrees Celsius but shouldn't allow children to stay in air-conditioned rooms all day. A diet rich in green vegetables and foods containing vitamins C, E, and A is also beneficial for children's health.

Uyen Trinh

*The patient's name has been changed.