When should tonsils be removed?
Tonsils are removed much less frequently than in the past, but removal may be necessary under specific circumstances. “There are two predominant reasons for removing tonsils and/or adenoids in children,” says Dr. Ahuja, CHOC Specialists Division Chief of Otolaryngology. “The primary reason is obstruction, or difficulty breathing, sleep-disordered breathing or sleep apnea. The second reason is recurring infection. Tonsils may need to be removed if a child has seven tonsillar infections in one year, or five infections each year for two years, or three infections each year for three or more years, with the infections being accompanied by one or more of the following features: a fever of 1010F or above, a strep throat infection confirmed on a swab from the throat, white coating on the tonsils, large lymph nodes in the or mouth sores.” Surgical removal of the tonsils is called a tonsillectomy. Surgery should be considered only when necessary, but in appropriate situations, it can make a substantial difference in the quality of life.
Signs of trouble
There are many signs that the tonsils are causing a child enough trouble to warrant removing them, says Dr. Ahuja. A child who has trouble breathing, breathes often through the mouth, snores heavily, sleeps poorly, wakes up tired and fussy, exhibits behavior problems like hyperactivity or aggressive behavior, or is significantly underweight because he is having a hard time eating and breathing at the same time may be a candidate for a tonsillectomy, often with adenoidectomy, says Dr. Ahuja.
What are tonsils and adenoids anyway?
The tonsils are part of the body’s immune system. Specifically, they are two oval-shaped masses of tissue in the back of the throat that trap germs that could enter the body’s airway and cause an infection. Tonsils also produce antibodies to fight infection. Sometimes, they get infected and swollen, and lead to a condition common in kids called tonsillitis. The adenoids are small pads of lymphoid tissue like tonsils, located in the upper portion of the throat, behind the nose. They serve a similar purpose as the tonsils. “The majority of the time if we are removing the tonsils for obstruction or blockage, we remove the tonsils and adenoids,” says Dr. Ahuja.
Fast Facts
- Age range of children most commonly affected by tonsillitis: 3 -7
- Number of tonsillectomy procedures performed annually in children younger than 15 in the U.S.: 530,000+
- Percent of healthy children who have tonsils and adenoids removed due to obstruction who will show a marked improvement. The success rate falls for obese children, or children with certain birth disorders: 80
This article was featured in the Orange County Register on April 14, 2014, and was written by Amy Bentley.
Featured pediatric expert
Dr. Gurpreet Ahuja
EDUCATION:
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS:
Otolaryngology
Dr. Ahuja is the CHOC Specialists’ Division Chief of Otolaryngology, and past president of the medical staff at CHOC. He is a Clinical Professor of Otolaryngology at the University of California, Irvine, and Director of Pediatric Otolaryngology training for UCI’s residency program in Otolaryngology. He completed his residency in Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery at the Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital in New York, followed by a fellowship in Pediatric Otolaryngology at the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Dr. Ahuja specializes in pediatric airway reconstruction, pediatric sinus surgery, childhood hearing loss and congenital head and neck disorders. Dr. Ahuja is actively involved in the Orange County community, serving on the Board of Directors of the OC Human Relations Council.
Dr. Ahuja’s philosophy of care: “My philosophy is to treat every child as I would have my own child treated. It’s very important for me to engage the parents in the care of their child and to have them on board with what I am recommending so we have a consistent approach to treatment. I always make it a point to follow the standard of care with up-to-date information about the child’s medical condition. I also consider it important to educate the parents about the child’s condition.”
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Learn more about CHOC’s otolaryngology program
At CHOC, our pediatric otolaryngologists provide comprehensive care for children of all ages – from newborns to teens – with conditions of the ears, nose, throat (ENT).
