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.
Dr. Gurpreet Ahuja
Tips for Tonsillectomy Recovery
More than 530,000 tonsillectomies are performed each year in children ages 15 and younger, but the common procedure does require some recovery time. Children will typically have a sore throat for a week to 10 days following surgery, and they usually feel well enough to resume their normal activities after two weeks, says Dr. Gurpreet […]
