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Tonsillectomies and children

Alternative Names

Information

Today, many parents wonder if it is wise for children to have the tonsils taken out (tonsillectomy). Tonsillectomy may be recommended if your child has any of the following:

• Obstructed breathing during sleep
• Difficulty swallowing
• Recurrent throat infections:
  • 7 in 1 year
  • 5 a year for 2 years
  • 3 a year for 3 years
• Recurrent serious throat infections (abscesses)

In most cases, inflammation of the tonsils can be successfully treated with antibiotics. There are always risks associated with surgery. However, if your child has restless sleep, poor growth, mouth-breathing with recurring swollen tonsils, or loud snoring, consult your doctor about a tonsillectomy.

References

American Academy of Pediatrics, Subcommittee on Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome, Section on Pediatric Pulmonology. Clinical practice guideline: diagnosis and management of childhood obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Pediatrics. 2002 Apr;109(4):704-12.

Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. St Louis, Mo; Mosby; 2005.

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