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Tonsillitis - Surgery
SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS
- Topic Overview
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Health Tools
- Cause
- Symptoms
- What Happens
- What Increases Your Risk
- When To Call a Doctor
- Exams and Tests
- Treatment Overview
- Prevention
- Home Treatment
- Medications
- Surgery
- Other Places To Get Help
- Related Information
- References
- Credits
Tonsillectomy for tonsillitis is generally used for children who have serious complications or recurrent infections that do not respond to other treatment, especially when they interfere with daily life. But tonsillectomy should only be done after you and your doctor carefully consider your child's medical history and overall health.
Researchers in a recent study concluded that tonsillectomy may be no better than watchful waiting for children with mild symptoms, which was defined as tonsillitis occurring fewer than 3 times per year.3
But for some children tonsillectomy can greatly improve their quality of life. Children who are most likely to benefit from tonsillectomy are those who have:
- Five or more episodes of tonsillitis in a single year or at least 3 to 4 episodes a year for several years in a row. Tonsillectomy is more likely to be considered as treatment when some of these episodes result in missing school, trouble sleeping, or other problems with normal daily life.
- Tonsillitis lasting longer than 3 months, despite medicine.
- Obstructed air passages.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Difficulty talking because of nasal obstruction.
- Tonsils that bleed heavily.
Surgery Choices
Tonsillectomy for strep throat may be done in cases of recurring tonsillitis that do not respond to antibiotics or if an infection threatens the child's well-being. For more information, see:
What to Think About
Tonsillectomy is still the most common major surgical procedure done on children in the United States. But it is not done as often as it was in the past.
Upper respiratory infections and tonsillitis usually occur less frequently as a child gets older.4 Consider whether your child's tonsillitis infections are manageable until you can wait to see if he or she outgrows them.
A child who has tonsillectomy will need special care and close monitoring for at least a week after the surgery. Consider your ability to provide this care for your child before deciding on tonsillectomy.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: December 8, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Charles M. Myer, III, MD - Otolaryngology | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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