Time for a Tonsillectomy

Time for a Tonsillectomy?

How To Decide If Your Child Needs Their Tonsils Removed

A tonsillectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures performed on children in the United States. Here’s some basic information to help you and your family physician decide if your child needs his or her tonsils removed.

What exactly are tonsils?

Tonsils are lymphoid tissue found at the back of the throat.  They’re designed to help build your child’s immunity and fight infection. But in some children, the tonsils become infected with bacteria and viruses, which cause them to swell and become painful. This condition is called tonsillitis.

What are the symptoms of tonsillitis?

The child has a severe sore throat, swollen neck glands, and runs a fever. In some cases, tonsillitis can be treated successfully with antibiotics. In other cases, the child will grow out of recurrent tonsillitis within a year or two. But if the attacks continue over an extended period of time, removal of the tonsils should be considered.

When should a child have a tonsillectomy?

If your child has had three or more tonsil infections in a year despite treatment, you should talk to your pediatrician about a tonsillectomy. A tonsillectomy can also help children whose enlarged tonsils affect their breathing or cause obstructive sleep apnea. Symptoms for sleep apnea include loud snoring, restless sleeping and breathing through the mouth.

What happens during a tonsillectomy?

Usually the surgery is performed on an outpatient basis using a general anesthetic. The surgery normally takes less than an hour. In most cases, the child must not eat or drink anything six hours prior to the operation. No incisions are made during the surgery. After the surgery, your child will be taken to a recovery room. Once you return home, keep the head elevated to reduce swelling. An ice pack can also be used to decrease the swelling.

 

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