Tonsillectomies and children

Today, many parents wonder if it is wise for children tohave 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 childhas restless sleep, poor growth, mouth-breathingwith recurring swollen tonsils, or loud snoring, consult yourdoctor about a tonsillectomy.

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