Is it safe to have a tonsillectomy for children?

What are tonsils?

Tonsils are two soft tissue pads located on both sides of the back of the throat that help the immune system protect the body from infections. Tonsils are a part of the lymphatic system which clears away infection and keeps body fluids in balance. Sometimes these tonsils get inflamed due to a viral infection. This condition is known as tonsillitis. Strep throat bacterial infections can also cause tonsillitis.

Tonsillitis is very common among children over the age of two. Bacteria induced tonsillitis is more common in kids ages 5-15, and tonsillitis caused by a virus is more common in younger children. 

What Is a Tonsillectomy?

Tonsillectomy is one of the most common surgeries carried out in kids and teens to remove the inflamed tonsils. Surgery is often recommended based on the frequency, intensity, and severity of your child’s symptoms.  

When should a child get a tonsillectomy?

Typically, an expert doctor will consider a tonsillectomy when tonsillitis causes certain conditions in your child, such as:

• Frequent throat infections
• Breathing trouble, either when asleep or awake
• Difficulty in swallowing or drinking

Some children may have large tonsils that can obstruct breathing at night, leading to snoring, mouth breathing, and obstructive sleep apnea. If your child develops any of these conditions, then he or she should be evaluated for the presence of a sleep disturbance, and tonsillectomy may be recommended.

Is tonsillectomy safe for my child?

Tonsillectomy has proved to be an extremely safe procedure providing excellent recovery rates and outcomes. Tonsillectomy is often performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. The process takes less than an hour. However, some children may have some breathing, sleep, or airway complications such as asthma or sleep apnea that increase their risk. 

At Trisense ENT, children at higher risk (as well as those under age three) stay overnight after their tonsillectomy and are carefully monitored for complications.

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Blog reviewed by: Dr. Shalini Balakrishnan
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