Smart health facts: Tonsillectomy
If sore throats and tonsillitis are a problem in your family, you may wonder if it's time for a tonsillectomy. A tonsillectomy is removal of the tonsils. In the United States, there are about 530,000 tonsillectomies done each year - but many are unnecessary. Tonsils can prevent infection, so experts say to leave them in unless they are causing serious, ongoing problems.
Why you might need a tonsillectomy
- Large tonsils sometimes lead to frequent sore throats and ear infections
- Sometimes large tonsils can interfere with breathing
- A growth on the tonsil
Understand the risks of having tonsils removed
- Bleeding during or after surgery
- Infection
- Allergic reaction to medications
- Breathing problems
- Injury to the soft palate (uvula)
Ask your doctor about other options
- Treat the symptoms with rest, medicine and throat lozenges
- Use saltwater gargles, and cool-mist humidifiers
- Stay away from second-hand smoke
- Wait and see - as they grow, children often get fewer sore throats and ear infections
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