Question
We have a 6-year-old child who often gets colds, fever, and coughs due to enlarged tonsils. How should we handle this? I’ve heard that tonsil surgery is not good for children, and I’m not sure what to do.
Answer
Enlarged tonsils in children may require surgery due to repeated infections. Typically, if the tonsil enlargement leads to frequent fever or is accompanied by other complications such as otitis media or sinusitis, surgery may be considered. It is recommended to consult with a doctor at a large hospital for detailed advice, and have a professional physician assess whether surgery is necessary. If the tonsils have not completely blocked the airway, it may only be necessary to remove one side of the tonsils and the adenoids. The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and may require hospitalization.