Question

Do children with enlarged tonsils need surgery?

Answer

For children over 6 years old, the tonsils should be removed if they have any of the following conditions:

  1. Chronic tonsillitis that frequently recurs with acute attacks, such as multiple times a year or even monthly.
  2. Even with fewer attacks, if there are complications like nephritis, rheumatism, or arthritis, surgery may be necessary to clear the focus of infection.
  3. The tonsils are extremely enlarged, affecting breathing, swallowing, and speech functions.
  4. There is purulent swelling around the tonsils, and even if it has only occurred once, surgery should be considered. Surgery should be postponed during the acute phase of tonsillitis, and it can be performed 2-3 weeks after the acute phase has passed. Similarly, surgery should be delayed during the active phase of tonsillitis-related nephritis, rheumatism, and in cases of bleeding disorders.