Tonsillectomy why in children

Getting your child past these critical years with antibiotics and conservative treatment may eliminate the need for a tonsillectomy. As part of the immune system, tonsils and adenoids are part of the overall lymphatic system and help to fight infection by filtering bacteria and viruses from the air and food. Some parents worry their child will become ill more frequently after the tonsils and adenoids are removed, but this is not true.

The human body offers a lot of protection. For example, about infection-fighting lymph nodes lie between the collarbone and cheekbone. The frequency of tonsillectomies or tonsillectomies combined with adenoidectomies has slowly been increasing over the past 40 years. However, the reasons for performing the surgeries have been changing.

Few absolute criteria for tonsillectomy exist other than blockage severe enough to cause a lack of oxygen in the body and cardiopulmonary changes.

The following may indicate the need for a tonsillectomy:. The child has a severe sore throat seven times in one year, or five in each of two years, or three in each of three years. Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health , plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise , pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more.

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How to get your child to put away toys. Is a common pain reliever safe during pregnancy? Children's Health Does your child need a tonsillectomy? Print This Page Click to Print. Edmund Lipskis. Jasper van Baars. Children's Health. Women's Health. Free Healthbeat Signup Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox! It is important for you and other carers to record the name of the medication, and the date and time you have given it to keep track of medication usage.

Do NOT give your child Aspirin for two weeks after the operation. For the first two hours after the operation, your child can have clear fluids water, cordial, iceblock. Children may refuse to drink fluids after the surgery because of throat pain but they must be encouraged to drink regularly half a cup every hour to avoid dehydration.

Dehydration can lead to increased pain and also increase the chance of bleeding. Two hours after returning to the ward your child can eat regular meals. During the first eight hours after surgery your child may eat without too much discomfort due to the local anaesthetic used in the surgery. Any food is better than none in the first few days. Bad breath is a normal part of the healing process. Drinking plenty of water will help reduce the odour and teeth should be brushed as normal.

Your child will need to stay home from school or childcare for two weeks and should avoid all sports and rough play. Encourage plenty of rest and quiet play or entertainment such as puzzles, reading and watching DVDs. A review of your child will be scheduled after the operation. This will be performed at an outpatient appointment or over the phone. If you have any concerns prior to the review, contact the hospital. Clinical nurse consultant t: 07 7am — 3.

Qualified staff will give you advice on who to talk to and how quickly you should do it. You can phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Resource No: FS Developed by Ear, Nose and Throat. Updated: February