Infections of the tonsils---known as tonsillitis---are a common condition in children, according to KidsHealth from Nemours. While you can treat effectively these infections, frequent tonsillitis may lead your doctor to recommend tonsil removal, or a tonsillectomy, for your child. Although not a major procedure, a tonsillectomy does carry some risks and side effects.
Function
When working optimally, the tonsils help to catch bacteria and other irritants that you take in through the mouth. The tonsils also produce antibodies that can fight against harmful substances, according to the Comer Children's Hospital at the University of Chicago. When the tonsils become infected, pain, discomfort, fever and swelling in the neck can occur.
Symptoms
Certain symptoms can indicate that your child needs a tonsillectomy, according to KidsHealth from Nemours. These include frequent strep throat cases, swollen tonsils that impede breathing and/or difficulty sleeping due to blocked airways. To put in numeric terms, if your child has experienced seven bouts of sore throat in a year or five sore throats each year for two years, a physician may recommend a tonsillectomy, according to Comer Children's Hospital. Because these more severe symptoms associated with tonsillitis are likely to recur, a tonsillectomy will prevent frequent bouts of illness.
Procedure
A tonsillectomy is often an outpatient procedure. Unless your child is at high risk for surgical complications---such as experiencing seizures---he will likely return home the day of surgery, according to Comer Children's Hospital. Your child will be placed under general anesthesia, and a surgeon will remove the tonsils and adenoids---fleshy portions near the tonsils---via the mouth. Your child will then be returned to a recovery room, where he will remain until the anesthesia wears off.
Side Effects
Undergoing any surgery can be frightening for both child and parents. For this reason, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of tonsillectomy with your child's physician. The most common risk is post-surgical bleeding from the incision site, according to Cigna.com. Your child also may experience fever and trouble breathing, according to the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Less common risks include heavy bleeding or negative reactions to anesthesia.
Benefits
Children who frequently suffer from tonsillitis miss days of school, snore and can have difficulty breathing, according to Cigna.com. Removing the tonsils can offer improved quality of life for a child who is frequently sick due to throat-related issues.
After Surgery
Your child typically will remain at the hospital for a few hours for observation, according to the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Your child will be prescribed an antibiotic to reduce the risk of infection. Pain medication may also be prescribed. Give this or an acetaminophen to your child every four hours to reduce pain---optimally at least an hour before eating in order to reduce pain while eating. Ice packs also can help. If your child experiences nausea or vomiting, you may need to call your physician for a prescription for an anti-nausea suppository.
References
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health: Caring for Your Child After a Tonsillectomy
- KidsHealth from Nemours: Tonsils and Tonsillectomies
- The University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital: Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy
- Cigna.com: Tonsillitis: Should My Child Have a Tonsillectomy?
