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Is Tonsillectomy Recommended With Recurring Swelling And Fever?
Dear Sir,
My son is 6 and he started having sore throat and tonsilitis since March this year. He has already had high fever 5 times (nearly every 2 weeks) and his tonsils get swollen. He had his strep test and it is negative. Antistreptolisine test (blood test) result was 50. I therefore thought he would not need an operation and his tonsils removed. However, the doctor)laryngologist) tells me that he needs to have tonsilectomy as his glands are in very bad state and will cause severe health problems in the future. Endocrinologist however tells me taht we should try to save his tonsils as they may shrink . Now, it ahs been 4 weeks and he has not had a fever but when I look in his mouth eveyr m,orning they get swollen in every three or four days and I get him to gargle and give him lozenges to prevent from fever. Can you please suggest what we do? do we get his tonsils removed? He is quite emotional child and teh doctor said he has to have it done under general anesthesia. I am a bit cautious of anesthesia and tonsilectomy.
My son is 6 and he started having sore throat and tonsilitis since March this year. He has already had high fever 5 times (nearly every 2 weeks) and his tonsils get swollen. He had his strep test and it is negative. Antistreptolisine test (blood test) result was 50. I therefore thought he would not need an operation and his tonsils removed. However, the doctor)laryngologist) tells me that he needs to have tonsilectomy as his glands are in very bad state and will cause severe health problems in the future. Endocrinologist however tells me taht we should try to save his tonsils as they may shrink . Now, it ahs been 4 weeks and he has not had a fever but when I look in his mouth eveyr m,orning they get swollen in every three or four days and I get him to gargle and give him lozenges to prevent from fever. Can you please suggest what we do? do we get his tonsils removed? He is quite emotional child and teh doctor said he has to have it done under general anesthesia. I am a bit cautious of anesthesia and tonsilectomy.
Wed, 1 Oct 2014
Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Criteria for removal of tonsils as per Indian Academy of Pediatrics are
1. 7 or more episodes of tonsillitis in 1 yr.
2. 5 or more episodes per year over a 2 year period.
3. Enlarged tonsils that create significant upper airway obstruction.
4. An abscess in the tonsils.
Yes operation is to be done under general anesthesia , it is quite safe in expert hands. If your son needs a tonsillectomy as per these criteria you should go for operation as it is unlikely to shrink before age of 12 years . Also check his vaccination status regarding pneumococcal , meningococcal and hib with your pediatrician .
Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us.
Take care
• DISCLAIMER: - All the information provided here is for information purpose only , it is not a substitute for the advice of a physician after physical examination , it is not intended to replace your relationship with your doctor. This information in no way establishes a doctor-patient relationship. Before acting anything based on this information do consult your doctor. I recommend that online users seek the advice of a physician who can perform an in-person physical examination
Criteria for removal of tonsils as per Indian Academy of Pediatrics are
1. 7 or more episodes of tonsillitis in 1 yr.
2. 5 or more episodes per year over a 2 year period.
3. Enlarged tonsils that create significant upper airway obstruction.
4. An abscess in the tonsils.
Yes operation is to be done under general anesthesia , it is quite safe in expert hands. If your son needs a tonsillectomy as per these criteria you should go for operation as it is unlikely to shrink before age of 12 years . Also check his vaccination status regarding pneumococcal , meningococcal and hib with your pediatrician .
Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us.
Take care
• DISCLAIMER: - All the information provided here is for information purpose only , it is not a substitute for the advice of a physician after physical examination , it is not intended to replace your relationship with your doctor. This information in no way establishes a doctor-patient relationship. Before acting anything based on this information do consult your doctor. I recommend that online users seek the advice of a physician who can perform an in-person physical examination
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