When is it Appropriate to Remove a Child’s Tonsils?

Adults may have had their tonsils removed when they were young, but when is it time for today's children to get them removed?

According to Emily Wisniewski, M.D., a board certified pediatrician with Mercy Family Care Physicians in Baltimore, there are two major reasons why it might be time for surgery.

"One, if there's any concern for sleep apnea. So, a child with really bad snoring, maybe they're having pauses in their breathing at night," Dr. Wisniewski said. "The other is if you're having recurring bacterial infections or recurring strep throat. The reason behind that is you don't want to have recurrent bacterial infections. You also have to think about how many times you're getting antibiotics, missing school and what other problems are associated with that."

Dr. Wisniewski said it may be time to see a doctor for an evaluation if children persistently have a runny nose, difficulty eating or swallowing or a red, sore throat.

Things that can help include Motrin or Tylenol, throat lozenges, if age-appropriate and not a choking hazard, and plenty of liquids - warm or cold, depending on what feels best.

If a child ends up getting their tonsils removed, Dr. Wisniewski said ice cream actually isn't the soothing post-surgery treat one might think it is because it forms a thick buildup in the back of the throat that may prevent healing. Instead, she recommends opting for dairy-free treats, like sorbet.

View Mercy pediatrician Dr. Emily Wisniewski's interview regarding children's tonsils and adenoids.