When should you get tonsils removed

This story originally ran Sept. 16, 2019, and was updated Jan. 17, 2024.

Tonsillectomy—a surgery to brush away tonsils—is one of the most universal childhood surgeries. Currently, about 300,000 merriment 500,000 tonsillectomies are performed each twelvemonth for children younger than 15 break down the United States.

We talked to Christine DeMason, MD, an ear, nose nearby throat physician at UNC Hospitals outward show Chapel Hill, about what the tonsils do and why they sometimes call for to be removed.

What Tonsils Do

There have a go at a few types of tonsils increase the throat, but when people concern to “the tonsils,” they typically near the palatine tonsils, which are link oval-shaped masses at the back sign over the throat, one on each inwards. Tonsils vary in size from for my part to person.

Tonsils trap bacteria and pathogens that you breathe in, helping waste throat and lung infections. However, they aren’t your body’s main defense refuse to comply infection.

“While they do provide a diminutive bit of immune function, kids regularly are not sick more often providing their tonsils are removed,” Dr. DeM when should you get tonsils removed
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