Where to remove tonsils?

[tuyatu]

Hi,

Does anyone know where should I go, for consultation...surgery? Doctor suggested to remove the tonsils of 6 years old. (my nephew) Is it good idea? Anyone does this kind of surgery? Tnx.

[joannek]

it's NOT a good idea. only 30 yrs ago, the docs think it's a good idea when a child always get tonsilistis. tonsil is the first line of defense for the system. when the body is infected with a bacteria/virus, the tonsils are swollen to protect the body. if you remove it, then the first line of defense is removed.

imagine, someone always twist a wrist when playing sports, should you remove the wrist by sugery? if you do, you will never sprain your wrist again!

[rebekah]

It depends on the case. I'd get a second opinion from a pediatric ENT (otolarygologist) In cases where children get infections repeatedly it can be called for.

[nicolejoy]

I have a friend who had tonsillitis OFTEN as a child but her mother chose not to have them removed for the same reasons as JoanneK mentioned. Also, children are meant to grow out of tonsillitis. But my friend now is 27 and has at least 1 or 2 BAD bouts of tonsillitis every year, lasting from one to three weeks each!! It seems dumb to me that 20 years of suffering with this EVERY YEAR could have been avoided by a simple operation when she was 10.

I had my adenoids out when I was around 10 - before that, I couldn't breath through my nose at ALL, EVER... adenoids are exactly the same type of tissue as tonsils, just at the back of your nose instead of in your throat. Getting them out was an awesome decision - even when I have the WORST cold ever, my nose and breathing is MUCH better than before I had my adenoids out.

If my child ever was recommended to get their adenoids or tonsils out due to repeated infection, I would get them out IMMEDIATELY. It really is just a minor surgery, in Australia, it's even performed as day surgery. And in my experience, the benefits were IMMEDIATE and LONG TERM - as opposed to the 20+ years of continual sickness that my friend, who chose NOT to have them out, suffered.

I know those are only two cases, and there is lots to consider - but don't be scared of the surgery - it could be the best thing you choose for your child, I believe!! Of course, you want to be as informed as possible about your child's condition before you make that decision though - but don't let people talk you out of it either!!

[tuyatu]

Thank you all, for quick respond! I'm so confused. I guess its better to consult with doctor.

[joannek]

my final advice. pls consult with several doctors including naturopath & homeopath. i know there are some homeopathic remedies to help with recurrent tonsilitis & adenoids problems. also ask for pros & CONS of having one's tonsil's removed.

[flickserve]

You need to seek a second opinion from an ENT (otorhinologist). Tonsils are not as frequently taken out as before but sometimes they might. I nearly had mine taken out but my father refused and now problems now.

We see Dr Ricky Ho in Rm811 Central Building. He's good with kids. Number is 2523 7998