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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Should tonsils come out if my child has had viral tonsilitis 10 times?

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    Children's Health Colds & Flu Parenting
    My 8yo daughter has had viral tonsillitis about 10 times, she is a chronic snorer and has severe halitosis.

    A GP has said there would be no benefit to having her tonsils out as she could still get tonsillitis even after having them removed.

    During one bout her lymph nodes in her neck were so swollen that she had a golf ball sized lump.

    She is getting sick for at least a week during every school holidays.
    • 2 answers
    • Dr David McIntosh
    • Dr Sim Choroomi
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    Dr David McIntosh

    Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeon

    David McIntosh is an Australian trained ENT surgeon with international experience. His areas of interest are paediatrics, nose and sinus disease, and providing access to … View Profile

    May I strongly suggest that an opinion from an ENT is sought. At the end of the day you are only seeking their opinion rather than having an expectation that surgery might be the answer.  Having said that, the more concerning aspect is the snoring than the infections- most of the time we are removing tonsils in kids because of snoring rather than infection. 

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    Dr Sim Choroomi

    Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeon

    Tonsillectomy will not prevent your child from getting viral infections particularly when they are at the age of catching colds and viruses from class mates. By the way it is not possible to get tonsillitis after they are removed - it is still possible to get sore throats from viral inflammation of the lining of the throat but not tonsillitis per se

    I agree with the above - the major concern here is snoring and possible sleep apnea. Best to have your child reviewed by an ENT specialist and keep a log on number of infections and whether the snoring is associated with any cessation of breathing (apnea).

    I hope this helps

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