Does Your Child Need Their Tonsils Removed? — AMITA Health

Does your child need their tonsils removed? Ask a pediatric ENT: https://www.amitahealth.org/services/...

Eileen Mahoney, MD, an AMITA Health complex pediatric otolaryngologist based in Hinsdale, IL, explains the factors that might require a child to get their tonsils removed. Although hardly ever an emergency, swollen tonsils or adenoids that interfere with the child’s breathing might necessitate a tonsillectomy. However, pediatric ENTs typically start with tonsillitis medication. Tonsil removal is generally only needed if the child meets the following guidelines:

7 bouts of tonsillitis in 1 year, or
5 bouts of tonsillitis a year for 2 years, or
3 bouts of tonsillitis a year for 3 years

If a child suffers from sleep disordered breathing, Dr. Mahoney also takes into account growth retardation, bedwetting (enuresis), changes in behavior, mood disorders and trouble concentrating at school before recommending a tonsillectomy. A sleep study might also be called for if the child is under two years of age or has Down syndrome or abnormal bone structure.

Learn more about Dr. Mahoney and schedule an appointment today: https://doctors.amitahealth.org/eilee...

Find an AMITA Health pediatric ENT near you: https://www.amitahealth.org/doctor?s-...

Find an AMITA Health Medical Group ENT location near you: https://www.amitahealth.org/medical-g...

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