Children who repeatedly get throat infections may need surgery to remove their tonsils. A new research shows that tonsillectomy may have more benefits than just preventing recurring infections.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center published a study claiming that tonsillectomies help breathing during sleep and might reduce throat infections in the short term, CNN reported. To qualify for the surgery, a child must have several recurring infections within a short span of time or severe sleep disturbances.
The Study Justifies Tonsillectomies In Kids To Prevent Sleep Apnea
Dr. Sivakumar Chinnadurai, assistant professor of otolaryngology at the university medical center and co-author of the study said that the results are not surprising, but they offer a "nuanced look" at the effects of a common surgery on a common problem.
According to Today, at least half a million tonsillectomies are done on kids under age 15 each year. The recent study analyzed evidence justifying tonsillectomies to prevent infections and treat sleep apnea in kids. Dr Chinnadurai said that currently, indications for tonsillectomy have dramatically changed. He said that right now, one in 10 to 20 for infection and most others are for sleep apnea.
A Previous Study Indicated The Risks Of Tonsillectomies
However, a previous study found that 8 percent of children were brought back to the hospital within 30 days of their tonsillectomies due to complications like bleeding, infection and dehydration. Death risk is very rare, but on December 9, a 9-year-old Detroit girl died hours after a routine tonsillectomy.
Kids who experience sore throat seven or more times in the previous year, at least five times in each of the preceding two years, or three or more times in each of the past three years are recommended to get tonsillectomy. Tonsils are part of the immune system, but they can get infected with strep. Most of the time, the infections can be cleared up, but sometimes, they become chronic and can lead to abscess.
