How to perform surgery for enlarged tonsils in children

Tonsillitis may cause colds and fevers. Some babies may even frequently experience symptoms of tonsillitis. Mothers may then be confused by this question: If the tonsils are always inflamed, should they be removed? Can babies undergo surgery for enlarged tonsils? How should we care for them after the surgery and what precautions should we take? What impact will this surgery have on the baby's physical development? Let's find out below.

With the arrival of winter, the baby's upper respiratory tract starts to "throw a tantrum" again, and the most common manifestation is tonsillitis. Tonsillitis may cause colds and fevers. For some babies, even most fevers are caused by tonsillitis, which is really a headache for mothers.

Tonsils - the line of defense for baby's health

Tonsils are the first immune organ of the human respiratory tract. Their immune function is most active in childhood (especially 3-5 years old). They are located in the tonsillar crypts in the pharynx, which is what we usually call the "throat".

This position is equivalent to the vanguard of a battle between two armies or the door god in mythology. It resists and eliminates pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses that enter through the mouth and nose. This is a very useful organ. However, its immune ability is limited. When the number of inhaled pathogens is relatively large or the toxicity is relatively strong, it will cause tonsillitis, redness, swelling, pain, suppuration, etc.

In addition to the tonsils, the adenoids behind the nasal cavity and the lymphatic tissue on the posterior wall of the pharynx together form a ring-shaped lymphatic network that covers the upper end of the respiratory tract and filters the air entering the respiratory tract. This is a powerful defense mechanism. Tonsils are the "gateway" to the respiratory and digestive tracts. Serves as the first line of defense to prevent the invasion of various pathogens.

Why does my baby's tonsils always get inflamed?

Tonsils serve as the "gateway" to the respiratory and digestive tracts. When bacteria and viruses come, tonsils are the first to be affected. Once a person's resistance decreases, bacteria and viruses will multiply here in large numbers, and the tonsils will become inflamed. Inflamed tonsils become congested, swollen, and festering.

Many small pus plugs appear in the crypts of the tonsils, and in severe cases they are covered with pus. Frequent repeated inflammation can lead to chronic tonsillitis. Due to repeated inflammation, the tonsils proliferate and hypertrophy, and the tonsils on both sides almost touch each other, like two doors blocking the pharynx.

It can be said that tonsils are the guards who protect the baby's health. When pathogens invade the respiratory tract, the first to come out to fight are of course the "tonsils". Especially in children, not only are they the first to come out, but they are also very active after coming out.

Should tonsils be removed?

If you have a baby who often suffers from tonsillitis at home, mothers will encounter this question: if the tonsils are always inflamed, should they be removed?

Chronic tonsillitis is mostly caused by repeated attacks of acute tonsillitis, but can also be caused by measles, scarlet fever, influenza, and sinusitis. Children will feel dryness, itching, pain and a foreign body sensation in the throat, which may cause irritating coughs. Bacteria in the tonsillar crypts may also cause long-term low fever, loss of appetite and fatigue. Chronic hyperenlarged tonsils can cause upper airway obstruction, leading to mouth breathing, pigeon chest, and even cor pulmonale.

5 situations where surgical treatment should be considered

Chronic tonsillitis with repeated acute attacks or multiple complications of peritonsillitis.

Excessive enlargement of the tonsils, which can interfere with swallowing, breathing, and speaking.

Chronic tonsillitis has become a focal lesion or is associated with lesions in adjacent organs.

Diphtheria carriers, when conservative treatment is ineffective.

Various benign tonsil tumors can be removed together with the tonsils.

Caution in children under 6 years old

In the past, surgical resection was advocated for the treatment of chronic tonsillitis. However, in recent years, some people believe that the tonsils are an immune organ that can produce secretory IgA, which has the effect of inhibiting the growth and spread of bacteria in the respiratory tract, and also has the effect of neutralizing and preventing the spread of viruses. The current consensus is that tonsils in children under 6 years old have important physiological functions and random removal will reduce the body's immune function. Tonsils have the most active immune function when the children are 3-5 years old. Tonsils should not be removed easily. The pros and cons of surgical removal should be weighed. It is recommended not to remove the tonsils if possible. However, if the tonsils are repeatedly inflamed, low-grade fever lasts for a long time, and there is a possibility of causing acute nephritis or rheumatic fever, then surgery should be considered.

In addition, we also need to enhance the baby's resistance in daily life, let the baby get more sun exposure, and supplement vitamin D. Especially now, you can let the baby drink Biostime probiotics. Open windows frequently to ventilate and keep the indoor air fresh. Help your baby develop good hygiene habits, such as washing hands before meals and after defecation, and cutting nails frequently. Encourage your baby to go outdoors more often, exercise and improve his or her resistance.