Removing Tonsils and Adnoids for Chronic colds.....good Idea?

well tonsils actually fight infections and illness so I don't understand how that would help. I would think that they might need tubes in their ears but if the tonsils are not inflamed I think it is a pointless operation. I have mine out when I was three but that was because I would get strep throat every other month and they were infected. But I also had very bad sinuses and I had tubes put in my ears to help drain fluid better so I didn't get ear infections. I would get a second opinion and ask to see an ear, nose and throat specialist.

My son suffers from recurring ear infections. When he turned 1 he had tubes put in which lessened the amount of infections he had, but he still has them along with severe allergies. We went to an ENT not too long ago and our doctor said that sometimes removing the tonsils and adnoids help with ear infections but only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Doctors will normally put tubes in, before they remove anything. Also, sleep apnea and constant chronic colds and coughs is another indicator it might be best to remove them. The reason why removing tonsils and adenoids is even a possibility is because the adenoids and tonsils usually hold the bacteria and cause inflammation which leads to infections because they are so close to the ear canal. One thing too also look for is bad breath, this is a sign that your childs tonsils are holding food particles from infection. I hope this helps.

my son had issues with breathing also. he also had chronic ear infections and has asthma like symptoms (but not full blown asthma). we also use a nebulizer. after seeing an allergist for a while, he sent us to an ENT...the ENT xrayed his adenoids and both those and his tonsils were huge. he had his adenoids removed and tubes put in just after his first birthday and it has helped tremendously! he still has his tonsils...they're big but they're not giving him any apnea issues so they want to see how it goes. He's 2 1/2 now.

i would also see an allergist ASAP and get him tested. i wouldn't be medicating him for an allergy if you don't even know that he has one. also, make sure with the wheezing that you DON'T give him decongestants. they make the lungs harder to clear out.

It used to be pretty common practice to remove them. Now? Not so much.
WHY do they want to remove them? Are they seriously enlarged?

My daughter had both removed last year do to her getting strep, ear infections and getting sick almost immediately after the course of antibiotics was done. My doc referred us to an ENT and she said to have them both removed. Also my daughter snored like a grown man and seemed to not get enough sleep. The surgery was an outpatient procedure we went in early and was home by the afternoon. Ever since having them removed, she no longer snores, and hasn't had strep throat, ear infections or been extremely sick where she need antibiotics. I am greatful for the surgery. I am not sure if they do the surgery in children that young they will probably give her tubes. I would never have this because they need replaced after so many years and they can fall out. Now i heard tubes are great too. Good Luck and hope he feels better soon!

I know that when my son was young he had issues with his breathing cause his tonsils where huge. It has helped him a lot getting them out. I don't know if it helps with allergys or not.

I had my tonsils/adenoids out when I was 5.
My son had his out right after he turned 4.
In both our cases it wasn't because we had colds/fevers/were sick.
It was because the tonsils were so large they became an obstruction and we could not breathe or swallow very well with our throats blocked up.
I have so many friends who've had excellent results having them out (and they dealt with many recurring colds).
I've never heard of anyone who regretted having them out.
Go for it.

Does your child take vitamins? Are they a good, natural brand? Before surgery, I think I would try removing all the chemicals from the home (cleaning, laundry, bath products) if you haven't already. This can make a huge difference in allergies, breathing, asthma, etc. symptoms. Good luck!

I don't think I would pursue the surgery without first seeing an allergist to determine if allergies are the underlying cause of his ailments. There are other allergy meds that can be used in conjunction with or in place of the Claritin.

I suffer from enlarged tonsils. It truly affects my life. As a child/teen, my dr would not recommend removal, nor would the ENT, nor did the 2nd opinion drs. To this day, I regret their choices. But in the 70s/80s, it was considered unnecessary & barbaric. I say B.S. :)

My 15yo son had his tonsils/adenoids removed at age 4 due to repetitive rounds of strep. At the time, he suffered from allergies & used daily meds including Zyrtec, Bendadryl, eye drops, & a nasal spray. None of these meds kept him well & the strep kept hitting him. Within 6 weeks of surgery, he had strep again. I felt total frustration over this.....& decided to leave the daycare/preschool where he attended & I worked.

Within another 2 weeks of leaving, my son was tested for allergies....positive for mold. He was almost symptom-free at the testing appointment, & it was determined that he'd been allergic to the mold at the daycare. From that point on, he was well....& I totally regretted the decision for surgery. I wished we'd gone thru the testing first.

Giving a child anesthesia is always a concern. So I would not do it unless they were very sure the tonsils were the cause of the problem. There are many ways to boost the child's immune system and prevent colds. You can also eliminate chemicals from the home (in cleaning and laundry products.)
Let me know if you need more info on these subjects.

I would get two opinions from ENT specialists. At 4yo, I went in for tonsil removal, and instead they removed my adenoids and put tubes in my ears. I have permanent hearing loss in one ear from the tubes and my breathing never improved.

A friend's son had tubes put in for chronic ear infections at 2yo, nothing changed and they just put in another set at 3yo. In addition, his younger son had tubes put in at 1yo and infections never increased or improved. Now the parents are looking into other options, including chiropractic adjustments.

A friend's 3yo daughter's ENT said that her tonsils were the size of a 10yo and they needed to come out. A second opinion said the adenoids needed to come out. They went with the second opinion and the daughter's life has improved drastically, she no longer snores, has less ear/throat infections. Its been great.

So many possibilities, and you can only go with your gut after being given information by the professionals. Good luck!

i have to say our daughter had those removed because of frequent colds and upper res. infections. once they were removed the amount of colds she gets annually has decreased completely.