Tonsils are two round fleshy masses located at the back of the mouth and above the throat. They are the lymph nodes responsible for stopping germs and bacteria that enter our body through the mouth and nose. The National Institute of Health calls it a part of the immune system of our body. 

It stated, “Because of their location at the throat and palate, they can stop germs entering the body through the mouth or the nose. The tonsils also contain a lot of white blood cells, which are responsible for killing germs.”

When the tonsils get swollen or if it is infected a lot of times, it is advised to remove them through a surgical procedure. 

But if tonsils protect us from bacteria and germs, why are they removed? To understand tonsils removal surgery and why it is removed, OnlyMyHealth interacted with Dr Arpit Sharma, Consultant – ENT and Head Neck Surgeon, P.D. Hinduja Hospital and Medical research Centre, Mumbai. 

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Why Are Tonsils Removed?

While explaining the purpose behind the tonsils removal surgery, Dr Sharma said, “Tonsils are removed for mostly 2 reasons, either they are causing recurrent upper respiratory infections or chronic upper airway obstruction. Children may present with recurrent cold and cough associated with fever and pain while swallowing or obstructive symptoms like difficulty in swallowing or chewing food, snoring and so on.”

Adding, he said, “The most common cause of enlargement of tonsils in recurrent infections causing hypertrophy of lymphoid tissue in tonsils.” 

Listing the risk factors, Dr Sharma said, “Weak immune status, poor nutrition, inadequately treated upper respiratory tract infections usually lead to recurrent infection in tonsils.”

Why Is It Common In Kids?

Tonsils removal surgery is common in children. The National Institute of Health states that children and teenagers are much more susceptible to tonsillitis than adults are. But why is it so? Let’s see what the doctor has to say about it. 

“It is common in kids because recurrent infection in tonsils have adverse effects on a child’s development and growth. Moreover, enlarged tonsils also interfere with breathing and eating more significantly in kids. Therefore, tonsillectomy surgery is seen more commonly in kids. Usually after childhood the immunity also gets better and tonsils also shrinks with age, thereby leading to less issues,” said Dr Sharma. 

Also read: Tonsillitis VS Strep Throat: Expert Explains The Difference Between The Two

Long-term Risks

Stating that there are no factors as such leading to long-term risks, Dr Sharma said, “Tonsils are one of the lymphoid organs required to provide immunity in initial 2-4 years of life along with other immune components. Their role gradually decreases and after the age of 5 they tend to shrink in children in whom they didn’t cause much of problems. Tonsil surgeries are indicated in children who have underlying problems of recurrent infections and or obstruction. Surgically removing such tonsils only benefits them.” 

What Care Should Be Taken After Surgery

When asked what care should be taken after the removal of tonsils, Dr Sharma said, “The most important thing to do after tonsil surgery is maintaining a good oral hygiene. Due to Transoral surgery – children do experience some pain. They are encouraged to eat soft cold bland food for a day or two as it is more comforting. However, it’s important that they gargle and maintain good oral hygiene and keep themselves hydrated for quicker recovery and avoid secondary infections.”