When a child complains of a sore throat, it may be due to tonsillitis. In some cases, doctors recommend a tonsillectomy—a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils.
The tonsils are two oval-shaped tissues located at the back of the throat. They are part of the lymphatic system and help fight viruses and bacteria.
According to MedlinePlus, tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils become infected. It can cause:
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Sore throat and pain.
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Fever.
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Difficulty swallowing.
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Disturbed sleep patterns.
When Is a Tonsillectomy Needed?
A tonsillectomy may be considered if:
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A child has frequent tonsil infections (7 times in one year or 5 times in two years).
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The child has difficulty breathing or poor sleep due to enlarged tonsils.
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Abscesses (pus pockets) or abnormal tissue growth appear on the tonsils.
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Recurrent infections persist for more than 7 years.
Preparing for Tonsillectomy
Before surgery, the doctor will:
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Review the child’s medical history.
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Ask about regular medications.
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Check for allergies (foods, drinks, medicines).
Preparation steps include:
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Stopping certain medications (like acetaminophen/paracetamol) 10 days before surgery.
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Blood tests a few days before the procedure.
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Meeting with the anesthesiologist for instructions.
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Fasting: children usually stop eating 6 hours before surgery but may drink water a few hours before.
The Tonsillectomy Procedure
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Duration: 20–30 minutes.
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Performed under general anesthesia (the child is asleep and feels no pain).
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The surgeon removes the tonsils through the child’s mouth by cutting them from the muscle layer beneath.
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After removal, the child is moved to a recovery room until fully awake from anesthesia.
Recovery After Tonsillectomy
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Most children go home the next day.
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Pain may last up to 2 weeks, often worse in the morning.
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Full recovery before returning to school: 2 weeks.
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The surgical site may look different for several weeks but heals by 3–4 weeks.
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Activity should be limited for 2 weeks to reduce bleeding risk.
Recovery tips:
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Ensure plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
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Offer soft foods such as yogurt, pudding, juices, and water.
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Rest and avoid contact with sick people to prevent throat infections.
When to Call the Doctor After Tonsillectomy
Seek urgent medical care if your child has:
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Bright red bleeding from the mouth.
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Fever higher than 38°C (100.4°F) that doesn’t respond to acetaminophen.
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Persistent mouth pain.
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Signs of dehydration (dry lips, no urine for 8+ hours, lethargy).
✨ Key takeaway: A tonsillectomy is a safe and common procedure that helps children with frequent or severe tonsil problems breathe, sleep, and feel better. With proper preparation and aftercare, most children recover within 2–3 weeks.
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