My daughter who is 6 has a bad case of enlarged tonsils. Her temp this a.m. was 105.2 it has not completely gone back to normal yet. My question is how much is enough ? She is continuliy sick her doctor keeps saying lets wait before removing the tonsils. I can't continue to watch her hurt so badly . What should I do?
Reply: -------------------------
I assume your question has to do with when it is appropriate to consider tonsillectomy. First of all it is important to differentiate sore throats that are viral and particularly those that are associated with other upper respiratory symptoms such as nasal, sinus, or ear symptoms from sore throats that are clearly related to bacterial tonsillitis, most notably strep tonsillitis. Tonsillectomy is rarely appropriate in the former type of sore throat. When bacterial tonsillitis, most notably strep tonsillitis, occurs 4-6 times in a single year or 8 times in a 2 year period, and when there are no contraindications for surgery, tonsillectomy is generally recommended. Unless there are other indications for tonsillectomy such as large tonsils (ie touching in the midline) and causing nightime breathing difficulties (such as sleep apnea), a history with fewer episodes in a year usually is not enough to justify the risk of tonsillectomy nor the potential benefit.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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