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Tonsillectomy

Tonsillectomy

Overview

The tonsils are made up of lymphoid tissue and help fight against infections. However, some people with larger tonsils, particularly in children, may have many sore throats and ear infections, or trouble breathing. In these cases, surgical removal of the tonsils, a tonsillectomy, can be beneficial.

Review Date 7/1/2023

Updated by: Charles I. Schwartz, MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, General Pediatrician at PennCare for Kids, Phoenixville, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.