I have twin girls that will be 8 in December. When they were about 11months old they started up with chronic ear infections and eventually we had to get tubes in the ears. They went through two sets each and almost had to have a third set due to fluid in the ear not due to infections but the previous times were because of infections. So they have been to an ENT several times in the past. However I have always got comments from almost every single doctor, nurse practioner, etc. WOW! their tonsils are HUGE! Then the next question is Do they snore? NO they don't then the next question is Do they get strep alot? Um no but um yes this year has been a challenge so far. They have had strep twice within the past month but I don't feel like its an issue really because it never has been in the past-strep has just been going around this year. However last year it seems they suffered from Tonsilitis. So someone just "mentioned" having their tonsils removed. I think its a little pre-mature to decide this at this point in time but they mentioned that they had theirs removed and after removal they weren't as sickly. I feel like my kids are sick all the time-everyone used to tell me when they get older it gets better-well I haven't seen any change honestly. MY dad's side of the family has auto-immune diseases and the thought has crossed my mind but maybe I just feel like they are sick all the time when honestly it could be average or maybe because their are two of them? I really don't know but I do feel like "something" is always going on with them. During the summer though they are completely different children. I don't think they were sick once this past summer! Its just during the change of seasons and harsh winter-time we have issues just like anyone else. They suffer from seasonal allergies and I have them on nasal spray, inhalers when the cough gets that bad, etc. Why would I considre taking their tonsils out? OR Why would I consider to leave them in? Someone said tonsils were nothing more than germ collectors. Everyone always comments on how huge my twins tonsils are always and then the follow-up questions coincide with it-just wanted others opinions on this.
My daughter had her adnoids removed and she hardly ever gets sick now. She used to catch EVERYTHING! They also had her on a ton of allergy meds and she doesn't even take those any more. Her breathing was so labored and scary. She sounded as if she were the boogy man! I am glad we did it. That was about 6 years ago.
Good luck
Our son had terrible issues with ear infections and strep. He was always sick it seemed like - always sniffing, snoring, and his tonsils were huge too. Two different ENT's suggested to have his tonsils removed - so at age 3 that is what we did. He is almost 13 and has missed 2 days of school since kindergarten!!
Had my daughter's out at age 4 after finally being tired of her constantly being on antibiotics/pain meds for strep throat for over 2 1/2 months. It was the best decision I have ever made in regards to her health. She is 7 now and has not had but one bout with strep since this week. (We all have it right now - ugh!) My daughter's tonsils were so big, that when the surgery was over, the doctor came out and told my husband and I that he had never seen such big ones with so much "debris" attached to them. (meaning food particles, germs, saliva etc..) GROSS! She had been battling bad breath - and this was the reason. It was disgusting. She slept better, even told us it was easier to swallow her food, and I promise you she has not been as sick as she was at age 4. Get several opinions before you decide. The operation was a blessing for my daughter and us! I don't like to keep kids on antibiotics all winter. Good luck!
If they are getting strep throat all of the time then the tonsils are not doing their job. I would get them out. They may uncomfortable for about five days. Make sure they drink lots of water to keep the bleeding to a minimal. The tonsils are supposed to help fight infection so when they are causing the infection then they should come out. Good luck
I had my son's tonsils/adenoids removed at age 5 1/2. He to had ear infections as a baby and tubes put in at age 1 1/2. If I would have known what a difference it was going to make for his sleeping and his illnesses I would have done it sooner. It was the best thing we did for our son!!
All body parts are in the body for a reason. Tonsils ARE germ collectors. They are a filter to stop bacteria from getting to the heart. They PROTECT the body and keep the immune system working at it's optimum level. Yes, if there are numerous infections it is a nuisance but it's a red flag that there are other things that are wrong. (The appendix is the filter for the liver and gall bladder etc.)
Auto immune issues can be combatted. There are MANY ways to build the immune system so that the body can fight off what can tear the body down. Doctors treat symptoms and diseases. They are not learned in prevention of problems. If this makes any sense to you, I'll be glad to give you more information. I was a sickly kid and was in and out of hospitals all my life. When I finally understood the immune system, all my medical issues went away. It has been liberating. I'd love to help!
God bless,
M.
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I wish my mom had been able to have my tonsils out. I suffered through so many sore throats as a child. The doc really wanted to but he could not figure out how to get the tools in my mouth and into my throat. It was very small.
Talk to the ENT and if they say they come out then I would, the older they get the harder the recovery will be. The talking issue is what I have always heard is the hardest. Older kiddos and people just won't be quiet for some reason.
FWIW, my husband says his parents debated getting his tonsils out as a kid and didn't and he always says he wishes they did. He still gets strep a lot and constantly has a sore throat.
(I wonder if he could still get it done as an adult?) ;-)
Anyway, your kids may thank you later if you get them out!
Also I recently attended a nutritionist's seminar and she said recurrent ear infections have been linked to food intolerances. If your girls continue to get ear infections you might take them to their allergist (since you mentioned they've already been diagnosed with seasonal allergies) and have them tested to see if a mild food allergy or intolerance might be contributing to problems.
They always commented how HUGE mine were too. I had ear infections as a baby from age 10 mos - 3 years old but back then they didn't do tubes until they put you on maintenance antibiotics for months (yes months) at a time...so I was on an antibiotic daily for a year. Then around age 7, I started getting tonsilitis and strep A LOT. They removed my tonsils and adenoids at age 8. Best thing EVER! I could breathe! And, I also have seasonal allergies so it was way less aggravating when those were bad too. I can pretty much say I was never really sick again till I had mono at age 17. In fact, my mom used to give me a mental health day off every year from school because I had no desire to have a perfect attendance record (though I did graduate 3rd in my class from HS). I would do it. Go to a good reputable ENT that deals with peds and ask the questions. BTW- I didn't snore either....heavy breathing when sick...but no snoring.
Best of luck on your decision!
