This is common question every parent worries about. Adenoids and tonsils are tissue belonging to the lymphoid tissue group. In the initial years they play a role in filtering of bacteria entering the mouth and fighting infection. As the child grows older multiple lymph nodes / lymphoid tissue develop all over the body thus creating a larger network for immune system.
Therefore when the tonsils and adenoids start to develop recurrent throat and ear infections/ airway obstruction/ snoring / mouth breathing/etc... it becomes essential to get them removed. The essential functions of the adenoids and tonsils will be taken over by the rest of the immune system thus making it safe to remove. Adenoidectomy can be done for children above the age of 1 year if there is significant indication for surgery. Tonsillectomy decision is made based strictly on the basis of Paradise criteria in case of recurrent infection. The size of the tonsils is only considered in case of airway obstruction.
There are various techniques and instruments today to remove them completely with significant reductions in the amount of blood loss. Feel free to comment if you have any queries!!!!
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