When should tonsils be removed?
There is a strong consensus among ear, nose and throat specialists in Denmark that recurrent severe tonsillitis, occurring 3-4 times a year for at least two years, is a good reason to recommend tonsillectomy.
The same is true if a person has had tonsillitis one or more times. In cases where the tonsils are so large that they cause breathing and perhaps swallowing problems for the child, surgery is also warranted. In some cases, however, only a partial removal of the tonsils is performed. If a person has been suffering from bad breath for a long period of time due to clogged tonsils, there is also an indication to remove them (most commonly seen in adults).
More rare reasons for surgery
Sleep apnea is a condition where the airways close during sleep. This causes repeated episodes of paused breathing. The condition most commonly affects overweight, middle-aged men and is also discussed as a basis for tonsillectomy. Finally, if throat cancer is suspected, it may be necessary to remove a tonsil for tissue examination (microscopy). tissue examination (microscopy).