quick clicks

preschoolers today articles

preschoolers today q&a

children today articles

children today q&a

community & groups

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

Tonsils, Tossing and Turning

Can a Tonsillectomy Help a Child With Sleep Problems?

By Teri Brown

Kenneth Satterfield, the media relations director for American Academy of Otolaryngology, says historically, the key diagnosis for removal of the tonsils was infection. That number has dropped in recent times due to new antibiotics, coupled with a recommendation of watchful waiting and a postponement of medical treatment.

"However, since 1987, indications for tonsillectomy, which formerly consisted primarily of infections, have evolved to include upper airway obstruction or enlarged tonsils," says Satterfield. "It is now estimated some 400,000 tonsillectomies are performed each year."

 

Tonsillectomies are performed so often that the risks of such surgeries are minimal, though they still exist. Dr. Shapiro suggests parents speak directly to their surgeon regarding potential problems.

"The most common and concerning risk is post-operative bleeding, which occurs in 1 to 2 percent of children, even up to two weeks after surgery," says Dr. Shapiro. "The second most common risk is dehydration. Children often experience a sore throat for from anywhere from two to 14 days. If they are refusing to eat or drink, they may become dehydrated."

Tonsillectomies are not for every child, but if your child has sleep and breathing issues that affect his school performance or personality, you might want to ask your pediatrician to check the size of his tonsils. It might make a life-changing difference.