I have had strep throat various times this year. Should I have my tonsils removed to prevent this?

Question

I have been diagnosed with strep throat four times throughout this year. I am 30 years old.

Answer 1

Your tonsils are there for a reason; they may actually be preventing you from getting even more infections. Unless you are advised to do so by a doctor, I wouldn't recommend a tonsillectomy. Even then, I'd try other strategies first.

Germs are everywhere. We come down with infections, colds, viruses, only because the immune system is suppressed. You may be overtired, malnourished, or stressed - any one of those could compromise your immune system.

Despite what you may have read to the contrary, Vitamin C is a powerful immune system stimulant. I suggest you take 1000 mg. of Vitamin C per day, preferably with breakfast. It's a water-soluble vitamin so you cannot overdose on it, but that also means that you have to take it daiiy because it is not stored in your body. If/when you feel a sore throat coming on, step it up to 1000 mg. every two hours and add one Echinacea capsule as well. If you follow this regimen right up until bedtime, chances are that your symptoms will be gone by the next morning.

BTW, take the Echinacea only when you feel an illness coming on. It gives a powerful temporary boost to the immune system but loses its effectiveness if taken regularly.

Oh...and humans and guinea pigs are the only mammals that do not produce their own Vitamin C!

Answer 2

You didn't indicate that you have had tonsilitis, just strep throat. Your tonsils are actually a small part of the immune system, so it is a better to keep them unless they have become so inflamed that they are causing an uncomfortable obstruction.

Your repeated bouts of strep throat are more likely resulting from an earlier infection that has not been properly eradicated by antibiotics. You need to be very conscientious about taking the antibiotics exactly as prescribed, and take them all. When people do not finish their antibiotics, bacteria that have resistance to antibiotics may remain and slowly build up another infection that is harder to treat.

Answer 3

Your tonsils are fine. Beware of foreign bacterium, and GUARD against WHAT you put into your mouth.