Should I make my doctor take my tonsils out?

Question

Ever since I was 7, I get strep throat at least 3 times a year and sore throats on top of those. I'm 22 and I just had strep for the fourth time this year. None of my doctors have ever mentioned getting a tonsillectomy and when I asked about it said that they don't always work. Every time I get strep I end up out of school/work for a week. Should I push for the surgery?

Answer 1

You can try to push for the surgery but you have to remember, it's the Ent doctor [ears, nose, and throat] who makes the final choice and they can decide that they don't want to take them out. I've been through that twice now so I wish you the best of luck.

Answer 2

If they're putting you on antibiotics three times a year to treat infections in your tonsils (which is different than a sore throat), then you should ask about surgery.

If the infections are in your throat and not on your tonsils, removing the tonsils won't help any. They're right that it might not work. You'll still have strep throat 3 times a year if you don't change what's exposing you to it, but it will be more mild because you won't be choking on your tonsils.

Answer 3

if there is a chance that it could help you should go for it. It is a relatively minor procedure so side effects and complications are minimal, the tonsils hold a lot of antibodies and are a big part of your immune system which is why people don't get them taken out so often as they used to, but if you are other wise healthy I would push for the surgery.

Answer 4

I'm 25 and I just had my tonsils out a couple months ago. I had strep 4x earlier this year and my tonsils remained swollen. My doctor recommended that they come out so I followed her advice. I feels tons better now, but let me tell you that having my tonsils out was VERY painful and uncomfortable. For almost a month it was basically crushed ice, soymilk, and painkillers. It hurts alot!

Answer 5

No
they used to take tonsils out because they thought it would decrease infections, but recent studies show that without tonsils, it is easier for bacteria to penetrate your body, so you can actually get sick more frequently and more seriously. Of course, you should consult a doctor (preferably 2 or 3) for a medical opinion.

Answer 6

I would. My cousin always got strep during the winter, she finally had them taken out, and now she only gets the common cold. I would talk to your Dr. first, but I say if it will help in the long run, do it.

Answer 7

getting them removed might or might now help-im not a doctor so i wouldnt know. if your throat starts to hurt you should prevent getting strep. get some warm salt water and gargle that, it will kill the bacteria, so you wont have to go to the doctor and get antibiotics and miss school for a week.

(mouthwash works too)

Answer 8

YES! I had mine out @ 25, the best thing I ever did, even my sister had hers out in her 20's. My cousin just had his out with his 8 yr. old son. My sister and I haven't had a strep throat since.
It's over twenty years.

Answer 9

no! your tonsils are part of your body's defense against infections like strep..tonsils wont cause strep, but if you take them out you would be letting alot more bacteria into your body...i have tonsilitis just about every year but i also have bad allergies so i am gonna keep my tonsils if i can....

Answer 10

Sounds like you need to make a trip to an ear, nose and throat doctor. Check your insurance to see if you need a referral, if not, then call and make an appt yourself. Your doctor may be trying to keep you coming in his office so he can collect from your insurance.