A recent article on MSNBC reported that doctors should not be too quick to remove the tonsils of children who only have mild to moderate throat infections. The surgery is more expensive and really has fewer health benefits than just watching and waiting.

In a Dutch study involving 300 children aged 2 to 8 advised to have their tonsils out, those who avoided surgery had fewer annual visits to doctors and lower resulting medical costs due to fevers and throat infections.

Tonsillectomy is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures for children. Young patients typically have their tonsils removed to relieve chronic throat infections and related fevers.

I was concerned that one of my little ones might to have his tonsils removed. He is a big snorer for such a little guy and he seemed to get a lot of ear and throat infections. The doctor we visited advised the watch and wait method — and after reading this article, I am so glad that he did!

He said that removing the tonsils is a major surgery that can result in many complications. It just wasn’t worth the risk. Now, if your child is experiencing sleep apnea (stopping breathing while sleeping), then that is a different story. The risks in this case are greater to leave the tonsils in than removing them!

Tags: Holistic Health //